Guide to Homeschooling in Wisconsin

Resources

Wisconsin Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Every state has its own laws and rules about homeschooling. While laws vary considerably between states, a few requirements are common. Most states will have stipulations about the subjects you must teach, how often your school must be in session, and how much education the parents are required to have to teach their children. It is important that you understand all Wisconsin homeschooling laws before you open your own classroom.

One of the first things you need to do when you decide to homeschool your children is formally withdrawing them from their public or private school. Not only does this prevent your student from being considered truant, but it also protects you legally.

RECORD KEEPING

Not every state requires homeschools to keep detailed records. At Power Homeschool, we believe that keeping records of attendance, grades, curriculum, assignments, and other important documents is important. These documents could come in handy should the laws in your state ever change. Additionally, these documents could help you if you move to another state or decide to re-enroll your children in public or private schools.

Our online parent portal keeps all important documents for you, and you can download them should you ever need them.

WISCONSIN STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS

In some states, homeschooled children are required to take standardized tests to ensure that they are keeping up with their traditionally schooled peers. Even if these assessments aren’t required, many parents have their children take the tests to prove that their children are on par with other children their age. It is always a good idea to have your student take these tests, just in case you need to re-enroll your children in public or private school later on, or you move to another state that does require these test scores.

WISCONSIN HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation requirements for homeschooled children are set by the homeschool, which means that as long as you are following the law, you can determine what your child needs to do to graduate. In Wisconsin, parents have the ability to tailor their child’s education to the life they want post-graduation. You can do a little research to determine what specific colleges, technical schools, and potential employers look for.

Diplomas are issued by the homeschool, so parents are free to provide a diploma for their student once they have reached the graduation requirements.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Wisconsin

The WPA homeschool provides state-wide assistance to parents, and the group protects the rights of homeschooling families across the state.

Support groups and co-ops are also beneficial to homeschooling families. These groups share resources, advice, and information about homeschooling with one another. Additionally, the host activities and meet-ups for homeschooling families to provide socialization and fun. Some of these groups even offer special events like proms and graduation ceremonies.

Co-ops tend to be more strictly focused on academics than support groups. Many co-ops offer weekly learning opportunities for homeschooling families. In co-ops, parents might take turns teaching general subjects, or they might have a more specific focus like STEM or fine arts.

Here are a few options for support groups in Wisconsin:

• Appleton Christian Homeschool Fellowship
• Menomonie Area Homeschool Group
• Splendor of Truth Catholic Home Educators
• Valley Homeschoolers, Inc.
• Wolf River Home Educators

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Betty Brin Children’s Museum in Milwaukee: The Betty Brin Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits for children from birth through age ten. Exhibits allow children to experience science, adult life, art, and more.
• Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee: Discovery World is a great field trip option for children who are interested in science and technology. You can learn about physics, the Great Lakes, energy, and more at this unique museum.
• Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee: Take your students to learn about world-renowned artists and unique pieces of art at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Children even have the opportunity to create their own artwork while at the museum.
• Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee: You won’t want to miss out on the over 3,100 animals that call the Milwaukee County Zoo home. The Wild Connections animal encounter program allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most popular animals at the zoo.
• Milwaukee Public Museum in Milwaukee: Explore a variety of different exhibits focused on history, anthropology, geology, botany, photography, and zoology. There is something for everyone at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
• Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee: The Urban Ecology Center invites children and families to explore nature without leaving the city. Kids can visit the beach, woods, and rivers in the area to truly understand and learn to value these unique features of the state of Wisconsin.
• Dome Ranch in Spring Valley: Enjoy nature with your student at the Dome Ranch. On the ranch, you can spend time with animals, participate in a nature craft, cook and sample garden recipes, and walk through nature.
• Crystal Cave in Spring Valley: During warmer months, visit the Crystal Cave where you can take a tour and see what life is like 70 feet below ground. You will learn about history, geology, and bats in Wisconsin’s longest cave. The Crystal Cave even has special homeschool days twice a year.
• Kenosha Public Museum in Kenosha: This natural science and art museum is the perfect location for students interested in learning about world cultures, fossils, zoology, geology, Native Americans, and more.
• Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg: Riveredge Nature Center is home to more than 350 acres of land with miles and miles of trails to explore. At the nature center, you can find various animal and plant species.
• Ten Chimneys in Waukesha: Explore the National Historic Landmark home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. As you tour the estate, you will see the three-story Main House, the Studio, the gardens, the Enchanting Cottage, and more. Tours take about two hours.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay: Take a naturalist-guided tour to learn all about the ecosystem in the area. You will learn about plant and animal life, as well as the landscape.