Wisconsin Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Wisconsin Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes, Private Education Report

1 Options for Homeschooling: Home-Based Private Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, homeschooling is called Home-Based Private Education. Parents may teach their children at home or arrange for others to do so. There are no teacher qualifications or certifications necessary. However, only one “family unit” can be instructed together by the same teacher/s. 

Wisconsin’s homeschool laws are fairly simple. Here’s what they require:

• Submit an annual PI-1206 Home-Based Private Educational Program Report.
• Teach the required number of instruction hours per year.
• Provide a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in the required subjects.

Wisconsin Annual Home-Based Private Educational Report (PI-1206)

Parents must file this report every year no later than October 15th. It should include information for all children in your home instruction program as of the third Friday in September of that year. By filing this form, you agree to abide by all home-based private instruction laws.

Use the state’s online system to submit your form. Be sure to keep a copy of this form for your  files. Once your form is submitted, you are free to begin your homeschool program.

TIP: By submitting the PI-1206, you are simply notifying the state that you will be educating your children at home. You are not applying for approval. 

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Mandatory School Age in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, children must start school or home instruction the year they turn 6 by September 1st. They must continue their schooling until the end of the school year in which they turn 18 unless they graduate high school first.

Wisconsin Homeschool Subject Requirements

Wisconsin requires homeschool programs to provide a “sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction” in the following subjects:

• Reading
• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Social studies
• Science
• Health

Home educators can choose their curriculum programs, instructional methods, and other educational materials. Homeschool families are responsible for all costs involved in obtaining and using these materials.

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Wisconsin Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Home-based private education programs in Wisconsin must provide at least 875 hours of instruction each year. A school year in Wisconsin runs from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Parents are free to set a schedule that works for them.

TIP: Though the state does not require you to submit attendance records, you should consider keeping them for your files in case they’re needed.

Wisconsin Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

The state does not have specific record-keeping requirements. However, parents should strongly consider establishing an educational file for each student. Include items like attendance records, courses and grades, evaluations or assessments, and a list of curriculum programs, textbooks, and educational materials. You may also wish to create a portfolio of representative work samples from each grade.

TIP: The more detailed your academic records, the easier it will be to write transcripts or transition your child to public or private school if needed.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Wisconsin

Wisconsin immunization laws do not apply to home-based private education students. However, if your child wishes to take classes or play sports at a public school, they may need to comply with immunization requirements.

Resources for Homeschool Families in Wisconsin

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. 

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool families often lean on each other for support and advice. Homeschool organizations and groups can help you find other homeschoolers, plus get resources and tips for making your home instruction a success.

Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance. We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool organization, association, group, or co-op. Here’s a popular statewide option to get you started.

• Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association: This group can help you ensure you follow the state’s homeschool laws by providing information and resources. Find useful forms and answers to many common homeschooling questions.

Visit The Homeschool Mom for a roundup of local homeschool groups in Wisconsin.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Wisconsin

Students who meet academic eligibility requirements may participate in sports at Wisconsin public schools. They can also join homeschool sports leagues or participate in community youth sports programs. Here are some to check out in Wisconsin:

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Wisconsin Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschool families can enjoy field trips whenever their schedule allows, providing terrific opportunities for real-world learning experiences. 

TIP: Try planning field trips with other homeschool families to potentially qualify for group discounts and special programs.

Looking for hands-on STEM experiences? Check out the Wisconsin Science Museum or Discovery World. If animals are your thing, head to the Milwaukee County Zoo or Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue. Old World Wisconsin will take you on a trip back in time to settler days, while the Wisconsin First Nations sites give you a better understanding of the region’s indigenous people. Art lovers, don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum or Chazen Museum of Art.

Special Education Homeschoolers

While there is no state law that explicitly provides homeschooled students with the right to state-funded special education services in Wisconsin, some school districts may choose to offer these services at their discretion.

 To determine if a district offers such services, homeschooling families of students with special needs should contact them directly for more information and resources.

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Wisconsin Homeschool FAQ

Is Wisconsin a homeschool-friendly state?

Wisconsin makes things fairly easy for homeschool families. After filing your PI-1206 report each year, there’s no further paperwork. You do need to teach the required subjects and include a minimum number of instruction hours each year. 

Parents can set their schedules and choose their curriculum programs and instructional methods. Homeschoolers can take some classes and play sports at public schools. These freedoms help make Wisconsin a pretty friendly homeschool state.

Can Wisconsin homeschool students take classes at public schools?

If space allows and students meet the minimum course requirements, they may enroll in up to two courses per semester at a public school. They may also take summer school classes. Contact your local district if you’re interested.

Can homeschool students participate in Wisconsin’s Start College Now program?

No. This program is only open to 11th and 12th grade students at public high schools.

How do Wisconsin homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Home educators may issue diplomas and transcripts using their academic records. Colleges and universities or hiring organizations are not obligated to accept these, but many do. Talk with them directly to learn what they require.

Students may also consider taking the GED or HSED to earn a high school equivalency certificate. Learn more about these programs here.

Is unschooling legal in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin home educators are free to choose any instructional methods they like, including unschooling.

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