Homeschooling in Minnesota

Minnesota generally requires instruction between ages 7 and 17, with specific rules for younger enrolled children and statutory exceptions. Withdrawal at age 17 requires its own meeting and written-election process.

Initial reporting must be sent to the resident district superintendent by October 1 of the first school year after age 7, within 15 days of withdrawal from public school after age 7 into an unaccredited nonpublic program, within 15 days of moving out of a district, and by October 1 after establishing a new resident district. The report must include the child’s name, birth date, address, instructor names and qualifications, and the intended annual test when required.

An annual continuation letter must be filed by October 1 for the statutory age group, including specified students whose first report was filed after age 16. Electronic reporting may be offered by the district but cannot be required.

An instructor must meet one of five qualifications: an appropriate Minnesota teaching license, direct supervision by a licensed teacher, instruction in a recognized accredited school, a bachelor’s degree, or being the parent of a child assessed as required. The parent route does not qualify an unrelated hired instructor.

Instruction must include reading, writing, literature, fine arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and physical education. English-language instruction and materials are required, subject to statutory language exceptions.

Arrange a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test annually, with the examination, administration, and location agreed upon by the superintendent and instructor. Scores at or below the 30th percentile or one grade level below same-age performance trigger further evaluation.

Parents must maintain schedules, instructional materials, assessment methods, and proof of testing. Applicable immunization statements or lawful exemption documentation must also be provided.