Minnesota offers a robust framework for homeschooling, treating home-based education as a form of nonpublic schooling. While the state requires annual notification and testing, it provides families with significant flexibility in curriculum choice and teaching methods. This guide will help you navigate the legal landscape and ensure your student is fully compliant with state statutes.

The Legal Landscape

In Minnesota, homeschooling is governed primarily by Minnesota Statutes 120A.22, 120A.24, and 120A.26. The state considers homeschooling a ‘moderate’ regulation environment because while you do not need ‘permission’ to homeschool, you must notify the state annually and perform yearly standardized testing.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in Minnesota must receive instruction from age 7 until age 17. If your child has never attended public school, you do not need to file paperwork until they turn 7. However, if they were previously enrolled in public school, you must formally withdraw them and begin reporting immediately to avoid truancy issues.

Pathway: Standard Home Instruction

Most Minnesota families operate under the standard home instruction pathway. This involves the following requirements:

1. Notification Requirements

• Initial Report: By October 1 of your first year homeschooling (or within 15 days of starting mid-year), you must submit a ‘Full Report’ to the superintendent of the school district where you reside. This report includes the names and ages of students, the name of the school, the teacher’s qualifications, and evidence of immunization compliance.
• Annual Letter of Intent: Every year after the initial report, you must submit a ‘Letter of Intent to Continue Distributing Education’ by October 1. This update lists any changes to information provided in the Full Report.

2. Teacher Qualifications

Minnesota law requires the instructor to meet at least one of these six criteria:

1. Hold a valid Minnesota teaching license.
2. Be directly supervised by a person holding a valid Minnesota teaching license.
3. Successfully complete a teacher competency examination.
4. Provide instruction in a school that is accredited by an agency recognized by the state.
5. Hold a baccalaureate degree.
6. Be the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child receiving instruction.

3. Required Subjects

Your curriculum must cover the following 13 subjects:

• Basic communication skills (reading and writing)
• Literature
• Fine arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Economics
• Government and Civics
• Physical Education
• Health

4. Mandatory Annual Testing

Every year, homeschooled students who are not enrolled in an accredited school must take a nationally normed achievement test. The specific test is chosen by the parent and the school district (usually through mutual agreement).

• Scores: You do not need to submit the scores to the district automatically. However, you must keep them in your records. If a student scores below the 30th percentile or more than one full grade level below their age peers, the law requires you to obtain an evaluation for potential learning problems.

5. Record-Keeping

Parents must maintain records that demonstrate compliance. This includes:

• Evidence that the 13 required subjects are being taught.
• Copies of the required annual assessments/tests.
• Instructional materials or descriptions of the curriculum.

School Choice and Tax Benefits

While Minnesota does not have an Education Savings Account (ESA) or voucher program for homeschoolers, it offers unique tax benefits:

• K-12 Education Subtraction: You can subtract certain educational expenses from your taxable income. This applies to most families regardless of income.
• K-12 Education Credit: A refundable credit for lower-income families (income limits apply) that can help pay for things like tutoring, computer hardware, and educational software.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

1. Select your curriculum: Ensure it covers the 13 required subjects.
2. Verify teacher status: Most parents qualify under the ‘parent/guardian’ provision.
3. File your Initial Report: Send this to your local superintendent by October 1 of your first year.
4. Administer annual testing: Plan for a nationally normed test toward the end of the school year.
5. Maintain your records: Keep a portfolio or log of instruction and test scores.
6. Renew annually: File your Letter of Intent to Continue by October 1 every year thereafter.

Resources and Links

• Minnesota Department of Education - Homeschooling
• Minnesota Statutes 120A.22 (Compulsory Instruction)
• HSLDA Minnesota Page
• Minnesota Department of Revenue - Education Credits