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
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.
Track Wisconsin compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Wisconsin's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · WI homeschool law guide