HOMESCHOOLING IN WISCONSIN & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your children in Wisconsin, but don’t know where to start regarding Wisconsin homeschool laws. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own program legally in Wisconsin. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Wisconsin, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Wisconsin
During the 1970s and 1980s, Wisconsin homeschoolers faced ambiguity regarding the legality of the chosen schooling for their child. In response to a growing public interest, the legislature passed a series of homeschool laws in the 1980s that recognized it as a legitimate form of education, provided guidelines for programs, and established reporting requirements for families. These Wisconsin laws, along with supportive court rulings, helped to solidify the legal status of home schooling and paved the way for its growth in the following decades.
Today, the state is considered one of the more homeschool-friendly states in the nation, with a robust community and a legal framework within Wisconsin homeschool laws that provide a high degree of flexibility for families. The long tradition of home schooling in the state has contributed to a thriving network of support groups, co-ops, and educational resources that continue to nurture and empower families across the state.
Current Wisconsin Homeschool Laws and Regulations
In Wisconsin, homeschooling is governed by the compulsory attendance law, which requires all children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school at a public or private school or an approved home school program. Wisconsin homeschool laws apply to all children residing in the state, regardless of their immigration status or any other factors. It is important for parents to understand and comply with these Wisconsin homeschool requirements to ensure their program is recognized and supported by the state for their child.
A home school is privately controlled. This means it’s not run by a public school or other government agency. Wisconsin homeschool laws state that a, “home-based private educational program means a program of educational instruction provided to a child by the child’s parent or guardian or by a person designated by the parent or guardian. An instructional program provided to more than one family unit does not constitute a home-based private educational program.”
It is worth noting that Wisconsin’s compulsory law and its treatment of home schooling have evolved over time through legislative changes and court interpretations. While the current framework provides significant flexibility for families, it is important for parents to stay informed about any updates or revisions to Wisconsin homeschool laws.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Wisconsin
Your statewide home school organization will be the most help in interpreting any requirements, but there is no substitute for knowing what the state law says. To set up a home school program in Wisconsin, parents should follow these steps to ensure compliance with state requirements:
Notify the school district of your intent to homeschool your child. This can be done by submitting a completed PI-1206 form to the public school district administrator or by sending a letter stating your intent to home school your child. The PI-1206 form must be submitted online. This notification should be submitted annually, by October 15. The statement must let the state know how many elementary and high school students were enrolled as of the third Friday in September.
Enroll your child in a program that meets the state’s requirements. There are several options for Wisconsin homeschool curriculum:
Enroll in a home school program operated by a private school or home school organization. These programs often provide a sequentially progressive curriculum, resources, and support services to assist families in meeting the state’s educational requirements. What this means is that you will provide an educational plan for learning basic subjects in which children build on what they have already learned. Since there are no specific requirements for how many hours are spent on each subject, you decide what to emphasize.
Join a cooperative or group that provides a homeschool curriculum, support services, and educational opportunities for homeschoolers. These co-ops can be a valuable resource for families, offering a sense of community and shared resources.
Develop your own homeschool program and provide 875 hours of instruction each academic year in the basic subjects of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health. You do not need to have school officials approve of lesson plans. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) provides guidance on developing an approved homeschool program. Most families combine the available options to create a plan that works for them.
If moving from another state, notify the local district of your intent to homeschool your child and provide evidence of your child’s previous homeschool enrollment or a transcript from the previous state.
Teacher credentials are not required to homeschool in Wisconsin. However, the parent or legal guardian providing instruction must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. This educational qualification helps ensure that homeschooling parents have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide an adequate learning environment for their children to begin homeschooling.
Maintaining Your Wisconsin Homeschool
Once your home school program is established, it is important to maintain it in accordance with state guidelines. Wisconsin homeschool programs do not require extensive paperwork or filing for families, but there are some basic recordkeeping requirements:
Keep a record of the subjects covered and materials used in your homeschool program. This can be a simple outline or syllabus that outlines the content and resources utilized for each subject area.
Provide 875 hours of instruction each academic year. You must teach the required subjects in a “sequentially progressive” fashion. Maintain a log or record of the days and hours of the school day. This documentation will help demonstrate that you are meeting the state’s requirements for compulsory education.
Collect samples of your child’s work, such as completed assignments, tests, or projects. These samples can serve as evidence of your child’s academic progress and achievement.
Create and maintain transcripts or progress reports that document your child’s academic performance and accomplishments. These records can be useful when applying for college admissions, jobs, or other opportunities that require documentation of educational attainment.
While these recordkeeping requirements may seem minimal, it is essential to maintain thorough and organized documentation of your homeschool program. These records can be invaluable in case your homeschool program is ever questioned or reviewed by the local school district or the DPI.
Wisconsin Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Private and home schools aren’t held to the same standard as public schools for reporting enrollment data. In addition to the initial PI-1206 form to homeschool, Wisconsin requires families to submit an annual report to the local school district administrator. This report should be submitted by October 15th of each school year and should include the following information:
The names of the homeschool children participating in the homeschool program.
A statement of the parent’s intent to provide learning for the current school year.
A list of the subjects covered in the homeschool program.
The name and qualifications of the person providing instruction.
The location where instruction will take place.
While the state does not require extensive reporting beyond this annual submission, it is a good practice for families to maintain detailed records of their homeschool program. These records can be invaluable in demonstrating compliance and academic progress if your homeschool program is ever subject to review or scrutiny.
Homeschool Testing In Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, families are required to submit a home schooling enrollment report to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction by October 15th each year. This report includes information about the students being homeschooled and the educational program being provided. While standardized testing is not mandatory, some families may choose to administer tests to assess their students’ progress or for personal evaluation purposes. Private options are accessible for families seeking annual testing for their children. Homeschool students can take these private options, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Funding Your Wisconsin Homeschool
Unfortunately, there are no direct funding sources or financial assistance available for homeschool parents in Wisconsin. Families are responsible for covering all expenses related to their program, including homeschool curriculum, textbooks, supplies, technology, and extracurricular activities.
This financial responsibility can be a significant consideration for families considering Wisconsin homeschooling. However, there are ways to minimize the costs:
Utilize free or low-cost online resources, open educational resources (OERs), and library materials.
Join homeschool groups or co-ops that provide shared resources and educational opportunities.
Seek out used or discounted curriculum materials from homeschool groups or online marketplaces.
Take advantage of educational discounts and tax deductions/credits for homeschooling expenses.
While Wisconsin does not provide direct funding for homeschooling, some families may be eligible for tax deductions or credits related to educational expenses. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional or accountant to understand the potential tax benefits available to homeschoolers in the state.
Federal Tax Breaks
Homeschooling families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool learning. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, when homeschooling Wisconsin families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Wisconsin Immunization Requirements
Wisconsin has specific immunization requirements for students attending public and private schools. However, these requirements do not apply to homeschoolers in the state.
This flexibility allows families to make decisions about immunizations based on their personal beliefs, medical considerations, or other factors. However, it is important to note that some private schools, homeschool co-ops, or extracurricular activities may have their own immunization policies or requirements.
Wisconsin State Graduation Requirements
Wisconsin does not have specific graduation requirements for homeschooled students. Families are responsible for determining their own graduation requirements and issuing high school diplomas to their children upon completion of their homeschool program.
When establishing graduation requirements and issuing diplomas to high school students, it is recommended to follow the state graduation requirements under Wisconsin law with a total of 15 credits and the successful passing of a civics exam.
The 15 credits of classes include the following:
Writing/Reading Language Arts – 4 Credits
Math – 3 Credits
Science – 3 Credits
Social Studies – 3 Credits
Physical Education – 1.5 credits
Health – 0.5 credits
This approach helps ensure that the diploma and transcript are recognized by colleges, employers, and other institutions. It is also advisable to document the specific courses completed by your child, following a standard high school credit system (e.g., 1 credit per year of study in a subject).
By following these guidelines and maintaining thorough records of your child’s academic achievements, you can issue a high school diploma that will be accepted and respected by various organizations and institutions.
Wisconsin Homeschool Charters
The state does not have any state-funded or state-operated homeschool Wisconsin charter schools. Homeschooling in Wisconsin is primarily a private endeavor, with parents assuming full responsibility for their child’s education and the associated costs.
However, some public school districts in the state may offer virtual school programs that can be accessed by homeschooled students. These programs provide curriculum materials, online courses, and other educational resources that families can utilize to supplement or enhance their homeschool program.
It is important to note that while these virtual school programs may be offered by public school districts, they are not considered homeschool charters or state-funded homeschool programs. Families who choose to participate in these virtual school programs are still responsible for maintaining their homeschool program and complying with the state’s homeschooling requirements.
Local Wisconsin Homeschooling Resources
While the state does not provide direct funding, personal consultation, technical assistance, or state-sponsored resources for homeschoolers, there are several local and statewide organizations that offer support, resources, field trips, and educational opportunities for homeschooling families:
Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA): A non-profit organization that provides resources, support, advocacy, and networking opportunities for homeschoolers in Wisconsin. The WPA organizes conferences, workshops, field trips, and other events to support the homeschooling community.
While not required by the state, some homeschool families in Wisconsin choose to have their children participate in standardized testing, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) or the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10).
Many public libraries and community centers offer resources, field trips, and classes that can be beneficial for homeschooled students.
By accessing these local resources, connecting with other homeschoolers, and utilizing online educational tools, homeschool families in Wisconsin can find support and enrichment opportunities to enhance their homeschool experience. Building a community and network of resources can be invaluable in navigating the challenges and opportunities of homeschooling.
