In the realm of education, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged: private schools that operate almost entirely on public funds. These institutions, dubbed 100% schools receive voucher money covering all or most of their tuition, yet they operate under different rules than traditional public schools. This model raises questions about accountabilitytransparency and the blurred lines between public and private education.
In Wisconsin, 39 such schools educated 7,923 children during the most recent school year, taking in roughly $87 million from state vouchers. Among them was Atlas Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee, a school with low test scores and declining enrollment that received over $4.3 million for 357 students. This institution’s operations and financial dealings offer a glimpse into the complexities and controversies surrounding 100% schools.
Dual Roles and Financial Arrangements
At Atlas Preparatory Academy, the board chair, Steven E. Menden, held a dual role as a school administrator. His compensation exceeded $150,000 in 2026, a practice that would be prohibited in traditional public schools. Additionally, Menden’s accounting firm received tens of thousands of dollars from the school for accounting and consulting services. These arrangements, while legal for private schools, would raise alarms in a public school setting.
Experts in nonprofit governance have expressed concerns about such organizational structures. Chelsea Cross, a vice president at City Forward Collective in Milwaukee, noted that best practices dictate a clear separation between governance and management. “Board members are volunteers, and best practice is unambiguous that they should not simultaneously hold paid staff positions at the school they oversee,” Cross stated. This separation is crucial for maintaining proper checks and balances.
The Accountability Gap
One of the most significant differences between public and voucher-funded private schools is the level of accountability. Public schools are required to serve all children with disabilities, administer standardized tests, and make extensive information available to the public. In contrast, voucher schools have fewer mandates. While Wisconsin requires voucher students to be tested, parents can opt out, and schools are not required to make test scores public.
Transparency is another area where public and private schools diverge. Public schools must comply with open records laws, providing access to a wealth of information through open meetings, district websites, and formal records requests. Voucher schools, however, are only required to hold two parent meetings per year, which are not open to the general public. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for the public to scrutinize how voucher money is being used.
Performance and Public Scrutiny
Atlas Preparatory Academy’s performance on the state’s report card has been consistently poor, earning the lowest rating: “fails to meet expectations,” or one star out of five. Despite this, the school continues to receive public funds. In contrast, nearby Bay View High School a public school with a similar rating, provides detailed information about its improvement plans, school council meetings, and various programs on its website. Atlas Prep’s website, however, offers little insight into its operations or curriculum.
The lack of accountability and transparency in voucher-funded private schools has led to calls for reform. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction suggested in a 2011 research paper that low-performing choice schools should be subject to financial sanctions, turnaround efforts, or even closure. However, more than a decade later, these accountability measures still do not exist.
As the debate over school choice and voucher programs continues, the story of Atlas Preparatory Academy and other 100% schools highlights the need for greater scrutiny and reform. Ensuring that public funds are used effectively and transparently is crucial for the future of education in Wisconsin and beyond.
