Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Wisconsin

This is general guidance based on Wisconsin law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Wisconsin. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Wisconsin does not require districts to provide special education services to homeschooled children. Your child is entitled to a Child Find evaluation, but ongoing services are not guaranteed. The Special Needs Scholarship Program is for private school attendance, not homeschooling.

Children in HBPEPs are not entitled to IEP services from the district. IDEA child find obligations still apply.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Homeschoolers are entitled to an IEP evaluation through the public school district.

How to request: Contact your local school district's special education office to request an evaluation.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

Not a statutory right for HBPEPs.

Equitable services

No state law grants right to services; districts may offer at discretion.

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Through partial enrollment at district discretion or private providers
Occupational therapy:: Through private providers
Behavioral therapy:: Through private providers

SNSP provides vouchers for students with disabilities to attend private schools, but NOT applicable to HBPEPs.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

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

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Wisconsin?

Yes. Parents in Wisconsin have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Wisconsin.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Wisconsin?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Wisconsin's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from Wis. Stat. 118.167. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026