Minnesota

Overview

Notice Requirements

Assessment Requirements

Curriculum & Qualifications

Additional Notes

Minnesota has moderate regulation: annual notice to the superintendent, annual nationally norm-referenced testing (with mutual agreement on which test), and 5 required subject areas. If a child scores at or below the 30th percentile, additional evaluation is required. Accredited umbrella programs eliminate the testing mandate entirely.

Tips for Homeschooling in Minnesota

1. 1

   File your notice on time: "By October 1 each year after the child turns 7 (or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school). Annual letters of intent must continue until the child turns 16. Minn. Stat. § 120A.24.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

2. 2

   Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test (annually, grades as required by district), Testing location and specific test must be mutually agreed upon by parent and district superintendent. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

3. 3

   Teacher qualification note: Minnesota requires that the instructor be 'qualified.' Under Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, subd. 10, parents teaching their own children are automatically deemed qualified — no degree or license is required. However, if a non-parent instructor is used, they may need to be a licensed teacher.. Keep a copy of your credentials with your homeschool records.