Wisconsin Homeschooling: A Complete Guide to Legal Compliance

Wisconsin is widely regarded as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S. By law, homeschooling in Wisconsin is referred to as a Home-Based Private Educational Program (HBPEP). The state provides a clear, streamlined process for families to take charge of their children’s education with minimal government interference.

The Legal Pathway: Home-Based Private Educational Program (HBPEP)

In Wisconsin, there is one primary way to homeschool. Under Wis. Stat. § 118.165(1), a home-based program must be provided by a child’s parent or guardian or by a person designated by the parent or guardian. The program must be ‘privately controlled’ and provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year.

1. Annual Notification (Form PI-1206)

The most critical step for Wisconsin homeschoolers is filing Form PI-1206 with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

• Deadline: This form must be filed every year by October 15th.
• Mid-Year Starts: If you begin homeschooling after the school year has started, you should file the form immediately upon withdrawing your child from their current school.
• Contents: The form asks for the number of students in the program and an affirmation that you will meet the statutory requirements for subjects and hours. It does not require names or specific curriculum titles.

2. Mandatory Subjects

Your curriculum must be ‘sequentially progressive’ and cover the following six subjects:

1. Reading
2. Language Arts
3. Mathematics
4. Social Studies
5. Science
6. Health

While the state requires these subjects, you have the absolute freedom to choose the curriculum, textbooks, and teaching methods that best suit your child’s needs. There is no requirement to follow state standards or use specific books.

3. Instruction Hours

You are required to provide a minimum of 875 hours of instruction during the school year (July 1 to June 30). Wisconsin law does not specify how these hours must be distributed, giving families the flexibility to school year-round, on weekends, or during evenings.

Teacher Qualifications and Testing

Wisconsin does not require parents to have a high school diploma, GED, or any specific teaching certificate to homeschool their children. Additionally, Wisconsin is one of the few states that does not require any form of standardized testing or annual progress assessments for homeschoolers. Parents are solely responsible for evaluating their child’s progress.

Compulsory Attendance and Ages

Children must be enrolled in an educational program if they are 6 years old by September 1 of the current year. Attendance is mandatory until the child reaches age 18, or until the end of the semester/term in which they turn 18. If a student completes the high school graduation requirements of their home-based program before age 18, they are considered to have met the compulsory attendance law.

Record-Keeping Recommendations

While the state does not require you to submit your records, it is highly recommended that you maintain a ‘Homeschool Cumulative Folder’ for each child. This folder should include:

• A copy of your filed PI-1206 forms.
• An attendance log documenting the 875 required hours.
• A list of subjects taught and a brief description of the curriculum used.
• Samples of your child’s work and copies of any assessments you choose to administer.
• A high school transcript (essential for college admissions or military enlistment).

Education Savings Accounts (ESA) and School Choice

As of now, Wisconsin does not offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) for homeschoolers. ESAs typically provide state-funded accounts for educational expenses like curriculum and tutoring.

Wisconsin does have several School Choice (Voucher) programs, such as the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). However, these vouchers are used to pay tuition at participating private schools. If you utilize a voucher, your child is legally a private school student, not a homeschooler (HBPEP), and the private school’s regulations will apply.

Special Education Services

In Wisconsin, students in home-based private educational programs do not have an individual entitlement to special education services from the local school district. Some districts may choose to provide ‘equitable services’ through a Service Plan, but they are not legally mandated to provide the same level of support a student would receive in public school.

Steps to Start Homeschooling in Wisconsin

1. Withdraw your child: If your child is currently in public school, send a formal letter of withdrawal to the principal.
2. File PI-1206: Go to the Wisconsin DPI website and complete the online form.
3. Plan your curriculum: Ensure you cover the six required subjects and plan for 875 hours.
4. Keep records: Start an attendance log and a portfolio of work.
5. Refile annually: Mark your calendar to refile Form PI-1206 every October.