Yes, homeschooling is legal in Wisconsin under state statutes, provided families comply with specific oversight requirements. Wisconsin Statutes § 115.30(1)(a) and § 118.15(1)(a) permit homeschooling as an alternative to public or private schooling. Parents must file an annual PI-1206 Homeschool Report with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by October 15, confirming enrollment and instruction hours. Local school districts may request additional documentation, such as course outlines or standardized test results, though DPI does not mandate standardized testing. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter verification of teacher qualifications for core subjects like math and science.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Wisconsin
- Annual Reporting Requirement: Families must submit the PI-1206 form to the DPI by October 15 each year, verifying compliance with state homeschooling laws. Failure to file may trigger district inquiries or penalties.
- Instructional Hours & Curriculum: Homeschools must provide at least 875 hours of instruction annually, with subjects including reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, and health. Local districts may review curriculum alignment with state standards.
- Teacher Qualifications: While parents need not hold teaching licenses, DPI’s 2026 guidance mandates that instructors for core subjects demonstrate subject-matter competence, often via college credits or alternative assessments.