School Choice Forum Features Participating Schools

With the new school year right around the corner, Racine-area parents probably have more questions than answers about school choice.

To help get some solid information to the public, the American Federation for Children is hosting an open house at 11 am on July 31. Representatives from all participating private schools will be hand to answer questions from parents about how school choice will work at their school.

Racine Lutheran, the only private high school in Racine planning to accept voucher students for the 2011-2012 school year, is on the list of attendees. St. Catherine's and The Prairie School chose not to participate in the program, but Christopher Olley, president of St. Cat's, said it's mostly a timing issue.

This is the second forum within a few days. On July 28, the Racine Taxpayers Association hosted a panel about school choice at Gateway Technical College. Officials from participating schools were not at that event.

While local state officials are split along party lines when it comes to supporting school choice in the Racine Unified School District, vouchers are now a reality. During the 2011-2012 school year, 250 students, including those already attending private schools, will be eligible for scholarships. That number expands to 500 the following year and subsequent years have no cap.

If You Go:

Where: Kurt Sports Complex, 740 College Avenue, Racine
When: 11 am Sun., July 31

Editor's Note: We incorrectly identified Racine Lutheran as the only private high school accepting vouchers this fall. Shoreland Lutheran in Somers is also accepting vouchers, but we should have made it clear that Racine Lutheran is the only private high school in Racine participating. The story has been corrected and we regret the error.