Homeschooling in Wisconsin
Form PI-1206 & 875 Hours of Instruction
To homeschool in Wisconsin, you enroll in a 'Home-Based Private Educational Program' by filing form PI-1206 online. You must provide 875 hours of instruction annually.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
875
per year
Subjects
6
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Form PI-1206 annually by October 15
- Provide 875 hours of instruction per year
- Teach 6 required subjects (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health)
- No state testing required
- No parent qualifications required
- Sports access is guaranteed by law (Statute 118.133)
Legal Framework
Wisconsin Statute 118.165(1) - Home-Based Private Educational Program
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Wisconsin
The Waldorf Map lists 8 schools and 2 kindergartens and playgroups in Wisconsin, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Madison Waldorf School, Madison
- Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School, Viroqua
- Prairie Hill Waldorf School, Pewaukee
- Tamarack Waldorf School, Milwaukee
Required Subjects
Curriculum must be 'sequentially progressive' - building on prior learning.
Reading
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Health
Filing Requirements
What to file
Form PI-1206 (HOMER - Homeschool Enrollment Report)
When
October 15 annually (or immediately upon starting)
Where
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
How to submit
Online via DPI portal
What to include
- • Parent/child info
- • Enrollment confirmation
**Only document you submit** - no portfolios, no tests. 875 hours/year in 6 subjects (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health). Must be 'sequentially progressive' curriculum. Track hours internally for compliance. **Sports GUARANTEED** (Statute 118.133) - public schools MUST allow participation.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Form PI-1206 (HOMER)
Complete the online enrollment report with the Dept of Public Instruction (DPI).
- •Visit dpi.wi.gov/sms/home-based
- •Create an account or log in
- •Complete the online form
- •Submit by October 15
Tip: The portal opens in August/September each year. If starting mid-year, file before withdrawing from public school.By October 15 annually
- 2
Begin Instruction
Start your sequentially progressive curriculum covering all 6 required subjects.
- •Plan curriculum for 6 subjects
- •Set up hour tracking system
- •Begin teaching
Tip: You do not turn in your curriculum - just attest on the form that you have one. Track hours from July 1 - June 30 each school year.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No testing required
- ✓No parent qualifications
- ✓Simple online filing
- ✓Guaranteed sports access
Cons
- •High hour requirement (875 hours)
- •Must track hours for compliance
Sports & Activities
**Guaranteed** (Statute 118.133). Public schools **must allow** homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic sports and extracurriculars.
Questions about homeschooling in Wisconsin
What happens if I miss the October 15 deadline?
File it immediately. If you are just starting mid-year, file before withdrawing. Late filing is risky and can trigger truancy inquiries.
Do I have to show my curriculum to anyone?
No. You attest on the PI-1206 form that you have a sequentially progressive curriculum, but you do not turn it in for review.
Can my child play sports at the public school?
Yes! Wisconsin Statute 118.133 guarantees homeschoolers access to interscholastic activities, including sports. Schools cannot deny you.
How do I track my 875 hours?
Use a simple log or spreadsheet. Track subjects and hours daily or weekly. Keep this private - you only produce it if legally challenged.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Wisconsin records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Wisconsin tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · WI homeschool law guide