Who We Are -- What We Offer
What is Holy Family Homeschoolers?
Holy Family Homeschoolers is a Catholic homeschool support network comprised of over 100 families from throughout the Diocese of Madison and beyond. We offer classes to students from Preschool through High School. We also offer numerous activities, events, and field trips throughout the year. Our students participate in sports, enjoy our band and orchestra program, attend prom, and anticipate celebrating high school graduation with seniors each year.
Who can join Holy Family Homeschoolers?
Catholic homeschoolers can join as members, as can Catholic families who are seriously investigating the option of homeschooling in the near future. Several of our active members began before their children were school-age, as they were first investigating the homeschooling option. Masses are considered public events, open to all. Audience seats at public performances and events are, of course, always open to all as well. In the interest of keeping the lines of distinction clear, e-schoolers (virtual charter schoolers) may, of course, join us for Masses, but are not eligible to participate in HFH membership activities.
How does HFH define "Catholic homeschoolers" for purposes of group membership?
For membership purposes, we consider a family "Catholic" if they are raising their children Catholic. We consider a family "homeschooling" if they file Wisconsin form PI-1206 for one or more of their children, or if they plan to file PI-1206 when their child(ren) reach school age.
How do I join Holy Family Homeschoolers?
There are three steps to becoming an HFH member with full website access:
Step 1: Click on the "Join HFH" link in the middle of our home page. Fill out the online form.
Step 2: When you reach the end of the online form and click "continue," you will be directed to fill out a second form. This second online form is a necessary part of our registration process. Membership will not be considered complete until both portions of the online registration have been completed.
Step 3: Mail your registration fee to our treasurer. Our membership fee is $35 annually, payable to Holy Family Homeschoolers. See specifics below.
Joining first semester? New members joining between August 1st and December 31st pay $35 via check or cash for membership. Using the PayPal option increases the dues by $2. This payment satisfies dues through July 15th of the next calendar year.
Joining second semester? New members joining between January 1st and May 31st pay a reduced rate of $18 for membership. Using the PayPal option increases the dues by $2. This payment satisfies dues through July 15th of the current calendar year.
Joining in the summer? New members joining in the summer, after June 1st, pay $35. This payment applies fully to the upcoming school year and satisfies dues through July 15th of the next calendar year.
Contact our membership coordinator if you have any questions about membership benefits or requirements.
Contact our webmaster if you have any questions about online registration or other questions related to making this website work for you.
What do I receive in return for my annual membership dues?
Members gain access to a network of supportive Catholic homeschooling families and wonderful peers for their children. Member children can participate in our weekly enrichment activities, and HFH families have access to all kinds of interesting group events and activities. Members gain access to the private members-only portion of our web site. From the members-only pages, members can access an interactive HFH calendar, participate in our active email forum, view and print a family directory, read and place classified ads, and so much more. Join HFH, and you will find friendships that will last a lifetime, homeschooling support to assist you in your family's education, and a Catholic atmosphere that will nurture you and your family on your path to sainthood.
Specifically, what kinds of activities does HFH offer?
We offer monthly homeschool Masses and Confessions, as well as weekly academic and enrichment activities for preschoolers through high schoolers. Weekly enrichment activities include classes such as art, science lab, gym, schola (choir), drama, public speaking, personal finance, and Shakespearean literature. Annual events include kick-off picnic, spelling bee, geography bee, All Saints Day party, Christmas caroling, Valentine's Day party, science fair, graduation ceremony, Father-Daughter Dance, Frassati Runners, Mom's Night Out, curriculum sale/swap, and much more. Other interesting past events have included International Night, Battle of the Books, Lego League, Lego Robotics camp, Little Flowers Club, and Rosary in the Park. HFH families regularly organize field trips, parties, and outings. HFH offers organized sports opportunities as well. You will never be at a loss for what to do if you are a member of HFH.
What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in Wisconsin?
Your only obligation to the State of Wisconsin is to file Form PI-1206 to the Department of Public Instruction by October 15 informing them that you are schooling your children at home. Section 118.165(1), Wis. Stats., requires that a program of at least 875 hours of instruction, which includes a sequentially progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction in six subject areas (reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health), be provided each school year, and they recommend you maintain a record of this instruction. You are not required to file the form for kindergartners. To request the form, call 608-266-5761 or write to:
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Bureau for School Management Services and Federal Aids 125 S. Webster St. P.O.Box 7841 Madison, WI 53707-7841
For more information and to download a printable version click on Form PI-1206
Taking the Next Steps
If you are new to homeschooling, new the area, even new to Catholicism, come join our friendly group where we support each one another our mission to faithfully educate our children. We can't wait to meet you.