Home-Based Private Educational Program
In Wisconsin, families can legally homeschool under the designation “home-based private educational program.” To stay compliant with state law, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
1. Submit an Annual Enrollment Report
- Deadline: File the PI-1206 form with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by October 15 each year.
- How to file: Complete the form online through the DPI website.
- What to include:
- The number of students in elementary and high school grades enrolled in your program as of the third Friday in September.
- Certification that your program meets all state requirements listed below.
- Recordkeeping tip: Keep copies of every PI-1206 form you submit. Employers and government agencies may ask for proof of filing to verify your student’s high school education.
2. Meet the Program Purpose & Control Requirements
- Educational purpose: The primary purpose of your homeschool must be to provide private or religious-based education. It cannot be used to avoid compulsory attendance laws.
- Private control: Your program must be privately operated. Public schools or government agencies cannot run a home-based private educational program.
3. Provide Required Instructional Hours
- Minimum hours: You must provide at least 875 hours of instruction per school year, which runs July 1 through June 30.
- Documentation: Track your instructional hours so you can verify you met the 875-hour minimum if needed. Maintaining these records is especially important for the high school years.
4. Teach Required Subjects
Your curriculum must include instruction in these core subjects:
- Reading
- Language arts
- Mathematics
- Social studies
- Science
- Health
5. Use a Sequentially Progressive Curriculum
Instruction should build from basic to more advanced concepts over time. Your curriculum needs to demonstrate clear progression in skills and knowledge, rather than repeating the same level of material.
