Skip to main content

Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Wisconsin

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Wisconsin, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

Wisconsin law says a home-based private educational program is not a private school, so IDEA equitable services do not apply and districts are not required to provide special education services to homeschooled children, though they may choose to (DPI Bulletin 06.03; DPI Homeschooling FAQ). Your district must still evaluate your child and, if a disability is found, offer a public school placement.

Primary source: DPI Bulletin 06.03; DPI Homeschooling FAQ Q32; 34 CFR 300.111

How to access services while homeschooling

✓

Child Find

Districts must identify and evaluate all children in the district who may have a disability and, if a disability is found, offer a placement that provides a free appropriate public education (DPI Homeschooling FAQ, Q32).

How to request: Request an evaluation in writing from your school district's special education office.

IDEA, 34 CFR 300.111; DPI Homeschooling FAQ Q32

✓

Services at district discretion

Districts are not required to serve homeschooled children, but may provide any special education and related services they deem appropriate; these costs are not aided by DPI (DPI Homeschooling FAQ, Q32).

How to request: A district decides for itself whether to offer services to a homeschooled child.

DPI Homeschooling FAQ Q32

✕

Equitable services

Not available for home-based private educational programs. Under Wisconsin law these programs are not private schools, so the IDEA provisions for parentally placed private school students do not apply (DPI Bulletin 06.03). Children enrolled in a private school may be considered for equitable services.

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law says a home-based private educational program is not a private school, so IDEA equitable services do not apply and districts are not required to provide special education services to homeschooled children, though they may choose to (DPI Bulletin 06.03; DPI Homeschooling FAQ). Your district must still evaluate your child and, if a disability is found, offer a public school placement.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Wisconsin?
Child Find: Districts must identify and evaluate all children in the district who may have a disability and, if a disability is found, offer a placement that provides a free appropriate public education (DPI Homeschooling FAQ, Q32). Services at district discretion: Districts are not required to serve homeschooled children, but may provide any special education and related services they deem appropriate; these costs are not aided by DPI (DPI Homeschooling FAQ, Q32).

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

Start the Wisconsin wizard

Requirements sourced from Wis. Stat. 118.165. Last reviewed October 2026