Homeschooling in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a moderately regulated homeschool environment, balancing parental autonomy with some oversight. Families must notify the local superintendent annually and meet specific requirements around subjects, instruction hours, and yearly assessments. While these guidelines require organization, they still leave room for personalized, flexible learning experiences.

Options for Homeschooling in Minnesota

Option #1

Independent Homeschool

Option #2

Homeschooling under a Private School Satellite Program

Option #3

Enrollment in an Online Public School

Option #1

Independent Homeschool

Option #2

Homeschooling Under a Private School Satellite Program

Option #3

Enrollment in an Online Public School

Breakdown of Homeschooling Options

Option #1: Independent Homeschool

This option is the primary legal homeschooling path in Minnesota.

Requirements:

• File an Initial Full Report to the local superintendent by October 1 of the first year homeschooling a child.

• Submit a Short Form Letter of Intent by October 1 each year after that.

• Instructor must have a high school diploma or GED. If not, a licensed teacher must supervise instruction.

• Required to teach subjects including reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and physical education.

• Must provide instruction for the equivalent number of days/hours as public schools.

• Annual standardized testing using a nationally norm-referenced test is required.

• Immunization records (or exemption forms) must be submitted.

• Keep records of instruction, materials used, schedules, and test results. These do not need to be submitted unless requested by the superintendent.

Option #2: Homeschooling Under a Private School Satellite Program

This option is less common.

Requirements:

• Homeschoolers may operate under an established private school that reports to the state.

• The private school handles reporting and oversight.

• Must still comply with compulsory instruction laws, including subject coverage and testing.

• Used by some families seeking a more structured or umbrella-style support environment.

Option #3: Enrollment in an Online Public School

This option is not considered “true homeschooling” under Minnesota law.

Requirements:

• Enroll through a Minnesota public charter or virtual school.

• Subject to public school standards, including curriculum, attendance, assessments, and teacher oversight.

• Not legally categorized as homeschooling by Minnesota.

• Students are technically considered public school students receiving instruction at home.

Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs

Yes, an Initial Full Report must be submitted in the first year, followed by a Short Form annually.

Initial Registration Form for Unaccredited Nonpublic Schools (including homeschools) (PDF)
Letter of Intent to Continue to Provide Instruction (PDF)

Yes, to prevent truancy issues, formal withdrawal is advised when transitioning to homeschooling.

How to Withdraw from Public School in Minnesota

No, as long as you are the parent you may homeschool your child without issue.

Homeschool Questions and Answers (PDF, question 11)

• Reading
• Writing
• Literature
• Fine arts
• Math
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Economics
• Government
• Citizenship
• Health
• Physical education

2026 Minnesota Statutes, 120A.22 Compulsory Instruction (Subd.9.)

Kindergarten: 425 instructional hours

Grades 1–6: 935 instructional hours

Grades 7–12: 1,020 instructional hours
Or the equivalent of the public school year, typically 165 school days.

2026 Minnesota Statutes, 120A.41 Length of School Year; Hours of Instruction.

Yes. Annual standardized testing is required using a nationally norm-referenced test.

Homeschool Questions and Answers (PDF, question 14)

No, but results must be kept on file and shown to the superintendent upon request.

Homeschool Questions and Answers (PDF, question 16)

No. Portfolios are not required, but recordkeeping is strongly recommended.

Homeschool Questions and Answers (PDF, question 21)
Minnesota Homeschool Portfolio Requirements

Yes. Immunization records (or a conscientious objection or medical exemption form) must be submitted to the local school district.

Minnesota’s Immunization Law Exemption Provision
Are Your Kids Ready? Minnesota K-12 Immunization Law (PDF)

Yes, MAP Growth is often accepted as a valid norm-referenced assessment, but families should confirm acceptance with their district.

Local District Testing

Moderate. The state requires annual notification, record keeping, standardized testing, and minimum instruction requirements.

Coalition for Responsible Home Education: Minnesota

Homeschooling parents can educate children with disabilities. The local school district must offer an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if requested, but families are not obligated to accept or implement it. Some services may be available through the district upon registration.

Minnesota Autism Resource Portal Programs and Services: Education
Minnesota Council on Disability: Additional Resources
Family Voices of Minnesota

Non-Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs

Participation in public school extracurriculars is at the discretion of the local school district.

Can Homeschoolers Play Public School Sports in Minnesota?

Homeschoolers are eligible for most merit- and need-based scholarships, including Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which allows eligible high school students to take free college courses for credit.

Homeschool
Minnesota K-12 Education Credit

Postsecondary
Home Education Recognition Organization (HERO) Scholarships
MN Office of Higher Education Grants & Scholarships
MN Department of Education Postsecondary Enrollment Options

There are plenty of programs and discounts for homeschool families all across the state of Minnesota.

Bell Museum Homeschool Field Trips
The Works Museum Homeschool Workshops
Minnesota Children’s Museum Homeschool Discount Card
Great Lakes Aquarium Homeschool Opportunities
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Groups & Field Trips

As of recent data, approximately 30,000 students are homeschooled in Minnesota—roughly 3% of the school-age population. The number rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains higher than pre-2020 levels.

Resources:

MN Department of Education Home School Education

Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance

Minnesota Homeschool Requirements Explained

Homeschooling in Minnesota & Homeschool Laws

Homeschooling in Minnesota: Laws & Requirements

Minnesota Disability Support Alternatives Education Supports

Summary

Homeschooling in Minnesota requires some structure and annual reporting, but still leaves room for individualized learning and educational freedom. With access to dual enrollment, standardized test flexibility, and a variety of community resources, Minnesota provides a supportive environment for families choosing to homeschool.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently and may be applied differently by local districts. Please confirm current requirements with your state department of education, local school district, or a licensed attorney.