Minnesota Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s always important to consult official sources and legal experts for the most up-to-date information. Here’s a summary of homeschooling laws in Minnesota:

• Notification: Minnesota requires families who wish to homeschool their children to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the local school district superintendent. The LOI should include the names and addresses of the children being homeschooled, as well as the name and address of the homeschooling parents.
• Required Subjects: Homeschooling families in Minnesota must provide instruction in the following subjects: basic communication skills (including reading, writing, and literature), mathematics, science, social studies (including history, geography, economics, and government), and health and physical education. Additionally, instruction in art, music, and physical education is encouraged but not required.
• Qualifications: Homeschooling parents are not required to have specific educational qualifications or teaching credentials.
• Record-Keeping: Homeschooling families in Minnesota are required to maintain certain records of their homeschooling activities. These records may include attendance records, a log of subjects taught, and samples of student work.
• Assessments: Minnesota law requires homeschool students to participate in annual assessments. Parents can choose from various assessment options, including standardized tests, portfolio evaluations, or a written narrative evaluation by a qualified instructor. Assessment results are not submitted to the state but should be kept on file by the homeschooling parents.
• Teacher-Student Ratio: Minnesota does not specify a maximum teacher-student ratio for homeschooling.
• Supervision: Homeschooling in Minnesota is considered a form of private education, and the state does not provide direct oversight or supervision of homeschools. However, the local school district may contact homeschooling families to schedule a meeting for the purpose of sharing information about available educational resources and support.
• Special Education: Homeschooling parents in Minnesota are not required to provide special education services to their children. If a child has an individualized education program (IEP) or receives special education services while attending public school, parents may consult with the local school district for guidance on providing comparable services at home.

It’s essential to consult the current Minnesota homeschooling laws, official government websites, or local homeschooling organizations to ensure compliance with any updates or changes in the regulations.

Updated October 2023