Homeschooling in Wisconsin: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Wisconsin legalized homeschooling in 1984 and has maintained a straightforward framework ever since. The state asks for an annual enrollment form, 875 hours of instruction, and coverage of six core subjects. No standardized testing, no curriculum approval, no portfolio submissions.

The annual PI-1206 form is essentially a census—Wisconsin counts homeschool students for statistical purposes. You affirm you're meeting requirements without proving it through documentation. File by October 15, meet the hour and subject requirements, and you're compliant.

One standout feature: Wisconsin law guarantees homeschoolers the right to participate in public school athletics. Unlike many states where sports access depends on local discretion, Wisconsin protects this right statewide. This guide covers the requirements, the PI-1206 process, and practical strategies for homeschooling in America's Dairyland.

Wisconsin Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

The PI-1206 Form Process

Wisconsin requires annual filing of the PI-1206 form—a simple enrollment statement submitted to the Department of Public Instruction. The form has two sections^[2]:

Section I: Student enrollment count as of the third Friday in September Section II: Affirmation that you're meeting statutory requirements

Key details: - Deadline: October 15 each year - Submission: Online only at sms.dpi.wi.gov/HomeSchoolParent (paper forms no longer accepted) - Filing window: Opens on the third Friday in September - Retention: DPI keeps forms for 7 years; maintain your own permanent copies

What you're affirming: That your program provides sequentially progressive instruction in the six required subjects for at least 875 hours during the school fiscal year.

What you're NOT doing: Submitting curriculum, proving hours, or getting approval. The PI-1206 is an enrollment statement, not a permission request. Wisconsin doesn't approve or deny homeschool programs.

Required Subjects

Wisconsin requires instruction in six subject areas, progressing from simpler to more complex concepts as students advance^[1]:

Required subjects: - Reading - Language arts - Mathematics - Social studies - Science - Health

Sequentially progressive curriculum: Wisconsin law requires that instruction move from "simpler to more challenging concepts or skills." This doesn't mean using a specific curriculum—it means your program should show progression over time.

Subject integration: Many families use integrated approaches where subjects overlap. A research project might cover reading, language arts, social studies, and science simultaneously. Wisconsin allows flexibility in how you address subject requirements.

What Wisconsin doesn't require: - Physical education (though health is required) - Foreign language - Arts or music - Specific textbooks or curricula - Alignment with state standards

Instructional Hour Requirements

Wisconsin requires 875 hours of instruction per school fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30^[1].

Calculating 875 hours: - Across 175 days = 5 hours daily - Across 200 days = 4.4 hours daily - Across 225 days = 3.9 hours daily

What counts as instruction: Academic lessons, educational activities, directed reading, projects, field trips, music lessons, physical activities, and similar purposeful learning. Most comprehensive homeschool programs exceed 875 hours without difficulty.

Tracking hours: Wisconsin doesn't require attendance records, but many families track hours for their own purposes. A simple spreadsheet or homeschool planner showing daily instruction time works well.

School fiscal year: Remember Wisconsin operates July 1 - June 30, not a traditional September start. If you begin mid-year, pro-rate your hour target accordingly.

How to Start Homeschooling in Wisconsin

Record-Keeping Practices

Wisconsin doesn't mandate specific record-keeping. No attendance logs, portfolios, or progress reports are required. However, maintaining records serves your family well.

Why keep records: - Supports high school transcript creation - Documents education if returning to public school - Provides evidence if questions arise - Helps track progress and identify gaps

Recommended records: - Copy of annual PI-1206 confirmation - Curriculum used for each subject - Instructional hour estimates or tracking - Work samples (especially for high school courses) - Assessment results if you choose to test

Format flexibility: Choose what you'll actually maintain. Detailed daily logs, weekly summaries, or periodic snapshots—any consistent approach works.

Essential Records to Maintain

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Wisconsin stands out by guaranteeing homeschoolers the right to participate in public school athletics. State law (Wis. Stat. 118.133) requires school boards to allow participation^[3].

What the law covers: - Interscholastic athletics (sports teams) - Access applies statewide, not at district discretion

Eligibility requirements: Homeschoolers typically must meet the same eligibility standards as enrolled students—academic standing, behavior, residency in the school's attendance area. Contact your local school's athletic director for specific requirements.

How to participate: 1. Contact your local school's athletic director 2. Complete required registration paperwork 3. Provide health forms and any required documentation 4. Meet eligibility standards throughout the season

Beyond athletics: Extracurricular activities beyond sports (clubs, music programs, etc.) may be available at district discretion. The legal guarantee specifically covers interscholastic athletics.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Wisconsin homeschool parents determine graduation requirements and issue diplomas. The state doesn't mandate high school credits or course sequences for home-educated students. DPI does not issue diplomas to homeschoolers—you create your own^[2].

Building transcripts: For college applications, develop comprehensive transcripts documenting courses, credits, grades, and graduation requirements. Include course descriptions for selective schools.

Wisconsin universities: UW System schools and private colleges accept homeschool applicants. Requirements typically include transcripts, ACT scores (widely used in Wisconsin), and application materials. Contact admissions offices for specific guidance.

Technical colleges: Wisconsin's excellent technical college system offers pathways to skilled careers. Many welcome dual enrollment and have experience working with homeschool students.

Dual enrollment options: Check with local technical colleges and universities about taking courses for credit during high school years. This provides documented coursework alongside your homeschool transcript.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: File your PI-1206 for the current school fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) as soon as possible. If starting after October 15, file immediately—late filing is better than no filing.

Children turning 6: Wisconsin compulsory attendance begins at age 6. File the PI-1206 in the school year when your child turns 6.

Moving to Wisconsin: File your PI-1206 promptly upon establishing residency. Bring records from your previous state for continuity.

Returning to public school: Contact your local school about enrollment. Wisconsin places students based on school assessment, considering age and academic background. Organized records facilitate appropriate placement.

Private school option: Some families prefer to organize as a private school rather than home-based private education. This involves different paperwork (PI-1207) and additional requirements. Most homeschool families find the PI-1206 path simpler.

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin keeps homeschooling straightforward: file the PI-1206 by October 15, provide 875 hours of instruction in six required subjects, and maintain a sequentially progressive curriculum. No testing, no curriculum approval, no portfolio reviews.

The guaranteed sports access is a significant benefit. Unlike many states where athletic participation depends on local goodwill, Wisconsin law protects your homeschooler's right to play.

Your first step: mark your calendar for the third Friday in September when the PI-1206 filing window opens. Submit by October 15, select curriculum covering required subjects, and begin the rewarding work of home education in Wisconsin.