Wisconsin Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Wisconsin—
Homeschooling in Wisconsin
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Click above for the state Education Information.
Wisconsin Homeschool Review
Here’s a concise overview of Wisconsin’s homeschooling laws:
📝 1. Legal Definition & Age Requirement
-
Known as a “home-based private educational program” under Wis. Stats. §118.165.
-
Applies to children ages 6–18; homeschooling is a valid alternative to compulsory public/private school attendance
2. Annual Registration — PI‑1206 Form
-
File online by October 15 each year (or immediately if starting after Oct 15); counts enrollment as of the third Friday in September
-
You affirm compliance with homeschooling regulations when submitting.
3. Instruction Requirements
-
At least 875 instruction hours per year (July 1–June 30)
-
Must use a sequentially progressive curriculum in:
-
reading
-
language arts
-
mathematics
-
social studies
-
science
-
health
-
You choose the curriculum—no approval or certification needed. No standardized testing or submissions beyond the PI‑1206 are mandated
4. Records & Transcripts
-
Keep records showing attendance (hours) and the yearly PI‑1206 filing
-
Colleges or employers may ask for transcripts—these aren’t legally required but are often helpful
5. Public School Access
-
Homeschool students can take up to 2 part-time courses per semester at their local public school—subject to prerequisites and available space
-
They also may join sports and extracurriculars on the same terms as public school students; districts can charge standard fees
6. Oversight & Autonomy
-
DPI or school districts cannot impose curriculum, testing, or degree requirements, though they can investigate complaints about compliance
-
Parents are fully in charge—no teaching credentials required .
7. Collaboration Restrictions
-
Homeschooling must be run by a single family—group instruction across multiple families (e.g., co-ops or “microschools”) is illegal and could incur fines/jail time
8. Constitutional Backdrop
-
The 1972 Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court case affirmed parental rights to homeschool under the Free Exercise Clause, grounding Wisconsin’s allowances
If you enroll your child in a private accredited online K–12 school—whether in-state or out-of-state—your homeschool status in Wisconsin may change depending on how the school is structured. Here’s how it works:
✅ If the Online School Is a Private School (Not Parent-Directed)
-
You are NOT considered a homeschooler under Wisconsin law.
-
You do not need to file Form PI‑1206.
-
The school is responsible for providing curriculum, instruction, and records.
-
This applies whether the online school is in Wisconsin or located out-of-state.
➡️ Key Point: You are legally classified as a private school student—not a homeschooler—even if your student learns at home.
✅ If You Use an Online School as Curriculum Only (Parent-Directed)
-
If you, the parent, direct the program (even if it’s from an accredited provider), and the school is not the legal educational entity:
-
You are still considered a homeschooler.
-
You must file the PI‑1206 annually.
-
You remain legally responsible for ensuring the 875 hours and curriculum coverage.
-
⚠️ Important Distinction:
-
If the school issues grades, diplomas, and manages instruction, you’re under private school law, not homeschooling law.
-
If you use the school as a tool or resource, and you oversee the education, you’re still considered a homeschooler.
Wisconsin K-12 School Choice
🧩 5. Debates & Policy Developments
-
A bipartisan budget deal included record funding boosts for choice schools—private voucher increases and higher revenue limits for districts
-
Critics argue it undermines public school budgets, shifting $100 M+ annually onto taxpayers via voucher funding
-
A proposal to decouple voucher funding from public school aid (GPR-only) could reduce property tax burdens and shield vouchers from legal challenges
✅ Summary
-
4 public-funded choice programs: Milwaukee, Racine, statewide, and special needs.
-
Per-student funding: roughly $9.5k–$12k (standard programs), $15k+ (SNSP).
-
Funds come from state aid deductions and local property taxes—straining district finances.
-
School districts are advocating for tax transparency and funding reform.
-
Voucher caps drop in 2026, likely expanding the program—and its fiscal effects.
Wisconsin School Choice
Here’s a refined overview of public funding for school choice in Wisconsin:
🎓 1. Voucher Programs
Wisconsin offers four main state-funded choice programs:
a) Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP)
-
Started 1990; public and religious private schools participate
-
Funded by state general funds and local property taxes; aid payments reduce district funding
b) Racine Parental Choice Program (RPCP)
-
Similar structure to Milwaukee’s; funded through general and property-tax-based aid deductions .
c) Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP)
-
Statewide program, income-limited (capped at 220%–300% of FPL depending on district).
-
Funded by deduction from state aid to public districts
d) Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP)
-
For students with IEPs or equivalent plans; no income limits.
-
Scholarships for 2024‑25: $15,409 per student (reduced amounts if disability no longer present).
-
High-cost funding covers extra services (up to 150%)
💸 2. Funding Amounts & Recent Increases
-
2022‑23 total voucher spending: ~$443 M across the four programs
-
Recent per-pupil rates (2023‑24):
-
K–8 vouchers: ~$9,500
-
9–12 vouchers: ~$12,000
-
SNSP: ~$15,409
-
-
Public school per-pupil (2021‑22): ~$7,728 in state revenue, ~$14,215 total .
Legislation recently narrowed the funding gap, giving choice schools roughly 76% of public school per-student funding
🏛 3. How It’s Funded & Property Tax Impact
-
Funding mechanism: Voucher funds are deducted from DPI aid to public school districts, then reimbursed via local property tax levies (within revenue limits) Some districts (e.g. Kickapoo) have seen significant tax increases—one small district paid ~$113,811 to cover just 11 voucher students, marking a ~440% jump year-over-year
-
Public school advocates are calling for greater transparency, such as listing voucher costs on tax bills
🔄 4. Enrollment Caps & Future Trends
-
The WPCP operates under enrollment caps (gradually increasing since 2017), set to lift entirely by 2026‑27
-
With cap removal, public school districts anticipate further strain on funding and property taxes
Homeschool Resources for Wisconsin
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.