Homeschooling in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Home-Based Private Educational Program

In Wisconsin, homeschooling operates under the legal framework of a "home-based private educational program" (HBPEP). This designation matters because it means your homeschool is treated as a type of private school, and certain regulations that apply to public schools don't apply to you. The key statutes are Wis. Stat. 115.001(3g) (definition), 118.15 (compulsory attendance), and 118.165 (private school requirements).

Filing the PI-1206 Statement of Enrollment

Every year, you must file the PI-1206 form (Statement of Enrollment for Home-Based Private Educational Programs) with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The deadline is October 15 of each school year. You can file this form online through the DPI website.

On the PI-1206, you'll attest to the following:

• Your program's primary purpose is providing private or religious-based education (not circumventing attendance laws)
• Your homeschool is privately controlled
• You will meet the 875-hour instruction requirement
• You will provide sequentially progressive instruction in the required subjects

This is a self-certification. The DPI does not review your curriculum, visit your home, or verify your claims. Wisconsin law does not give the DPI or local education agencies authority to monitor home-based private educational programs.

Required Subjects

Your curriculum must provide sequentially progressive instruction (meaning it moves from simpler to more complex concepts) in six subject areas:

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

"Sequentially progressive" is the key phrase. You need to show that your instruction builds on prior learning and advances in complexity over time. Beyond these six areas, you may teach any additional subjects you choose.

Instructional Hours

Wisconsin requires a minimum of 875 hours of instruction per school year (July 1 through June 30). This works out to roughly 4.9 hours per day over a 180-day school year, though you can structure it any way you like. Many families document their hours through attendance logs or calendars.

HSLDA recommends maintaining documentation of your instructional hours, particularly for all four years of high school, as this can be important for college applications and transcript verification.

Teacher Qualifications

Wisconsin requires no teacher qualifications whatsoever. You don't need a teaching certificate, college degree, high school diploma, or any other credential to homeschool your children.

Immunization Requirements

Because home-based private educational programs are not included in the state immunization statute (Wis. Stat. 252.04), immunization requirements do not apply to Wisconsin homeschoolers.

Extracurricular Access and Dual Enrollment

Wisconsin is one of the best states for homeschool extracurricular access. Under state law, a school board must permit a homeschooled pupil to participate in interscholastic athletics on the same basis and to the same extent as enrolled students. The school board may charge the same participation fees it charges enrolled students.

Additionally, if space permits, Wisconsin homeschoolers may attend up to two classes at their local public school. This allows your child to take specialized courses (like chemistry lab or advanced math) while continuing to homeschool for the rest of their education.

State Funding for Homeschoolers

Wisconsin does not currently offer a state-specific ESA, voucher, or tax credit for homeschooling families. While the state has robust school choice programs (like the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program), these are designed for private school enrollment, not homeschooling.

529 Education Savings Plans

Wisconsin's Edvest 529 plan offers a state income tax deduction of up to $3,860 per beneficiary per year (for 2025 tax year; adjusted annually for inflation) [VERIFY]. As of 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals from 529 accounts for qualified K-12 education expenses, including curriculum materials and tutoring services for homeschoolers.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Effective January 1, 2027, a new federal program allows individuals to receive up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations to qualified scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). If Wisconsin opts in, qualifying SGOs could design scholarships to support homeschool students. Contact the Wisconsin Family Action organization for updates on the state's opt-in status.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

Federal Coverdell ESAs allow tax-free contributions of up to $2,000 per year per child for qualified K-12 education expenses, including homeschool curriculum, textbooks, and supplies.

Free Curriculum Resources

The Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association (WHPA) at homeschooling-wpa.org offers resources and community support. Many Wisconsin public libraries provide extensive homeschool resources, and organizations like Khan Academy and Coursera offer free online courses.