Homeschool World Forum

[CatFisch]

Hi. I'm new to all this and am wondering how easy/difficult Wisconsin is to homeschool? My searches online haven't resulted in too much.

I'm also wondering exactly what this means (from HSLDA website): Establish and operate a "home-based private educational program"
Does this mean I have to create an official "private school"?

Last question: Is it necessary to join HSLDA?

Thank you!!

[Theodore]

From the law:

Definition: A “home-based private educational program” is a program of educational instruction provided to a child by the child’s parent or guardian or by a person designated by the parent or guardian. An instructional program provided to more than one family is not a home-based private educational program.

Basically, it's homeschooling under a different name. Requirements are:

- 875 hours instruction per year
- A "sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction" in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science and health
- File a statement of enrollment with the state department of education by October 15 each year

That's it. Wisconsin looks to be one of the easier states to homeschool in, there are usually more requirements than that.

Regarding the form that needs to be sent in, here's the official Department of Education info:
http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/homeb.html
_________________
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[CatFisch]

I guess it's simplicity was confusing me!
Thank you for your help, Theodore!

[CaithO]

We'll be new home schoolers this fall too, but I just wanted to plug WPA (Wisconsin Parent's Association). I've found their newsletters and handbook (be sure to get that, too) to be invaluable.

Also, we were at the WPA conference this summer and in one of the workshops regarding the legality of home schooling we asked about HSLDF and they recommended not joining, which surprised me, but I wish I could remember what their rational was. I'll see if DH remembers.

Anyway, I think the WPA handbook is a necessary resource if you want to home school in Wisconsin.
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Cate, wife of Joe and mom of
~Madeleine (7)
~Hank (4.5)
~Elisabeth (23 months)