Homeschool benefits: Waunakee Community School District
Waunakee Community School District lets a homeschooled Wisconsin student take up to two courses a term at any district school, whether or not you live in Waunakee. Apply on the district's form between February 1 and three weeks before the course starts; families who live in the district can also join athletics and activities.
Who qualifies
Homeschools in Wisconsin
Policy 424 covers any Wisconsin resident enrolled in a home-based private educational program, at any grade level, whether or not the family lives in the district.
Meets the course standards
Your child must be age-eligible and meet high school admission standards or qualify for the specific course. The district may ask for records, testing, or another assessment.
Fits the open seats
Students enrolled in district schools get first priority. Homeschoolers who live in Waunakee and applied at least three weeks ahead come next, then non-residents, with random selection within each group.
Lives in the district for sports
Athletics and extracurricular activities are open to homeschooled students who live in the district, on the same basis as enrolled students.
What access includes
The rules come from board policy 424 and its procedures rule, both revised or adopted in September 2023.
- Courses per term
- Up to 2
- Application window opens
- Feb. 1, prior school year
- Timely application deadline
- 3 weeks before start
- Decision notice
- By 1 week before start
- Priority, Waunakee residents
- Second, after enrolled students
- Priority, non-residents
- Third
Policy 424 does not mention course fees or district payment, and you provide transportation, so ask the principal about any course costs when you apply.
How to apply
- From February 1
Apply to the school
Submit the district's application form to the principal's office at the school that offers the course, no earlier than February 1 of the school year before.
- 3 weeks before start
Meet the timely deadline
Later applications are processed only after all timely ones, and an application after the course begins is denied unless your child only just became eligible.
- 1 week before start
Get the decision
An acceptance names the school your child attends; a denial gives the reason.
- Before day one
Confirm in writing
Send written notice that your child will attend. Without it, and if your child misses the first day, the seat is forfeited.
- Each term
Apply again
An acceptance covers only the term or session it was granted for.
What it includes
Included
- Up to two courses a term at any district school
- Athletics and activities for Waunakee residents
- Grade 7 and 8 athletics for resident non-public students
Not included
- Transportation to and from school
- Course access during an expulsion
- Athletics for homeschoolers outside the district
Good to know
Non-residents can apply
Any Wisconsin homeschooled student can apply, but residents get preference over non-residents when a course is full.
Who to contact about course access
The district office at 905 Bethel Circle can direct you to the principal's office that takes course applications.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Wisconsin
You must file PI-1206 with DPI each year between July 1 and October 15. For withdrawal from public or private school after October 15, submit or update it on or before the date attendance ends. Update it when changing districts or the number of enrolled children.
Wisconsin sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide at least 875 instructional hours each year and a sequentially progressive curriculum in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health.
- Testing: Wisconsin does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Keep copies of submitted PI-1206 reports; DPI retains them for seven years. Detailed instructional records are recommended, with no routine state submission required.
- Teachers: Wisconsin does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Wisconsin homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Wisconsin
Questions parents ask
- Does the Waunakee district pay for the course?
- Not that policy 424 says. That policy, which covers homeschool course access, does not mention fees, so ask the school. The district-payment rule in policy 343.44 covers public high school students taking courses in another district.
- What if we apply late?
- Applications filed less than three weeks before the start are handled in the order received, after every timely application, so popular courses may be full.
- Can my homeschooled child play on a Waunakee team?
- Yes, if you live in the district. Your homeschool program provides a written statement that your child meets the age, academic, and discipline requirements.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Local classes cover the subjects they offer. We teach the remaining subjects, so a local class can stay part of the year without becoming the whole curriculum.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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