Home-based private educational programs are:

• Required to provide “at least 875 hours of instruction.” (Wis Stat 118.165(1)(c))
• Required to include “a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health.” (Wis Stat 118.165(1)(d))
• To be provided “by the child’s parent or guardian or by a person designated by the parent or guardian.” (Wis Stat 115.001(3g))

The statute (Wis Stat 115.001(3g)) is clear that, “An instructional program provided to more than one family unit does not constitute a home-based private educational program.”

The 875 hours of instruction required by statute must be provided by the parent or guardian, or a designee, to only one family unit. Other educational activities which include more than one family unit can be considered enrichment activities, as they should not be considered as meeting this minimal requirement. Such enrichment activities have great educational value, and may be included in other ways in your homeschooling records and transcripts, just like non-school activities for students who attend institutional schools.

Parents are free to include other topics in their homeschool, and are not required to include topics which conflict with the program’s religious doctrines.

Wisconsin homeschooling parents may choose how and when to provide the required hours of instruction. They are not bound by any institutional school calendar or program for this purpose.