Wisconsin Homeschool Funding
Parental Choice Programs, services.
WI
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No direct state funding for homeschooling (Home-Based Private Educational Program)
Admin: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for homeschool reporting; local school districts for part-time course access
Typical award
Amount: Not applicable — Wisconsin does not provide ESA/vouchers/reimbursements for homeschools
Disbursement: N/A
Who qualifies
- Residency: Wisconsin residents may operate a Home-Based Private Educational Program (HBPEP).
- Age/grade: Applies to compulsory school-age children (generally ages 6–18).
- Needs/other: Families are responsible for providing instruction and paying expenses; limited access to public school courses is available part-time through the resident district (space permitting).
Timeline
- Homeschool notice: File the PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report via DPI’s HOMER system each year (file when you begin homeschooling and annually thereafter).
- Part-time courses: District-set request deadlines each semester (check with your resident district).
- Private Choice programs: Parent application window opens in early February (varies by program/year).
Overview
Wisconsin does not fund homeschools directly. Families who homeschool operate a “Home-Based Private Educational Program” and file an annual PI-1206 report with DPI. You may request part-time enrollment in up to two public-school courses each semester through your resident district (if space is available). Wisconsin’s Parental Choice Programs (Milwaukee, Racine, and statewide) and the Special Needs Scholarship Program provide vouchers to attend participating private schools and do not fund homeschooling.
Programs
Part-Time Public School Attendance (resident district)
- Type: Course access (up to two classes per semester)
- Award: No cash to families; approved classes are provided by the district (tuition covered by the district; typical school fees/supplies may still apply).
- Uses: Core or elective classes, labs, CTE, band/choir, AP courses — as offered by the resident public school and if prerequisites/space allow.
- Admin: Local school boards (statutory authority under Wis. Stat. §118.53).
Private School Choice (MPCP/RPCP/WPCP) — not homeschooling
- Type: Voucher/Scholarship for private school enrollment
- Award: Per-pupil voucher paid directly to the participating private school
- Uses: Tuition/eligible fees at a participating private school (full-time enrollment required)
- Admin: Wisconsin DPI; parent applies in the Online Application System (OAS)
Private School Choice Programs overview · Parent application (OAS)
Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) — not homeschooling
- Type: Voucher for students with disabilities enrolled in participating private schools
- Award: Scholarship paid to the private school (amount set annually by DPI/state law)
- Uses: Tuition/services at the participating private school
- Admin: Wisconsin DPI
Eligibility
- Residency (homeschool): Parent/guardian maintains a home-based private educational program in Wisconsin and files PI-1206 annually.
- Age/grade: Applies to compulsory school-age children; instruction must be sequentially progressive and provided for at least 875 hours per school year.
- Part-time courses: Student resides in the public school district, meets course prerequisites, and space is available.
- Choice programs (not homeschool): Student meets residency and other program criteria (e.g., income/grade/placement) and enrolls full-time in a participating private school.
How to apply
- Homeschool filing: Submit the PI-1206 Homeschool Enrollment Report in DPI’s HOMER system when you begin homeschooling and each school year thereafter. Save/print your confirmation for your records.
- Part-time courses: Contact your resident district’s enrollment office for the part-time attendance request form, course list, and semester deadlines. Submit proof of residency and any prerequisites.
- Private Choice (optional alternative): If you plan to enroll in a participating private school, apply in DPI’s Online Application System (OAS) during the program’s application window and submit supporting documents to the school.
Covered expenses
- Homeschool: Families purchase curriculum, textbooks, software, and supplies out-of-pocket (no state reimbursements).
- Part-time courses: District covers tuition for approved classes; standard school activity/consumable fees may still apply.
- Special education services are not guaranteed to homeschools; consult your district about any locally available services tied to course participation.
- Not covered by state: General homeschool curriculum, tutoring, field trips, exams, devices, etc.
- Choice/SNSP: Funds flow directly to participating private schools (not to families).
- Always keep receipts and written approvals from the district for any course-related fees.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PI-1206 homeschool filing | Annually (file when you begin; then each school year) | Submit via HOMER; keep confirmation |
| Part-time course requests | Per semester (district-set) | Check resident district for forms and due dates |
| Private Choice (WPCP/MPCP/RPCP) | Opens early February | Exact window varies by program/year; apply in OAS |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does Wisconsin give homeschool ESAs or reimbursements?
No. Wisconsin does not provide ESAs or reimbursements for homeschools. Limited support is via public-school part-time course access through your resident district, and separate private school voucher programs that are not homeschool funding.
Can homeschoolers use a Parental Choice voucher without enrolling in a private school?
No. Choice vouchers are only for students enrolled full-time at participating private schools; payments go to the school, not to families.
How many public-school classes can my homeschooler take?
By statute, up to two courses each semester in your resident public school, if space is available and prerequisites are met.
Can my homeschooler join extracurriculars or sports?
There’s no statewide guarantee. Access is set locally by school boards and athletic associations. Ask your resident district about current policies for non-enrolled students.
Contacts
DPI — Bureau of Education Options
Your resident school district
Contact the enrollment office for part-time course requests, local deadlines, and any activity fee information.
Law & regulations
- Wis. Stat. §115.001 (definitions) — includes reference to “home-based private educational program.”
- Wis. Stat. §118.53 — part-time attendance in public schools.
- Wis. Stat. §118.165 (summary) — private school requirements (875 hours and core subjects).