Homeschooling in Wisconsin
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Wisconsin site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Wisconsin
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Wisconsin
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Wisconsin
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Wisconsin
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Wisconsin has to offer!
Resources
Wisconsin Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Wisconsin.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Wisconsin, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
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:
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Wisconsin
If you are considering homeschool for your child, you are probably wondering how you can get started. First, start by researching the laws regarding homeschooling in Wisconsin. This will all you to do everything by the book to ensure that your child isn’t considered truant, which could lead to legal trouble down the road.
Choosing a curriculum is another big step for homeschooling families. Power Homeschool is an online K-12 curriculum with a variety of courses to choose from. In addition to these courses, our program offers tools and resources to help new homeschoolers transition to at-home learning.
Resources
Wisconsin Homeschool Field Trips
Field trips are a great way to get out of the house and still have the opportunity to learn something new. There are many places to take field trips in Wisconsin. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- 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.
- Eagle Eye Farm in River Falls: Offers public and private farm tours, summer camps, homeschool camps, educational events and activities. In addition to alpacas, they also have llamas, Kune Kune pigs, chickens, Valais Blacknose Sheep, English Angora bunnies, and miniature Highland cattle. Open year-round.
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