Your Guide to Minnesota’s Homeschool Laws
Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling? Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.
And good news! The North Star State is a great place to begin your home education journey. MN’s homeschooling laws allow for a good amount of customization, giving parents the freedom to tailor their child’s education.
Whether you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Minnesota homeschooling laws, so you can start homeschooling with confidence.
Homeschooling in Minnesota at a Glance
Minnesota – The North Star State
| Required Age | 7-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Required |
| Subjects | Reading, literature, mathematics, science, history, geography, economics, government, writing, fine arts, citizenship, health, and physical education |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | Immunization records are required upon first notice and again when the student reaches 7th grade. |
| State Financial Assistance Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
If you are the parent or guardian of the student, you’re already qualified! If you are instructing someone else’s child along with your own, you will need at at least one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A valid Minnesota teaching license for the grade you’re teaching
- A completed teacher competency exam
If you cannot meet the licensing requirements, you may also instruct someone else’s children if you are teaching at a state accredited school or teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher.
Notice of Intent
Before you start homeschooling in Minnesota, you will need to submit immunization records along with your initial Notice of Intent to homeschool. The Notice of Intent needs to be submitted by October 1st for every child aged 7 and older.
If you choose to homeschool in the middle of the school year, you must submit the Notice of Intent no later than 15 days before withdrawing your student.
For each year you continue to homeschool, you will need to submit another form stating your intent to continue homeschool.This form will ask if there have been any changes with your students or instruction plans since the initial notification.
Attendance
There is no required amount of hours or days of instruction. Homeschooling parents are able to choose a schedule that works best for them.
Homeschool Curriculum
Parents should be prepared to teach the following subjects:
| Reading | Writing | Literature |
| Fine Arts | Math | Science |
| History | Geography | Economics |
| Government | Citizenship | Physical Education |
| Health |
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum!
Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. The good news is, Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is fully accredited by the ACS-WASC! When you homeschool with our program, you can rest assured that your student will be getting a great educational experience.
Testing
Minnesota state law does require that homeschool students participate in annual testing. Each year, students will take a nationally normed standardized achievement test to assess their progress. Your superintendent may request that testing be done at a specific time or location.
You aren’t required to report scores to the state. However, if your child scores in the 30th percentile or lower for their age, you will be required to have them evaluated for a learning disability. It’s important to keep at least three years’ worth of test results to stay compliant with Minnesota’s record keeping law.
Record Keeping
Homeschool record keeping is required in Minnesota. Parents need to keep proof that the required subjects are being taught and that annual assessments are being taken. It’s strongly recommended to keep at least three years’ worth of academic records for each student.
A homeschool portfolio is a great place to keep these records safe and organized! Other items that can go into a homeschool portfolio include attendance records, a list of materials and textbooks used, and some of your student’s best work.
Transcripts
If your student plans to go to college, they will need a high school transcript to apply. Transcripts should include all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned from freshman through senior year. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Minnesota, parents have the unique opportunity to decide when their high school student is ready to graduate. It’s a good idea to discuss your student’s career aspirations and include courses that can help them reach those goals. Some parents also look to the Minnesota Academic Standards to get a better idea of what their student should learn before graduation.
When a student graduates from homeschool, they often receive a diploma from their parents. Some students opt to take the GED, which is recognized as a high school diploma equivalency in all 50 states.
Financial Resources
Homeschool families in Minnesota may qualify for the Minnesota K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit. The Subtraction allows you to subtract qualifying expenses from your total taxable income. The Credit allows you to claim a credit up to 75% of the total homeschool expenses.
The Subtraction and Credit are two separate programs, and it’s possible to qualify for one but not the other. To determine your eligibility, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Income Tax Fact Sheet.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Minnesota, check out:
- Homeschooling FAQ from the Minnesota Department of Education
- The Homeschool Mom for information on homeschool groups
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Minnesota homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the requirements for homeschooling in Minnesota?
To homeschool in Minnesota, you need to submit proper notice and immunization records, ensure you’re qualified, teach the required courses, participate in standardized testing, and keep good records of subjects taught and test scores.
Is unschooling legal in Minnesota?
Parents are free to choose whichever homeschooling style works best for them, as long as the requirements are met.
Do you get money for homeschooling in MN?
As a homeschool family in Minnesota, you may be eligible for a tax break! The Minnesota K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit buffers the cost of home education and covers qualifying expenses, such as curricula, books, supplies, and more.
The Subtraction allows you to subtract total expenses from your income, while the Credit only covers up to 75%. To find out which program you’re eligible for, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Income Tax Fact Sheet.
Information accurate as of: 06/10/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.