Homeschool laws · State guide
Homeschooling in Minnesota
Minnesota asks for an initial report and a yearly letter of intent by October 1, a yearly standardized test and records of instruction unless accredited, and an instructor who meets one of several qualifications.
Minnesota at a glanceLevel: Moderate
- Notice to the state
- Yes
- File an initial report with the superintendent by October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7 (or within 15 days of leaving public school or moving), then a letter of intent each October 1 (§120A.24).
- Testing
- Yes
- A nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test every year, ages 7–16, agreed with the superintendent. Those with state-recognized accreditation are exempt (Minn. Stat. §120A.22 subd. 11).
- Record-keeping
- Required
- Keep documentation that required subjects are taught and tests given, such as schedules, materials and assessment methods, unless accredited (Minn. Stat. §120A.24 subds. 2–3).
- Immunization
- Required
- Homeschoolers must submit immunization proof or an exemption to their district superintendent by October 1 of the first homeschool year in Minnesota and grade 7 (Minn. Stat. §121A.15, subd. 8).
- Required subjects
- Yes, 8
- Reading and writing, Literature, Fine arts, Mathematics, Science, Social studies (history, geography, economics, government, citizenship), Health, Physical education
- Parent qualifications
- One of: a Minnesota teaching license, supervision by a licensed teacher, teaching in an accredited school, a bachelor's degree, or being the parent of a child tested each year
- Minn. Stat. §120A.22 subd. 10
Ways to homeschool here: Home school as an unaccredited nonpublic school (report to superintendent) · Accredited nonpublic school
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Overview
Minnesota treats a homeschool as a nonpublic school, which may be accredited or unaccredited. MDE’s form says to send the registration to your resident district, not to MDE, and that you may use the form or another written or electronic format.
Legal options
- Home school as an unaccredited nonpublic school (report to superintendent)
- Accredited nonpublic school
Requirements at a glance
- Notice: Initial report to the resident district superintendent with the child’s name, birth date and address, the annual tests to be used, each instructor’s name, and evidence of instructor qualifications: by October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7, within 15 days of withdrawing from public school after age 7, within 15 days of moving out of a district, and by October 1 after a new resident district. Then a letter of intent to continue by October 1 each year. (Minn. Stat. §120A.24 subd. 1; MDE form)
- Testing or assessment: Every year, ages 7–16 (and 16–17 if first reported after 16), a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test, with the test, administration and location agreed with the superintendent. A parent who is not licensed or supervised by a licensed teacher must also assess subjects the test does not cover. A total battery score at or below the 30th percentile or one grade level below children of the same age triggers additional evaluation for learning problems. Nonpublic schools, persons or institutions with state-recognized accreditation are exempt. (Minn. Stat. §120A.22 subd. 11)
- Records: Keep documentation that required subjects are taught and tests given, including class schedules, copies of instructional materials and descriptions of assessment methods; made available to the county attorney in truancy/child protection proceedings. Schools, persons or institutions with state-recognized accreditation are exempt. (Minn. Stat. §120A.24 subds. 2–3)
- Subjects: Reading and writing, Literature, Fine arts, Mathematics, Science, Social studies (history, geography, economics, government, citizenship), Health, Physical education
- Instruction time: Not specified in §§120A.22 or 120A.24
- Parent/teacher qualifications: Instructor must meet one of: valid Minnesota teaching license for the field and grade taught; direct supervision by a Minnesota-licensed teacher; teaching in a school with state-recognized accreditation; a bachelor’s degree; or be the parent of a child assessed under subd. 11 (Minn. Stat. §120A.22 subd. 10)
- Compulsory attendance ages: 7 to 17 (Minn. Stat. §120A.22 subd. 5)
Sources
This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.