School Choice Wi

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Best Practices for Enrolling Students

Follow the DPI checklist to reduce errors. Use it to review each application.

  • Verify that the signature of the parent/guardian at the bottom of the application matches the name of the parent/guardian at the top of the application.

  • Verify the date of birth of the applicant (and siblings if applicable).

  • Verify that the school administrator has filled in the date the application was received; this date must be within the school’s open application periods.

  • Verify that the school administrator has signed, dated, and verified that the applicant is eligible within 60 days of receipt of the application.

  • Common errors include wrong grades, zip codes and school names. Double check grades, zip codes, and spell out the complete names of schools. Do not use nicknames or abbreviations.

  • Corrections to applications should be made with a single strike-through line and appropriately initialed by the administrator and/or parent as required; changes cannot be made using whiteout.

  • Keep the original applications at the school, along with documentation supporting annual income and residency. Do not mail the original applications to DPI.

  • Remind Parents:
    • Go slow and print clearly. Rushing through the application and crossing out mistakes raises questions at DPI. DPI will not accept applications that are not legible. Ask the School Administrator or DPI if you have questions.

    • Make sure your signature at the bottom of the application exactly matches your name as listed on top of the application. For example, if you list your name as Jane Smith-Johnson, you must sign your name as Jane Smith-Johnson, not Jane Smith.

    • When entering the name of the school to which you are applying or the school your child attended last year, do not use abbreviations or nicknames. Write the full name of the school.

    • Question 3a or 3b (whichever applies) asks for the number of individuals in your household, not your income. Once you have checked the box that matches your household size, the number to the right is the maximum you can earn in one year and still be eligible for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. If you have any questions or doubts, please ask the School Administrator or DPI for help.

    • Best Practices for Record Keeping

    1. Keep copies of all documents sent to DPI, including class lists, membership reports, and written correspondence to DPI. Maintain copies of correspondence you receive from DPI. Keep copies of all voucher checks received and deposited.

    2. As part of your audits, your auditor will also request copies of documents sent to DPI (including class lists, membership reports, and written correspondence to DPI) and documents you receive from DPI. At the same time you are making your own copies, make an additional copy of these items and keep them in an audit folder that you can give to your auditor when they arrive to do your audits. This will save you time preparing for your audits.