Wisconsin Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Wisconsin, homeschooling is legally recognized as a "home-based private educational program."

  1. Annual Notification:

    • Parents are required to submit the PI-1206 Homeschool Report to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) each school year. This form must be filed on or before October 15 and includes a statement of enrollment as of the third Friday in September. It's important to note that filing before this date is not mandated by law.

  2. Instructional Hours:

    • Homeschool programs must provide a minimum of 875 hours of instruction each academic year. These hours can be distributed according to the family's schedule and are not confined to traditional classroom settings.

  3. Curriculum Requirements:

    • The curriculum should be "sequentially progressive," covering fundamental subjects including:
      • Reading
      • Language Arts
      • Mathematics
      • Social Studies
      • Science
      • Health
    • Parents have the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

  4. Purpose of the Program:

    • The homeschooling program must not be established to circumvent the state's compulsory school attendance law. It should operate as a legitimate educational alternative.

Additional Considerations:

  • Teacher Qualifications:

    • Wisconsin law does not impose specific educational qualifications for parents who homeschool. There are also no state-mandated assessment or immunization requirements for homeschooled students.

  • Recordkeeping:

    • While not explicitly required by law, maintaining detailed records of instructional hours, curriculum materials, and student progress can be beneficial, especially if transitioning back to public or private schooling or for future educational pursuits.

  • Resources and Support:

    • Organizations such as the Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association (WHPA) offer guidance and support to homeschooling families, providing resources on legal compliance, curriculum planning, and community connections.


Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction