How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Wisconsin

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Wisconsin requires to start

   The parent files the PI-1206 home-based private educational program enrollment report online with the Department of Public Instruction. DPI states it is a report and not an application, so neither DPI nor the district approves or denies it.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute does not require a separate withdrawal letter, exit meeting or district form, and DPI guidance says no district can compel the form before October 15. A stated intent to homeschool is enough notice to the district until then, and informing the school in writing is common courtesy.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The PI-1206 is due by October 15 each school year, with filing open from July 1. A child withdrawn after October 15 needs the form submitted or updated on or before the date the child stops attending, and it is not needed for a child who is not yet 6 by September 1.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Wis. Stat. 118.125(2)(a) lets a parent request pupil progress records from the school. Under FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) a parent may inspect and request a copy of the child's education records, and the school must respond within 45 days.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   DPI's December 2020 FAQ says districts are not required to serve homeschooled children but must carry out child find, and a parent may request an evaluation. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) a parent may revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends those services after prior written notice from the district.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Wisconsin: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under Wis. Stat. 118.15(4), 118.165(1), 115.001(3g).

I am filing the PI-1206 home-based private educational program enrollment report with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Wisconsin

Wisconsin DPI, Home-Based Private Education, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions