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Wisconsin (WI) State - Homeschooling Laws and Regulations Homeschooling is legal in every American state. The Department of Education states, "Parents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have the option to home school their children" (Department of Education, NCES). School attendance is compulsory for all children; however, parents have the legal right to withdrawal their children from government schools to enroll them in qualified private schools or to educate their children at home. This is only proper considering the fact that the duty and the right to educate the next generation were appointed by God to parents even before God created governments. Each state has laws that govern matters such as how parents are to declare their intention to homeschool and what topics must be included in your home-education program. Some states require periodic standardized tests and more formal records be maintained. One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the liberty of homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum. GETTING STARTED CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, BUT MULTITUDES OF PARENTS ARE HOMESCHOOLING AND SO CAN YOU! It is my pleasure to help your research efforts. Below are links to key government and non-government pages. Wisconsin: "A parent, guardian, or designee has the right to select a home-based private education program for his or her child or children, in order to comply with the compulsory school attendance law. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 118.15 (4). An instructional program provided to more than one family unit does not constitute a home-based private educational program. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 115.001 (3g). A home-based private education program is not considered a private school. The statute requires the parent or guardian to register the child for home based education by completing and submitting a form to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Wis. Stat. Ann. § 118.15 (4). The program of instruction must provide a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health for at least 875 hours each year. Testing of students is not mandatory under Wisconsin law. A student enrolled in a home-based private educational program may pursue the requirements for a GED certificate but do not receive a traditional Wisconsin high school diploma. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 118.165 (1)(d). Home-based private education students are allowed to attend their local public high school on a part time basis. A school district, space permitting, must admit a home-based private education student to take up to two courses per semester in the high school in which the student is a resident. Students must satisfy the high school admission standards of the school district. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 118.145 (4)." (Source: "State Regulation of Private Schools," Wisconsin, by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Non-Public Education (2000).) LINKS TO HELPFUL SITES CountiesDisclaimer: Balancing the Sword makes no claims about the timeliness nor the completeness of the links or legal information posted. These homeschooling laws and legal information are being provided free of charge. Postings of rules and regulations are subject to change. Seek the advice of other home-educating parents or homeschooling organizations in your area for more help or contact your county superintendent of schools. Plan to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your county superintendent or child's current principal. (This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Intent, a Letter of Intent, a Notification of Intent, or a Declaration of Intent. Sample from Tennessee.)
Homeschooling Conventions in Wisconsin (WI) |
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