Your state guide · 2026
Minnesota homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
Minnesota treats a home school as a type of nonpublic school.
Editorial category; see the guide.
By October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7; within 15 days of withdrawing a child over 7 from public school; within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 after a new district is set; then every October 1.
See requirements for options and exceptions.
See the full guide for age exceptions.
Regulation level
M · ModerateView regulation data
| State | Category |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | Moderate |
Your requirements
A practical checklist
“Not specified” means a single yes/no requirement is not explicit in the supplied information. Read each detail for options and exceptions.
Notice
RequiredAn initial report with each child's name, birth date and address, the annual test you plan to use, the name of each instructor, and proof the instructor meets one of the state's instructor options. In later years, a letter of intent to continue plus any changes to that information.
Subjects
RequiredBasic communication skills, including reading, writing, literature and fine arts; Mathematics and science; Social studies, including history, geography, economics, government and citizenship; Health and physical education; Instruction and materials must be in English (other languages allowed under specific state programs)
Hours / days
Not specifiedNot specified in state law
Testing / evaluation
RequiredEvery year, each child ages 7 through 16 (and some 16- and 17-year-olds) takes a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test agreed on with the district superintendent. Parents who are not licensed or supervised by a licensed teacher must assess any required subjects the test does not cover. A total score at or below the 30th percentile, or one grade level below, requires an added evaluation to check for learning problems. Accredited programs are exempt.
Teacher qualifications
RequiredEach instructor must meet one of five options: a Minnesota teaching license for the field and grade, direct supervision by a licensed teacher, teaching in an accredited or state-recognized school, a bachelor's degree, or being the parent of a child who is assessed under the state's annual testing rule.
Records / portfolio
RequiredKeep documentation that the required subjects are taught and that the tests were given, including class schedules, copies of instructional materials and descriptions of how achievement is assessed. It must be shown to the county attorney if a truancy or neglect case is opened.
Immunizations
RequiredParents submit the state's immunization statements to the district superintendent by October 1 of the first year of homeschooling in Minnesota and again in the grade 7 year.
At a glance
- Report to the district superintendent by October 1 each year
- Compulsory ages 7 to 17
- Annual standardized test for ages 7-16 unless accredited
- Several ways to meet instructor rules, including a parent whose child is tested
- Home school students can join public school activities
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
Open the full requirements table
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 7–17 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | By October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7; within 15 days of withdrawing a child over 7 from public school; within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 after a new district is set; then every October 1. |
| Required subjects | Basic communication skills, including reading, writing, literature and fine arts; Mathematics and science; Social studies, including history, geography, economics, government and citizenship; Health and physical education; Instruction and materials must be in English (other languages allowed under specific state programs) |
| Instruction time | Not specified in state law |
| Parent qualifications | Each instructor must meet one of five options: a Minnesota teaching license for the field and grade, direct supervision by a licensed teacher, teaching in an accredited or state-recognized school, a bachelor's degree, or being the parent of a child who is assessed under the state's annual testing rule. |
| Tests & assessments | Every year, each child ages 7 through 16 (and some 16- and 17-year-olds) takes a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test agreed on with the district superintendent. Parents who are not licensed or supervised by a licensed teacher must assess any required subjects the test does not cover. A total score at or below the 30th percentile, or one grade level below, requires an added evaluation to check for learning problems. Accredited programs are exempt. |
| Records to keep | Keep documentation that the required subjects are taught and that the tests were given, including class schedules, copies of instructional materials and descriptions of how achievement is assessed. It must be shown to the county attorney if a truancy or neglect case is opened. |
| Immunizations | Parents submit the state's immunization statements to the district superintendent by October 1 of the first year of homeschooling in Minnesota and again in the grade 7 year. |
How to start homeschooling in Minnesota
Parents report each child to the resident district superintendent by October 1 of the first year after the child turns 7, then file a letter of intent to continue every October 1. Instruction must cover a set list of subjects, and unless the home school is accredited, each child ages 7 through 16 takes a nationally norm-referenced achievement test every year. Parents keep documentation of subjects taught and tests given.
Choose your homeschooling option
Home school (unaccredited). A parent or other instructor teaches at home as a nonpublic school, files the yearly reports with the superintendent, and gives the annual standardized test.
Accredited home school. A home school accredited by a state-recognized accrediting agency is exempt from the annual testing rule and the documentation rule. The state education department says it currently recognizes one accrediting agency for home schools.
Prepare your notice
An initial report with each child's name, birth date and address, the annual test you plan to use, the name of each instructor, and proof the instructor meets one of the state's instructor options. In later years, a letter of intent to continue plus any changes to that information.
Open the official notice resource ↗Check when and where to file
When: By October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7; within 15 days of withdrawing a child over 7 from public school; within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 after a new district is set; then every October 1.
Where: Superintendent of the school district where the child lives. Do not send it to the state education department.
View steps as a table
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose your homeschooling option | Home school (unaccredited). A parent or other instructor teaches at home as a nonpublic school, files the yearly reports with the superintendent, and gives the annual standardized test. Accredited home school. A home school accredited by a state-recognized accrediting agency is exempt from the annual testing rule and the documentation rule. The state education department says it currently recognizes one accrediting agency for home schools. |
| 2. Prepare your notice | An initial report with each child's name, birth date and address, the annual test you plan to use, the name of each instructor, and proof the instructor meets one of the state's instructor options. In later years, a letter of intent to continue plus any changes to that information. |
| 3. Check when and where to file | By October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7; within 15 days of withdrawing a child over 7 from public school; within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 after a new district is set; then every October 1. Superintendent of the school district where the child lives. Do not send it to the state education department. |
Subjects to teach
- Basic communication skills, including reading, writing, literature and fine arts
- Mathematics and science
- Social studies, including history, geography, economics, government and citizenship
- Health and physical education
- Instruction and materials must be in English (other languages allowed under specific state programs)
Sports & extracurricular activities
School boards must let resident home school students take full part in extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students.
Official forms & law
Minnesota Department of Education ↗
Forms & guidance
- Initial Registration Form for Unaccredited Schools (PDF) ↗
- Letter of Intent to Continue to Provide Instruction (PDF) ↗
- Home-School Questions and Answers (PDF) ↗
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in Minnesota?
An initial report with each child's name, birth date and address, the annual test you plan to use, the name of each instructor, and proof the instructor meets one of the state's instructor options. In later years, a letter of intent to continue plus any changes to that information.
When do I file in Minnesota?
By October 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7; within 15 days of withdrawing a child over 7 from public school; within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 after a new district is set; then every October 1.
What assessments are required in Minnesota?
Every year, each child ages 7 through 16 (and some 16- and 17-year-olds) takes a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test agreed on with the district superintendent. Parents who are not licensed or supervised by a licensed teacher must assess any required subjects the test does not cover. A total score at or below the 30th percentile, or one grade level below, requires an added evaluation to check for learning problems. Accredited programs are exempt.
Check the original
Sources and last checked
- Minnesota Statutes § 120A.22, Compulsory Instruction ↗Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
- Minnesota Statutes § 120A.24, Reporting ↗Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
- Minnesota Statutes § 121A.15, Health Standards; Immunizations ↗Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
- Minnesota Statutes § 123B.49, Extracurricular Activities ↗Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
- Home School Education ↗Minnesota Department of Education
Last verified .