Hours / Days
875 hours per school year
State Code
WI
Subjects
6 required
Filing Requirements
Statement of Enrollment (PI-1206 Form)
Annually by October 15File with Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
How to Comply with Wisconsin's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Wisconsin
Legal Classification
Home-Based Private Educational Program
Compulsory Education Ages
6-18
Steps to Get Started
File Statement of Enrollment (PI-1206) by October 15
File form PI-1206 (Homeschool Enrollment Report) with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction by October 15 of each school year. This is your annual filing showing that you're operating a home-based private educational program.
- Access the PI-1206 online filing system (HOMER) at dpi.wi.gov
- Complete the form with your information and child's details
- Include the grade level(s) you'll be teaching
- Submit by October 15 deadline
- Receive electronic confirmation when filed
- Print and keep a copy for your records
File early in the school year to ensure timely submission and avoid any issues.
Provide 875 Hours of Instruction Annually
Wisconsin requires a minimum of 875 hours of instruction per school year. This equals approximately 4.75 hours per day for 184 days. You can structure your schedule flexibly to meet this requirement.
- 875 hours is the legal minimum per 12-month period
- Hours are actual instruction time, not breaks or free time
- You can distribute hours however you like throughout the year
- Track hours to ensure you meet the minimum
- Many families exceed 875 hours without difficulty
Plan your school year calendar to ensure you'll hit 875 hours before the year ends.
Teach Six Required Subjects with 'Sequentially Progressive' Curriculum
Provide a sequentially progressive curriculum (where students build on what they've learned) in six core subjects: reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health.
- Reading: comprehension, fluency, and letter recognition (K-2)
- Language arts: writing, grammar, spelling, communication
- Mathematics: computation, problem-solving, applicable math concepts
- Social studies: civics, history, geography, cultural studies
- Science: life science, earth science, physical science
- Health: wellness, nutrition, disease prevention, safety
Sequentially progressive means you're building skills throughout the year—not repeating the same level.
Create a Sequentially Progressive Curriculum Plan
Design your curriculum so that students progress through increasingly advanced material in each subject. This shows that instruction builds on prior learning and develops competency.
- Map out what you'll teach each quarter or semester
- Ensure each subject progresses in complexity and difficulty
- Show how skills and knowledge build throughout the year
- Use an outline or curriculum plan for your reference
- Keep your curriculum plan organized
A simple outline for each subject showing the progression is sufficient—you don't need a formal document.
Select Your Curriculum Materials
Choose curriculum materials and teaching methods that allow you to provide instruction in the six required subjects. Wisconsin allows complete freedom in curriculum selection—use any materials that work for your family.
- Use textbooks, workbooks, online programs, or create your own materials
- Choose traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, or other approaches
- Integrate subjects through projects or teach separately
- Use hands-on learning, literature-based programs, or any method
- You don't need to use Wisconsin-approved curriculum
This freedom in curriculum choice allows truly personalized education.
Maintain Records and Track Hours
Keep records documenting the instruction provided, attendance, and learning activities. Wisconsin doesn't require formal assessment or testing, but good record-keeping helps you track progress.
- Keep a simple log or spreadsheet tracking instructional hours
- Note subjects covered each day or week
- Save work samples, completed assignments, and projects
- Document field trips, classes, and enrichment activities
- Keep receipts for curriculum and materials purchased
A simple daily checklist or hourly log makes it easy to track you're meeting the 875-hour requirement.
Renew Your Filing Annually
Each school year by October 15, file a new PI-1206 form to renew your home-based private educational program. This is a quick process if your information hasn't changed significantly.
Mark your calendar for mid-October to ensure timely annual renewal.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in Wisconsin public school, file your PI-1206 and begin home instruction. No formal withdrawal is needed, but you may want to notify the school. If re-enrolling in public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Wisconsin homeschoolers may participate in some public school activities depending on district policy. Contact your school district's athletic director or principal about eligibility for sports and extracurricular activities.
Special Education
Wisconsin allows families with students who have special needs to operate home-based private educational programs. If your child previously had an IEP, coordinate with your district about services you want to continue or access.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Keep your PI-1206 filing confirmation and receipt organized with school records
- Maintain a simple spreadsheet or log showing hours of instruction by month
- Create subject folders with work samples from each of the six required subjects
- Track attendance or instructional days to ensure 875 hours are completed
- Document field trips, classes, workshops, and educational activities attended
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
No testing required. No progress reports required to submit.
Record Keeping
Not required to submit to state. Sequentially progressive curriculum required.
Key Facts About Wisconsin
Low-regulation state
Annual statement of enrollment required
875-hour requirement
Sequentially progressive curriculum required
No progress reporting or testing for state
Ages 6-18
“Every family's homeschool journey in Wisconsin is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PI-1206 form?
This is Wisconsin's Statement of Enrollment form. File it annually by October 15 with the Department of Public Instruction.
What does 875 hours mean?
You must provide 875 instructional hours per school year. This is approximately 5 hours per day over 175 days.
What does 'sequentially progressive curriculum' mean?
Your curriculum should progress sequentially, building on previous knowledge. Curriculum must be organized and coherent, not random.
Does Wisconsin require testing?
No. Wisconsin does not mandate standardized testing or progress reporting to the state.
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