How to start homeschooling in Wisconsin
The legal steps, in order, checked against Wisconsin law.
Short answer: Wisconsin parents run a home-based private educational program by filing the online PI-1206 report with the Department of Public Instruction every school year by October 15. The program must give at least 875 hours of instruction a year in a sequentially progressive curriculum of six subjects. The state does not approve programs and requires no testing.
Checked against Wis. Stat. 118.165(1) on Nov 8, 2026. Compulsory school ages: 6 to 18. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Home-based private educational program
Parents teaching their own family's children, or having someone they designate do so. A program serving more than one family unit does not qualify.
Steps
- File the online PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report with DPI. The earliest a report can be filed for a new school year is July 1.
- File it on or before October 15 each school year. If you withdraw your child from a school after October 15, file or update it on or before the day your child stops attending.
- Provide at least 875 hours of instruction in the required subjects.
- Keep copies of your submitted PI-1206 reports. DPI keeps them for seven years.
| Notice to the state | Yes To: The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, using the online PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report When: Every school year on or before October 15; if you withdraw after October 15, on or before the day your child stops attending school Official form |
|---|---|
| Subjects | A sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health. Concepts that conflict with the program's religious doctrines are not required. |
| Time | At least 875 hours of instruction each school year. |
| Parent qualifications | None required by law. Instruction may be given by the parent or a person the parent designates. |
| Testing or evaluation | None required by law. DPI says Wisconsin homeschooling law requires no testing or assessment. |
| Records to keep | None required by law. DPI recommends keeping records of instruction and says parents are responsible for keeping copies of their PI-1206 reports. |
The law: Wis. Stat. 118.165(1) Wis. Stat. 115.30(3) Wis. Stat. 115.001(3g)
Leaving public school mid-year
DPI says a child is officially enrolled in the home-based program on the date the PI-1206 is submitted online. A district may not require the form before October 15, and a parent's notice of intent to the district counts as sufficient notice until then. A parent withdrawing after October 15 should submit or update the PI-1206 on or before the day the child stops attending. A child already enrolled in 5K must keep attending through the term, per Wis. Stat. 118.15(1)(am).
High school, transcripts and diplomas
DPI says a home-based program does not lead to a traditional Wisconsin high school diploma. Parents may create a diploma when the program is complete. Students may pursue a GED or HSED. A school the student later enrolls in decides grade placement and how many credits to grant.
Public school sports and activities
Yes. A school board must let resident home-based students take part in interscholastic athletics on the same basis as enrolled students. On request, the program gives the board a written statement that the student meets age, academic, and disciplinary requirements, and the board may not question it. DPI says the same applies to extracurricular activities, and the usual fees may be charged (Wis. Stat. 118.133, as described by DPI).
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in Wisconsin?
Yes, under the home-based private educational program route, you notify the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, using the online PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report every school year on or before October 15; if you withdraw after October 15, on or before the day your child stops attending school.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin law does not require testing under the home-based private educational program route. DPI says Wisconsin homeschooling law requires no testing or assessment.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Wisconsin?
A sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health. Concepts that conflict with the program's religious doctrines are not required.
What ages must be schooled in Wisconsin?
Ages 6 to 18, per state law.
Sources
- Wis. Stat. 118.165(1)
- Wis. Stat. 115.30(3)
- Wis. Stat. 115.001(3g)
- Wis. Stat. 118.15
- Wis. Stat. 118.133
- Home-Based Private Education Program (Homeschooling), Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
We read each source on Nov 8, 2026 and recheck every guide each quarter. Laws change. If something here no longer matches the state, write to us and we will fix it.