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Enlightium Academy is a private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, as educational policies are subject to change over time.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C. With this freedom comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, but you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help!
Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Wisconsin homeschooling requirements.
Homeschooling Options
Enrolling with Enlightium Academy does not change Wisconsin families’ homeschool status; they are still operating a home-based private educational program, and they must meet all legal requirements as the parent-instructor.
Wisconsin’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance
Notifying the State
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires homeschooling families to inform the Department of Public Instruction of their intent to homeschool using the online form found at this site. Your family needs to do this every year on or before October 15.
This form (“statement”) must include:
When asked for the name of your “Home-Based Private Education Program” — parents should choose any name that identifies their homeschool. It can be simple (e.g., “Smith Family Homeschool”).
The number of students in elementary school as of the third Friday in September
The number of students in high school as of the third Friday in September
That you are homeschooling to provide a religious and/or private education and not to circumvent attendance regulations
That your homeschool is “privately controlled” (not controlled by a government or a public school)
That you will meet hourly instruction requirements (more under “Academic Calendar” below)
That the curriculum will progress in core subjects (meaning they will become increasingly challenging/provide increasingly in-depth material to the student)
State Educational Funds
No state educational funds are available for homeschooling families at this time.
Academic Calendar
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires at least 875 hours of instruction each school year, which is less than five hours of instruction each day for 180 days. Wisconsin’s parameters for a school year are July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next.
Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays. Enlightium parents can email support@enlightiumacademy.com requesting a report with the number of hours their students have worked during the school year.
Age Requirement
Ages five or younger:
Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.
Ages six to 18:
They must attend school, which includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy. Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they turn 18 years old or graduate.
Instructor Qualifications
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction does not require students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications.
Students in the Book-Based Program (grades PreK-9) use textbook Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program (grades 3-12) use Ignitia digital Christian curriculum. Students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 1-12) use a collection of the best-vetted curriculum options by our curriculum department. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.Students in the Book-Based Program (grades PreK-9) use textbook Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use the Ignitia digital Christian curriculum (grades 3-12) or Enlightium’s custom online curriculum (available to select grade levels). Students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 1-12) use a collection of the best-vetted curriculum options by our curriculum department. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.
Required Subjects
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires the following subjects:
The first four bullet points are core courses at Enlightium Academy and should be assigned by your student’s counselor. Health is an elective available at Enlightium.
Standardized Assessment
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, Enlightium Academy requires students to take an annual assessment to keep track of how students are progressing. Enlightium provides the following options per grade level:
Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment. We recommend the IXL diagnostic assessment, as it provides more flexibility in scheduling and does not have an additional fee.
Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT
Keep a Portfolio
You should keep the following records to provide to the state upon request.
A copy of all forms submitted to the state, such as the PI-1206 form.
Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include the following:
Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and involvement in the Student Council.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Wisconsin Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Wisconsin to inform and support each other in fulfilling their state’s homeschooling requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.
Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?
If you have any questions:
Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.
Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.
We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.
Sources reviewed in May 2025: