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Truancy

Posted on by whpa-webadmin

Wisconsin statute 118.15 requires compulsory attendance between the ages of 6-18. Wisconsin does not have a law that requires compulsory education, only attendance.

Home-based private educational programs (homeschools) that meet the criteria outlined in this statute, can be substituted for attendance at a public or private school.

Important information:

  • Your child is subject to the truancy process if you have not filed the PI-1206 Homeschool Report at the correct time and received electronic confirmation that it has been processed. (Learn more about When and How to File the PI-1206 Homeschool Report.)
  • 118.15(5) outlines the penalty for truancy, which includes monetary fines and imprisonment.
  • If you consider yourself to be homeschooling a child between the ages of 6-18, but have not filed the PI-1206 Homeschool Report, your child is subject to the truancy process.
  • Filing a PI-1206 Homeschool Report cannot be done retroactively.  The Department of Public Instruction only keeps forms for 7 years.  You must keep a copy of every PI-1206 Homeschool Report you file.

To learn more about Wisconsin homeschool law, and about unexcused absences and truancy in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Homeschool Law page.

WHPA provides information about homeschooling in Wisconsin. WHPA does not provide specific legal advice to any specific individuals in the context of any specific matters. It is the responsibility of each homeschool administrator/parent or guardian to read original source material and make decisions on compliance for themselves. When you file the PI-1206 Homeschool Report with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, you take full responsibility for understanding and complying with the laws outlined on that form. WHPA does not endorse or provide curriculum suggestions or specific materials for any particular educational approach.