Wisconsin Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

Wisconsin presents an interesting contrast in school choice. The state operates some of the oldest and largest private school voucher programs in the nation—but these programs don't extend to homeschoolers. If you want state funding, you need to enroll in a private school.

For pure homeschooling, Wisconsin offers freedom with minimal requirements but no financial support. You'll file an annual form and meet basic standards without testing, portfolios, or evaluator reviews. This guide covers what funding actually exists and how Wisconsin's simple requirements work.

What Funding Is Available for Wisconsin Homeschoolers?

Wisconsin provides no direct funding for homeschool families. While the state operates significant school choice programs, they're designed for private school enrollment, not parent-directed home education.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program: - Covers private school tuition (religious and secular) - Currently available statewide with income limits - Does NOT cover homeschooling

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program: - Nation's oldest voucher program (since 1990) - Private school tuition only - Does NOT cover homeschooling

The political will to extend these programs to homeschoolers hasn't materialized, leaving families to self-fund while enjoying Wisconsin's minimal regulatory requirements.

Federal Funding Options

Without state programs covering homeschool, Wisconsin families rely on federal tax-advantaged accounts:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, testing fees, computers, and supplies.^[1]
• 529 Plan — Wisconsin's Edvest 529 plan offers state tax deductions for contributions.
• Wisconsin 529 Tax Deduction — Wisconsin residents can deduct contributions up to $3,860 per beneficiary per year from state income tax. Married couples can deduct $3,860 per beneficiary each.

Understanding Wisconsin's Requirements

Wisconsin has some of the simplest homeschool requirements in the nation:

Annual enrollment: - File PI-1206 form with the Wisconsin DPI by October 15 each year - Basic information: student name, address, birthdate - Statement of sequential program in required subjects - That's it.

Required subjects: Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health

What's NOT required: - Testing or assessment - Curriculum approval - Record submission - Teacher qualifications - Minimum hours of instruction - Portfolio or evaluator review

Private school option: Homeschools in Wisconsin are legally categorized as "home-based private educational programs." This classification gives you private school status without private school requirements.

Wisconsin School Choice Programs

Understanding Wisconsin's voucher programs helps clarify why they don't cover homeschool:

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Statewide): - Income limits apply (300% FPL for first year) - Covers private school tuition only - Participating schools must be registered - Requires enrollment and attendance

Milwaukee Parental Choice: - Limited to Milwaukee residents - Nation's oldest voucher (1990) - Private schools only

Racine Parental Choice: - Limited to Racine residents - Similar structure to Milwaukee

Why no homeschool? These programs fund institutional education with accountability measures (testing, financial audits). Extending to parent-directed homeschool would require different structures that haven't gained political support.

Hybrid options: Some families enroll part-time in participating private schools while homeschooling other subjects. This approach accesses partial funding while maintaining some flexibility.

Wisconsin Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Public School Access

Wisconsin provides limited public school access for homeschoolers:

Part-time enrollment: Wisconsin law allows school districts to permit homeschool students to take individual courses. This is district discretion, not a mandate—some allow it, others don't.

Sports and activities: Wisconsin does not guarantee homeschool access to public school athletics. The WIAA leaves decisions to member schools, and most do not allow homeschool participation.

Course options: Some districts allow homeschoolers to take specific courses (often specialized subjects like chemistry or foreign languages). Contact your district to understand current policies.

Virtual schools: Wisconsin operates several virtual public school options. Enrolling in these provides public school resources but requires public school enrollment—you'd no longer be homeschooling under state law.

Community Resources

Wisconsin has an established homeschool community:

- Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA) — Statewide inclusive organization providing support and legislative monitoring - Wisconsin Christian Home Educators Association (WCHEA) — Faith-based network with regional groups - Milwaukee-area homeschool groups — Multiple active communities - Madison homeschool networks — Active communities in the capital region - Regional co-ops — Available throughout the state

Wisconsin's homeschool community has been active for decades, providing established support networks.

Legislative Outlook

Expanding Wisconsin's school choice programs to include homeschool hasn't gained traction. The existing voucher programs face ongoing political battles; extending them would add complexity.

Wisconsin's political environment is competitive, with control alternating between parties. School choice generally has Republican support, but expanding to homeschool hasn't been a priority.

The current dynamic: Wisconsin offers either funded private school choice (with enrollment requirements) or unfunded homeschool freedom (with minimal regulation). Bridging these hasn't found political consensus.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin won't fund your homeschool, but it also won't burden you with requirements. File one form annually, cover required subjects, and you're compliant. No testing, no portfolios, no evaluators.

Federal Coverdell ESAs and Wisconsin's 529 tax deduction provide your primary financial tools. The state's extensive private school vouchers remain unavailable to homeschoolers—accessing them requires actual private school enrollment.

Wisconsin offers a clear choice: freedom without funding or funding with enrollment. For families who value independence, the minimal-regulation homeschool path works well despite self-funding. The state asks almost nothing of you but offers nothing financially in return.