Most people think homeschooling is complicated. They worry about tons of paperwork and strict rules. But here’s the truth: Minnesota actually makes it pretty straightforward.
The state wants you to teach your kids. They just need to know you’re doing it. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to homeschool legally in the North Star State.
What Is Homeschooling in Minnesota?
Homeschooling in Minnesota means you’re providing education to your child at home. The state considers it “nonpublic education.” Think of it like a tiny private school that just happens to be in your house.
You’re the teacher, the principal, and the curriculum director. Pretty cool, right? Minnesota law recognizes that parents are primarily responsible for their child’s education. This isn’t just empty words. It’s written into the state education code.
Around 4.93% of Minnesota students were homeschooled during the 2023-24 school year. That’s about 30,000 kids. You’re not alone in this journey.
Who Can Homeschool?
Here’s some great news. If you’re the parent, you’re automatically qualified. Seriously. No teaching degree required. No special certifications needed.
You just need to be the parent or legal guardian. That’s it.
Now, if someone else is teaching your child, different rules apply. They need at least one of these qualifications:
A valid Minnesota teaching license. Or they’re directly supervised by someone with a license. Or they have a bachelor’s degree. Or they’re teaching at a state-accredited school.
Most families don’t worry about this part. You’re teaching your own kids, so you’re good to go.
Basic Reporting Requirements
Okay, this part is important. Minnesota requires you to notify your local school district. You can’t just start homeschooling without telling anyone.
Here’s the timeline. You must submit your initial report by October 1 after your child turns 7. Or within 15 days of withdrawing them from public school. Whichever comes first.
The school will mark your child absent until they receive this form. After three days of absences, they report it to CPS for truancy. So don’t delay. Submit that paperwork ASAP.
What Goes in Your Initial Report
Your first report needs specific information. Include your child’s full name, birth date, and address. Add your name and address as the parent or instructor.
You’ll also need to submit immunization records. Or you can file a conscientious objection instead. Plus, you need to state which standardized test you’ll use annually. More on that later.
Send this to your local school district superintendent. Not the Minnesota Department of Education. Find your district’s contact info on their website.
Annual Letter of Intent
Every year by October 1, you submit a continuation letter. This is way simpler than the initial report. Just note any changes from the previous year.
New students to report? List them. Changed your testing plan? Mention it. Still using everything from last year? Just say so.
This requirement continues until your child turns 16. If you start homeschooling after age 16, you report until they turn 17. Once they hit 16, you’re done with annual reporting.
Unless they participate in PSEO. That’s the college program for high schoolers. Then you still need to file that letter.
Required Subjects
Minnesota law lists specific subjects you must teach. Don’t panic. These are pretty standard topics you’d expect.
Reading and writing. Literature and fine arts. Math and science. History, geography, economics, and government. Plus citizenship, health, and physical education.
Notice something missing? There’s no requirement for how often you teach each subject. Or at what grade level. Or how many hours per day.
Wondering if this applies to you? It applies to everyone homeschooling in Minnesota. But you get to decide how to teach these subjects.
The state doesn’t require you to follow public school standards. You can teach chronologically, by unit studies, or however works for your family. Ancient history for kindergarteners? Go for it. Hands-on science experiments in preschool? Absolutely.
Standardized Testing Requirements
Here’s where some families get nervous. Minnesota requires annual testing for most homeschool students. But honestly, it’s less stressful than you might think.
Who needs to test? Students who were at least 7 on October 1 and haven’t turned 16 yet. Or students who started homeschooling after turning 16 but before turning 17.
Choosing Your Test
The test must be a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test. That’s a mouthful. Basically, it means a recognized standardized test like the Iowa Assessments or NWEA MAP tests.
You and your district superintendent must agree on the test. Most superintendents are pretty flexible about this. Pick one that works for your family and let them know.
Stay with me here. This next part is important.
Test Score Privacy
You don’t have to share test results with the school district. Keep them for your own records. The law says you must keep at least three years of test results on file.
But if your child scores at or below the 30th percentile? You need to get them evaluated for learning disabilities. This protects kids who might need extra help.
The testing is private and low-stakes. Nobody’s judging your homeschool based on these scores. It’s just a way to track your child’s progress.
The Accreditation Exception
Hold on, this one’s good. If your homeschool is accredited by a recognized agency, you don’t need to do annual testing. Minnesota currently recognizes only one agency for homeschools.
That’s the Home-Based Educators Accrediting Association. Getting accredited means extra paperwork and requirements. But it does exempt you from testing.
Most families skip accreditation and just do the annual test. It’s simpler.
Record Keeping Requirements
You need to maintain certain records. Nothing crazy, just basic documentation. Keep attendance records showing your child is receiving instruction. Document which subjects you’re teaching.
Keep those test results for at least three years. And maintain samples of your child’s work. You don’t need to show these to anyone unless you enroll your child in public school later.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Withdrawing From Public School
Already have a kid in public school? You can withdraw them anytime. No permission needed. No advance notice required.
Just pull them out. Then you have 15 days to submit your homeschool notification. But remember what we said earlier. The school marks them absent immediately.
For high school students, consider finishing the quarter first. They might not get credit for incomplete work. But legally, you can withdraw whenever you want.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply
Okay, let’s talk consequences. If you don’t submit your required paperwork, your child is considered truant. The school will report this after three unexcused absences.
This can lead to Child Protective Services involvement. For children under 12, the county attorney can file a Child in Need of Protection or Services case. That’s educational neglect under Minnesota law.
You could face requirements to ensure school attendance. In serious cases, courts can order children removed from the home. This is rare, but it can happen.
For kids 12 and older, truancy cases go to juvenile court. The student might work with a probation agent. They could lose driving privileges. Or face a curfew.
Don’t let this scare you. Just file your paperwork on time. Seriously, set a reminder for September 15 every year. Problem solved.
Access to Public School Activities
Here’s something awesome. Minnesota homeschool students can participate in public school extracurricular activities. This includes sports, band, drama, speech, and more.
The law says homeschoolers participate “on the same basis as public school students.” You pay the same fees. You follow the same rules. You try out just like everyone else.
This doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a spot. Your kid still needs to make the team. But they get a fair shot at trying out.
Contact your school district’s athletic director. Ask about their policies. Most districts are pretty welcoming to homeschoolers these days.
What About Classes?
Extracurricular activities are different from regular classes. The law specifically covers extracurriculars like athletics and fine arts. These happen outside regular school hours.
Taking actual classes? That’s trickier. Some districts allow part-time enrollment. Others don’t. Check with your specific district.
Special Education Services
Homeschooled kids with special needs can access services through public schools. This is protected by Minnesota statute. The funding follows the student.
You’re not required to provide special education services at home. But if your child needs them, reach out to your school district. They can help.
Many families successfully homeschool kids with IEPs. The key is communication with your district.
High School and Graduation
Minnesota doesn’t require homeschoolers to follow public school graduation requirements. You decide when your child has completed their education. You issue the diploma.
Makes sense, right? You’re running your own school.
That said, think about your child’s future plans. College-bound kids need certain courses. Check admission requirements at colleges they’re interested in.
Create a four-year plan for high school. Include core subjects plus electives. Keep detailed transcripts showing courses, grades, and credits.
Your homeschool transcript is just as valid as a public school transcript. Some students also take the GED. That’s recognized in all 50 states as a high school equivalency.
PSEO Opportunities
PSEO stands for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options. It lets high school students take college courses. These count for both high school and college credit.
Homeschool students can participate in PSEO. You need to file your letter of intent with the Minnesota Department of Education. This is different from your regular district reporting.
It’s a great way to get a head start on college. Plus it’s free.
Tax Benefits for Homeschoolers
Minnesota offers tax benefits for homeschool families. The K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit can help offset costs. The Subtraction reduces your taxable income. The Credit gives you back up to 75% of homeschool expenses.
These are two separate programs. You might qualify for one but not the other. Check the Minnesota Department of Revenue website for eligibility details.
Every bit helps with curriculum costs, right?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some headaches. Here are mistakes people often make.
Missing the October 1 deadline. Set that reminder now. Forgetting to report when you move districts. New district means new paperwork. Not keeping test results. You need three years on file.
Thinking you need approval to start. You don’t. It’s notification, not permission. Assuming you need a teaching degree. You don’t, if you’re the parent.
Learn from others’ mistakes. Don’t make them yourself.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to start homeschooling? Here’s what you need to do.
Withdraw your child from school if they’re currently enrolled. Gather immunization records or file an exemption. Choose a standardized test and notify the superintendent.
Submit your initial report to your district superintendent. Send it certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy for your records.
Start teaching! You’re officially homeschooling now. Create a simple schedule that works for your family. Pick curriculum or resources you like.
Connect with other homeschool families. Minnesota has tons of support groups. You’ll find field trips, co-ops, and encouragement.
Resources and Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Minnesota has excellent homeschool organizations. MACHE (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) offers tons of help. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) provides legal support and resources.
Join local homeschool groups on Facebook. Check out Homeschool Adventures for Twin Cities families. Find co-ops and classes in your area.
Many curriculum companies offer consultations. Some tutors specialize in helping homeschool families. Use these resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Minnesota? No. Parents are automatically qualified to teach their own children. No degree or certification required.
What if I miss the October 1 deadline? Submit your paperwork as soon as possible. Minnesota doesn’t impose financial penalties for late submission. But your child could face truancy issues.
Can my homeschooler play public school sports? Yes. Minnesota law allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students.
How many hours per day do I need to homeschool? There’s no requirement. Minnesota doesn’t specify hours or days. Many families do around 180 days, but that’s not legally required.
Do test scores get reported to the state? No. Test results are private. Keep them in your records, but you don’t submit them to anyone. Unless your child scores in the bottom 30th percentile, then you need a learning evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in Minnesota is totally doable. The requirements are reasonable. File your paperwork on time. Teach the required subjects. Do annual testing.
That’s basically it. You have tons of freedom in how you educate your kids. Choose curriculum that fits your family. Create a schedule that works. Join groups for support and socialization.
Thousands of Minnesota families are successfully homeschooling. You can too. The key is staying organized and keeping up with basic requirements.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, stay compliant, and enjoy the homeschool journey. When in doubt, reach out to one of the homeschool organizations or consult with an education attorney.
You’ve got this.
References
- Minnesota Statutes, Section 120A.22 – Compulsory Instruction https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.22
- Minnesota Statutes, Section 120A.24 – Reporting Requirements https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120A.24
- Minnesota Department of Education – Home School Education https://education.mn.gov/mde/fam/nphs/home/
- Home School Legal Defense Association – Minnesota https://hslda.org/legal/minnesota
- Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
