Homeschooling in Minnesota.

Statute citation

Minnesota Statutes (Minn. Stat.) §§ 120A.22 and 120A.24, plus § 121A.15 for immunization records.

Compulsory attendance age

Every child between 7 and 17 years of age must receive instruction unless the child has graduated. (Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, subd. 5)

Who you notify

The superintendent of the school district where your child lives. The district can offer an online form but can't require you to file electronically. (§ 120A.24, subd. 1)

First report: when

By October 1 of the first school year you teach your child after age 7. Also within 15 days of withdrawing a child 7 or older from public school or moving out of a district, and by October 1 after moving into a new one.

What the first report includes

Your child's name, birth date and address; the name of each instructor; evidence that each instructor meets one of the qualification options below; and the annual test you plan to use. (§ 120A.24, subd. 1)

Each year after

By October 1 of each school year, a letter of intent to continue, with any changes to that information. This applies to children 7 to 16, and to 16- and 17-year-olds first reported after turning 16.

Required subjects

Reading, writing, literature and fine arts; mathematics and science; social studies, including history, geography, economics, government and citizenship; and health and physical education. Instruction and materials are in English. (§ 120A.22, subd. 9)

Instructor qualifications

Each instructor meets one option: a Minnesota teaching license; direct supervision by a licensed teacher; teaching in an accredited school; a bachelor's degree; or being the child's parent, with the child tested each year. (§ 120A.22, subd. 10)

Annual testing

Each year from ages 7 through 16 (and 16- and 17-year-olds first reported after 16), a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test you and the superintendent agree on, including where and how it's given. Results aren't sent in. Accredited programs are exempt.

If results are low

If the total battery result is at or below the 30th percentile, or one grade level below children the same age, arrange an extra evaluation to check for learning problems. Parents without a license or licensed supervision also assess subjects the test doesn't cover.

Records to keep

Class schedules, copies of instructional materials, descriptions of how you assess achievement, and proof the annual tests were given. You may need to share them with the county attorney if a truancy case is opened. (§ 120A.24, subd. 2)

Immunization records

Give the superintendent your child's immunization records, or an allowed exemption statement, by October 1 of your first year homeschooling in Minnesota and again in the grade 7 year. (Minn. Stat. § 121A.15, subd. 8)

Moving to public school

If your child later enrolls full time in public school, give the school the yearly test results and other records it asks for to decide placement. (§ 120A.24, subd. 2)