Homeschooling Regulations by State: Minnesota

by Christina Yeager

What does your state say about homeschooling? This is one of the first questions you want to ask when you consider learning at home as an option. Whether the decision is made prior to your child starting school for the first time, or after an incident or altercation, there are a plethora of things that need to be considered, and done. It is continuously stressed about how important it is to ensure knowledge is made available specifically about what your state has to say about schooling at home. Today we look at the State of Minnesota and it’s laws and regulations on homeschooling.

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.

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Compulsory school age
In the state of Minnesota, the compulsory school attendance age is between seven and seventeen years old. This is significantly different from some of the other states, which require attendance until eighteen.

Homeschooling options
Homeschooling is considered to be a type of private school in the State of Minnesota.
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Formally withdrawing from public school
It is recommended that parents or guardians formally withdraw students from school. Not necessary but can clear away any confusion about absences. Notify the school your child attends or would be attending as soon as you make the decision to provide a home-based education.

Necessary paperwork
A form (Full Report) is to be completed and turned in prior to October 1st of the first intentional year of homeschooling to the local school district or within fifteen days of withdrawing the student from public school.

Reporting this information annually is also required. Every year, by the same date above, and Letter of Intent to Continue to Provide Instruction is due in order to be in compliance with state law.
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Curriculum
The curriculum to be followed within the state consists of the subjects:

• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Reading
• Writing
• Literature
• Fine Arts
• Geography
• History
• Government
• Health
• Physical Education

Teaching regulations
In the state of Minnesota, the individual providing the lessons for homeschool students must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Having a teaching license, which is valid in the state of Minnesota and specified toward the topic and grade level being taught, or being supervised by someone holding such a license.
• Completing a teacher competency exam.
• Be the parent of the child.
• Have a bachelor’s degree.

OR

• Provide the education in an accredited facility that is approved and accredited by an agency that is recognized by the commissioner.

Reporting
Along with all of this, the homeschool instructor is required to give assessments to be reported for progress and keep a record of learning improvements.
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Testing
Parents no longer need to be supervised in this state to homeschool, however, standardized testing for students is mandatory.

Please visit the Minnesota Department of Education for more information.

Overall, these regulations are pretty similar to other states out there, but there are still differences between this state and some others. It is nice to be familiar with the general recommendations and requirements of homeschooling, but the information that is specific to your state will prove to be the most helpful and save the most time in the long run.

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