Wisconsin Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s always a good idea to consult the most recent and official sources or contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the most up-to-date information. Here’s a summary of homeschooling regulations in Wisconsin:

• Homeschooling is legal: Homeschooling is recognized as a legal option for education in Wisconsin. Parents have the right to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a public or private school.
• No compulsory attendance age: Wisconsin does not have a specific compulsory attendance age. However, the law requires children to attend school from the age of 6 until they graduate from high school or reach the age of 18, whichever occurs first. Homeschooling can be used as a means to comply with the compulsory education requirement.
• Homeschooling options: There are two primary ways to homeschool in Wisconsin:
  • Private Homeschool: Parents can establish a private homeschool, where they take full responsibility for their child’s education. There are no specific requirements for curriculum or teacher qualifications. However, it is recommended to provide a program that is “at least equivalent” to the public school education in terms of subjects taught, hours of instruction, and instructional materials.
  • Homeschooling under a Wisconsin Religious or Independent Private School: Parents can also homeschool their children as an extension of a Wisconsin religious or independent private school. In this case, the homeschooling program must meet the requirements set by the chosen school, and parents may need to meet any additional guidelines or reporting obligations set by the school.
• Notice of Intent: Wisconsin law does not require parents to provide a notice of intent to homeschool or seek approval from the state or local education authorities. However, if homeschooling under a Wisconsin religious or independent private school, parents may need to follow any reporting requirements established by the school.
• Testing and Assessments: Wisconsin does not require homeschool students to participate in standardized testing or assessments. However, individual school districts may request or recommend testing, so it’s advisable to check with your local school district for any additional requirements.
• Participation in Public School Activities: Wisconsin law allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities offered by their local public school district, such as sports, clubs, or other programs. However, individual school districts may establish their own policies regarding homeschooler participation, so it’s important to contact the district for specific guidelines.

Remember, this is just a summary of homeschooling regulations in Wisconsin, and it’s crucial to consult the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction or a legal professional to understand the specific requirements and ensure compliance with the most current laws and regulations.

Updated October 2023