If you’re wondering how in the world Wisconsin could possibly come after Hawaii the answer is simple. If you’re watching this series, and I know there are a few of you who are, do what Michele did and ask me about your state! I will skip ahead to Wisconsin and then I’ll go back to alphabetical order–unless of course someone else requests a different state!
This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
In Wisconsin, you only have one option to home school your child legally: to establish and operate a “private educational institution.” While that might sound intimidating, it is really legalese for teach your child at home!
Compulsory Age: The year your child is 6 before September 1st until the year the child is 18.
Attendance: The only attendance requirement is that the program must provide at least 875 hours of instruction per year. In a regular school year (typically 180 days), that would be approximately 4 ½ hours per day.
Subjects: The curriculum you choose must provide “a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction” in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, and health.
Teacher Qualifications: None except as noted for the tutoring option above.
Notice: You must send a statement of enrollment to the State Department of Education by October 15th, every year.
Record keeping: None
Testing: None
Information from this blog was taken from:
HSLDA
A to Z Homeschooling
State Organizations and Support Groups
Wisconsin Christian Home Educators Association
Wisconsin Parents’ Association
Holy Family Homeschoolers
Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators