A preliminary evaluation and report were conducted of the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Public Schools' (MPS) Parental Choice Program (PCP) following its first year of operation. The state legislated program provides an opportunity for students meeting specific criteria to attend private, non-sectarian schools in Milwaukee. A payment from public funds equivalent to the MPS per-member state aid (approximately $2,500 in 1990) is paid to the private schools in lieu of tuition for the student. The evaluation provided an analysis of the families and students who participated in the PCP, a description and an analysis of the schools in the program, a preliminary analysis of program outcomes, and recommendations to amend the statute and administrative rules. Some of the evaluation's findings in those areas are the following: (1) the program appeared to satisfy the intent of offering low-income families a choice other than the public schools for their children's education; (2) of the 7 private schools which enrolled 341 students, one closed in the middle of the school year due to severe difficulties; (3) preliminary outcomes after the first year were mixed and showed that achievement test scores did not register dramatic gains while student attendance, parental attitudes, and parental involvement were all positive; and (4) 5 recommendations were offered to improve information available to parents and accountability by parents. Included are 20 tables and 3 appendixes with achievement test score measures and 10 tables. (JB)