Romeschool

Wisconsin homeschool requirements

To homeschool in Wisconsin, file form PI-1206 with the state DPI by October 15, provide 875 hours, and teach a sequential curriculum in six subject areas. No testing.

Last reviewed June 5, 2026 · Sources below

Minimal regulation Notice required Instruction time set
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Wisconsin homeschool requirements at a glance

Notice
RequiredWhere it goes: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). When: Annually; the window opens the third Friday in September; deadline October 15 (or as soon as instruction begins if later).
Required subjects
Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies/History, Science, Health
Instruction time
875 hoursAt least 875 hours of instruction per school year.
Testing or evaluation
NoNo standardized testing or evaluation required.
Records
No
Parent qualifications
Not required
Compulsory attendance ages
6–18
Ways to homeschool
Home-based private educational program (annual PI-1206 to DPI)
Law
Wis. Stat. § 118.165
Official source
dpi.wi.gov ↗

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin requires homeschooling families to file a notice. Where it goes: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). How: Form PI-1206 (online via the HOMER system). When: Annually; the window opens the third Friday in September; deadline October 15 (or as soon as instruction begins if later). Filed every school year (Jul 1–Jun 30).

What subjects does Wisconsin require homeschoolers to teach?

Wisconsin requires instruction in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies/History, Science, and Health. A sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in these 6 areas (Wis. Stat. 118.165).

How many days or hours of instruction does Wisconsin require?

Wisconsin's rule: At least 875 hours of instruction per school year.

Is standardized testing required to homeschool in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students. No standardized testing or evaluation required.

What records do I need to keep to homeschool in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does not require homeschooling families to keep specific records. DPI does not inspect records or curriculum; no portfolio or work-sample requirement.

Do parents need a teaching certificate or other qualification to homeschool in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin does not set a general qualification for homeschooling parents.

What ages does Wisconsin's compulsory attendance law cover?

Wisconsin's compulsory attendance law covers children from age 6 to age 18.

What are the ways to homeschool in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, families homeschool under this pathway: home-based private educational program (annual PI-1206 to DPI).

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Wisconsin, as it is in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. To homeschool in Wisconsin, file form PI-1206 with the state DPI by October 15, provide 875 hours, and teach a sequential curriculum in six subject areas. No testing.

How to get started in Wisconsin

1
File form PI-1206 with Wisconsin DPI
File online every school year. The filing window opens the third Friday in September and closes October 15; if you begin homeschooling after October 15, file as soon as instruction begins.
Official resource (dpi.wi.gov) →
2
Provide 875 hours
At least 875 hours of instruction each school year (July 1–June 30). The state does not inspect your records, but a record of your hours is still worth keeping.
3
Teach the six required subjects
A sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health. The state does not review your curriculum.
4
No testing required
Wisconsin requires no standardized tests or evaluations, and parents need no teaching credential.
What Romeschool tracks for you: Your hours toward the 875-hour minimum.

Sources for Wisconsin

Official source (dpi.wi.gov) ↗HSLDA's Wisconsin summary ↗
Statute: Wis. Stat. § 118.165
Last reviewed: June 5, 2026

Every requirement above comes from our review of Wisconsin’s rules, last checked against these sources on June 5, 2026. Homeschool law changes, and a state can amend its rules between our reviews — read the official source before you file anything or rely on a date here. How we review state requirements.

Nearby states

States that share a border with Wisconsin:

All 50 states & D.C. →