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Start the Pre-Accreditation Application Form

This Pre-accreditation Application Form is required by WRISA for schools applying for the Milwaukee (MPCP), Racine (RPCP), Wisconsin Parental Choice (WPCP) Programs, or Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP). WRISA reserves the right to determine the schools it will pre-accredit.

Required Pre-Accreditation Checklist

  • Successfully meet all the requirements on this Pre-accreditation Application Form.
  • Meet all the requirements for Candidacy as stated in the WRISA Policy and Procedures Handbook
  • Pay all non-refundable fees & stipends.
  • Meet all the deadlines

Important Deadlines & Details

Failure to meet these deadlines will be cause for automatic denial of the application:

  • Schools must submit the Pre-accreditation Application Form and fee no later than April 1, 2025
  • Pre-accreditation Review Visit must be completed by June 15, 2025.
  • Pre-accreditation is in effect only for the school year during which the pre-accreditation takes place. If a school is not accepted into one of the Programs listed above, the school will need to re-apply for pre-accreditation, complete the pre-accrediting process, and pay the full pre-accreditation fees again.
  • Successful completion of this form does not mean that the school must apply to WRISA for candidacy, nor does it mean that WRISA must or will accept the school as a candidate for accreditation.

Wisconsin State Statute 119.23 (1) (am) states: “Pre-accreditation” means the review and approval of an educational plan. Review of an education plan includes consideration of whether the school submitting the plan meets the requirements under s. 118.165 (1). The fact that a private school has obtained pre-accreditation does not require an accrediting entity to accredit the private school.

118.165

Private schools

118.165(1)(1)

An institution is a private school if its educational program meets all of the following criteria:

118.165(1)(a)

The primary purpose of the program is to provide private or religious-based education.

118.165(1)(b)

The program is privately controlled.

118.165(1)(c)

The program provides at least 875 hours of instruction each school year.

118.165(1)(d)

The program provides a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health. This subsection does not require the program to include in its curriculum any concept, topic or practice in conflict with the program’s religious doctrines or to exclude from its curriculum any concept, topic or practice consistent with the program’s religious doctrines.

118.165(1)(e)

The program is not operated or instituted for the purpose of avoiding or circumventing the compulsory school attendance requirement under s. 118.15 (1) (a) and (am).

118.165(1)(f)

The pupils in the institution’s educational program, in the ordinary course of events, return annually to the homes of their parents or guardians for not less than 2 months of summer vacation, or the institution is licensed as a child welfare agency under s. 48.60 (1).

School Information

Address(Required)
Grade levels that will be/are served at this school(Required)
Governing Board Chairperson(Required)

Section A

The school must have Foundational Statements that state its vision/mission and core values. This provides the framework in which the school community defines itself and operates. Each school has its own unique Foundational Statements based on the community it serves and the needs of the learners. The Foundational Statements with their stated vision/mission and core values enable a school to determine whether it is achieving what it has set out to do. [WI Statute 118.165(1)(a); 118.165 (1)(f)]
The school has current written Foundational Statements:(Required)
Upload vision and/or mission statement, statement of core values.(Required)
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Section B

The school must have a governing board/commission/council in place that formulates the policies of the school. The school is incorporated. [WI Statute 118.165(1)(b)]
The school has a governing board/commission/ council in place that formulates the policies of the school.(Required)
Upload names, addresses, and phone numbers of governing board/commission/council and their positions.(Required)
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Upload board Minutes for the most recent full school year, or minutes from school formation meetings.(Required)
Max. file size: 256 MB.
Upload Articles of Incorporation.(Required)
Max. file size: 256 MB.

Application Authorization

By my signature I verify that all of the information and documentation provided is true and accurate. I understand that any attempt to falsify these documents, misrepresent this school, or mislead the accrediting organization will result in a denial for Candidacy. (Statement applies to all individuals listed below)
School Administrator(Required)
School Principal if different from Administrator:
Governing Body Chairperson (School Board/ Education Commission)
Pastor (if applicable)

Payment Authorization