Question 1

What do I have to file to homeschool legally in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

One short online form: the PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report, filed with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction each school year by October 15. Filing opens July 1 for the coming school year, takes a few minutes, and involves no curriculum approval. Confirm current details on the DPI homeschool page.

Question 2

How many hours of instruction does Wisconsin require?

Accepted Answer

At least 875 hours of instruction per school year. Wisconsin counts hours, not days, so you can schedule them however works for your family — that's roughly 4.8 hours a day across a traditional 180-day year.

Question 3

Which subjects does Wisconsin require homeschoolers to teach?

Accepted Answer

State law calls for a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in six areas: reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health. How you teach them, and with what materials, is entirely up to you.

Question 4

Does my child have to take state tests in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

No. Wisconsin does not require homeschooled students to take any tests, submit portfolios, or report grades or scores to the state or your school district.

Question 5

What records does Wisconsin require homeschool parents to keep?

Accepted Answer

None beyond the annual PI-1206 filing itself. DPI keeps your submitted forms for seven years and recommends you keep your own copies too. Many families also voluntarily track hours and coursework, which can help later with things like college applications.

Question 6

Does Wisconsin have ESA money for homeschoolers?

Accepted Answer

No. As of July 2026, Wisconsin has no education savings account program. The state's parental choice (voucher) programs pay tuition at participating private schools only and cannot be used for homeschooling, and DPI provides no curriculum funds to homeschool families.

Your Wisconsin homeschool checklist.

Getting started

Through the year

Homeschooling in Wisconsin? We’ll handle the paperwork side.

Sources