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Private Schools

Information About Private Schools

This and other related information provided by this Department is not intended as legal advice nor as instruction on how to incorporate or establish a private school. It is the sole responsibility of the new private school to develop an educational organization which is in compliance with all statutory requirements.

The statutory definition of a "private school" allows for some variation in curriculum and organizational structure. However, numerous state statutes and administrative rules affect how a private school can administer curriculum, employee regulations and protections, student health services, facilities, enrollment reports, pupil records, special education, and transportation.

The information on this website identifies the relevant education-related statutes that apply to private school administration. The legislature has classified an educational institution as a "private school" if it is privately controlled, provides at least 875 hours of instruction each school year, and provides private or religious-based education as the primary purpose of its educational program. Additionally, the school must provide a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health and meet other requirements. Wisconsin Statutes Pertaining to The Educational Program in Private Schools and Part-Time Attendance Option contain additional information detailing curriculum options and enrollment reporting requirements. The Pupil Transportation homepage provides information on transportation procedures and related issues.

In addition to the education-related statutes, all private schools must comply with applicable state and federal employment law, building codes, and health standards. Questions regarding employee-related statutes, regulations, and protections (worker's compensation, payment of wages, physical examinations, fair employment practices, family and medical leave, etc.) can be directed to the Department of Workforce Development at 608/266-3131. Questions relating to educational facilities (ventilation, electrical wiring, fire prevention, toxic substances, and general building code) should be directed to the local building inspector or the Department of Safety and Professional Services at 608/266-3151. Student immunization and other health-related questions should be directed to the Department of Health Services at 608/266-1865.

In order to notify the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction of a new private school and be listed in the directory maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, a new private school should submit the School Modification Form.  When the new private school is ready to open, the administrator may also wish to notify the public school district within whose boundaries the private school is located, and any other districts from which the school draws students. Annually by October 15, private schools will submit the PI-1207, Private School Report. By completing and returning this form to the Department, private schools verify to the State their existence and compliance with education-related state statutes.

Another potential resource for information about private school operation and management is The Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS). WCRIS may be contacted at (608) 287-1224. Although WCRIS is a membership organization, they have offered to provide general consultation and resources to prospective private school administrators. Specific questions about the application of the statutes should be directed to the private school's attorney for legal assistance or to the appropriate state department.

If you have questions about this information, please email privateschools@dpi.wi.gov.