Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Wisconsin. File PI-1206 by October 15, provide 875 hours of instruction in 6 subjects, and keep attendance records. No testing, no curriculum approval, no teacher qualifications. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Wisconsin is a low regulation state for homeschooling, often cited as one of the better states for homeschool freedom while maintaining basic structure. Under Wisconsin law, homeschools operate as "home-based private educational programs" under § 118.165 and § 118.15.
The requirements are straightforward: file an annual enrollment statement (PI-1206) with the Department of Public Instruction by October 15, provide at least 875 hours of instruction per year, teach six required subjects, and maintain attendance records at home.
There is no testing, no curriculum approval, no home visits, no portfolio reviews, and no parent qualification requirements. The state takes a hands-off approach to home education once your enrollment statement is filed.
Wisconsin homeschools are classified as private schools under state law. This means the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) cannot approve or deny your curriculum, require standardized testing, conduct home visits, or evaluate your teaching. Their role is limited to receiving and processing enrollment statements.
Wisconsin homeschool law is found in two statutes: § 118.165 (private school definition, which includes homeschools) and § 118.15 (compulsory school attendance). There is a single compliance path for all families.
| Requirement | Wisconsin Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | § 118.165, § 118.15 |
| Classification | Home-based private educational program |
| Notification | PI-1206 by October 15 annually |
| Attendance | 875 hours per year minimum |
| Teacher Qualification | None required |
| Required Subjects | 6 subjects |
| Curriculum Approval | Not required |
| Testing | Not required |
| Record-Keeping | Attendance records (kept at home) |
Wisconsin defines a home-based private educational program as: "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." This gives parents broad authority over their child's education.
The LeRoy v. DPI (1986) case established that homeschools cannot be required to use certified teachers. Parents have consistently strong rights under Wisconsin law, and the state maintains a hands-off approach to home education.
The Department of Public Instruction cannot approve or deny your curriculum, require standardized testing, conduct home visits, evaluate your teaching, or set minimum scores or standards. Their authority is limited to receiving enrollment statements and tracking statewide enrollment data.
Starting homeschool in Wisconsin is a straightforward process centered around the PI-1206 enrollment statement.
Submit the PI-1206 form to the Department of Public Instruction. This can be done online (preferred), by mail, or by fax. The deadline is October 15 annually. If you start mid-year, file within 30 days of beginning instruction.
The PI-1206 includes:
Select materials for all six required subjects. No approval is needed from the state or anyone else. You can use any approach - textbooks, online courses, unit studies, unschooling, or any combination.
Establish an attendance tracking system. Attendance records are required by law but kept at home - you do not submit them to anyone. Also set up a system for organizing work samples and subject documentation (recommended but not required).
Provide at least 875 hours of instruction per year, covering all six required subjects in a sequential, progressive curriculum. You set your own daily schedule and calendar.
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, send a withdrawal letter to the school and file the PI-1206 with DPI. Request your child's educational records be transferred to you. Begin instruction promptly to avoid any attendance issues.
File your PI-1206 online through the DPI website - it is the fastest and most reliable method. Keep a confirmation or screenshot for your records. Blue Folder can remind you of the October 15 deadline and help you track your 875 hours. Try it free →
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Track your 875 hours, get deadline reminders, and stay organized automatically.
Wisconsin requires a single annual filing: the PI-1206 enrollment statement with the Department of Public Instruction.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | PI-1206 enrollment statement |
| Submit To | Department of Public Instruction (DPI) |
| Deadline | October 15 annually |
| Mid-Year Start | Within 30 days of beginning instruction |
| Method | Online (preferred), mail, or fax |
| One Form Per | Family (list all children) |
The October 15 deadline is the single most important date for Wisconsin homeschool families. Mark it on your calendar. If you miss it, file as soon as possible - late filing may result in a reminder from DPI, but it will not prevent you from homeschooling. However, filing on time avoids unnecessary attention.
Wisconsin requires instruction in six subjects. Your curriculum must be sequential and progressive, meaning it builds on previous learning and provides age-appropriate advancement. Beyond that, you have complete freedom.
This means your curriculum should build on previous learning and advance with your child's development. There is no specific scope and sequence mandated by the state. The parent determines how progression is structured.
Do not forget Health as a required subject. It is sometimes overlooked by new homeschool families. Health can be covered through dedicated health curriculum, PE instruction, nutrition lessons, first aid, or even cooking and wellness activities.
Wisconsin requires a minimum of 875 hours of instruction per year. This is hours-based, not days-based, giving you significant flexibility in how you structure your school calendar.
| Schedule Example | Daily Hours | Days Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (180 days) | ~4.9 hours/day | 180 days |
| 4-day week (36 weeks) | ~6.1 hours/day | 144 days |
| Year-round (240 days) | ~3.6 hours/day | 240 days |
| Half-day (5 days/week) | ~3 hours/day | 292 days |
You can structure your schedule however works for your family. There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar. School year-round, take extended breaks, or adjust your daily hours as needed.
Instruction includes any directed educational activity covering the required subjects. This includes direct teaching, independent study, educational field trips, hands-on projects, online courses, and more.
Track your instructional hours daily or weekly to ensure you reach 875 by the end of the year. A simple log noting the date and hours spent is sufficient. Blue Folder calculates your running total automatically and alerts you if you are falling behind pace. Try it free →
Wisconsin requires no assessment of any kind. There are no standardized tests, portfolio reviews, evaluations, or progress reports required.
| Assessment Type | Required? |
|---|---|
| Standardized testing | No |
| Portfolio review | No |
| Progress evaluation | No |
| Annual assessment | No |
| Home visits | No |
While not required, some families choose to administer standardized tests for their own purposes. Common reasons include:
Wisconsin's lack of any assessment requirement gives you complete control over how you evaluate your child's progress. You can use formal testing, informal assessment, portfolio review, or any other method you prefer - all on your own terms and schedule.
Wisconsin has minimal record-keeping requirements. The only records you must keep are attendance records, and those stay at home.
Even in a low-regulation state like Wisconsin, organized records make your life easier. If your child ever returns to public school, applies to college, or you need to demonstrate your homeschool program, having documentation is invaluable. Blue Folder keeps everything organized and exportable. Try it free →
Parents create their own transcripts and diplomas in Wisconsin. Include courses, grades, credits, and GPA. The UW System and Wisconsin Technical Colleges accept homeschool applicants. Strong ACT/SAT scores and a well-documented transcript are key for college admissions.
Wisconsin's financial landscape for homeschoolers is limited compared to some states, but there are still resources available.
| Program | Available to Homeschoolers? |
|---|---|
| ESA (Education Savings Account) | No |
| Vouchers | No (private school vouchers do not apply) |
| Tax Credits | No |
| Tax Deductions | No |
Wisconsin has a school choice program (vouchers), but homeschools are not eligible. Families fund their homeschool programs independently.
Wisconsin does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschooler access to public school sports. The WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) rules generally exclude homeschoolers from participation.
While there is no statewide access law, individual school districts may have their own policies regarding homeschooler participation. It is worth contacting your local district directly to ask about their specific policies for sports and extracurricular activities.
Wisconsin's UW System schools, including UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, accept homeschool applicants. Wisconsin Technical Colleges are often more flexible with admissions. Strong ACT/SAT scores, a well-documented parent-created transcript, and course descriptions are the key components for admission.
Wisconsin homeschool law is relatively simple, but new families still make avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones.
The October 15 PI-1206 filing and the 875-hour requirement are the two pillars of Wisconsin compliance. Meet these, teach the six required subjects, and keep attendance records, and you are fully compliant.
Never miss the October 15 deadline
Blue Folder tracks your hours, sends deadline reminders, and keeps your records organized automatically.
Track Wisconsin ComplianceOctober 15 annually. If starting mid-year, file within 30 days of beginning instruction. The form can be submitted online through the DPI website.
File as soon as possible. Late filing may result in a reminder from DPI, but it will not prevent you from homeschooling. However, filing on time is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary contact from the state.
Track daily instruction time and total for the year. 875 hours equals approximately 4.9 hours per day for 180 days, but you can structure it however works for your family. Year-round schooling, four-day weeks, or longer daily sessions are all acceptable.
No. Wisconsin does not approve or review curriculum. You choose all materials and methods independently. The PI-1206 only asks you to attest that your program meets the basic requirements.
Generally no. Wisconsin does not have a guaranteed access law. WIAA rules typically exclude homeschoolers. Contact your local district to ask about their specific policies, as some districts may be more flexible.
Attendance records are required by law but kept at home. Beyond that, keeping portfolios, grade records, and curriculum documentation is recommended but not legally required.
No. Wisconsin requires no degree, diploma, teaching certificate, or training of any kind to homeschool your children. Any parent or guardian may provide instruction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see the DPI Home-Based Programs and Wisconsin Parents Association. Last updated February 2026.