Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Minnesota - a moderate-regulation state with annual notification and testing, but strong curriculum freedom and free college courses through PSEO. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Minnesota has moderate regulation for homeschooling, with two key requirements that distinguish it from low-regulation states: annual notification to your local superintendent and annual standardized testing for all grades. However, parents retain significant freedom in curriculum choice, teaching methods, and daily scheduling.
The state does not approve curricula or evaluate teaching quality -- it simply requires documentation that education is occurring. There is no minimum score requirement on standardized tests, making the testing requirement a documentation exercise rather than a performance gate.
One of the biggest benefits for Minnesota homeschool families is the PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) program, which allows high school students to take college courses for free. Minnesota also offers a K-12 education tax deduction for qualifying expenses.
Minnesota requires annual testing, but there is no minimum score. Your child cannot "fail" the test. Results are submitted for documentation only. If standardized testing doesn't suit your child, you can use alternative assessment methods such as a professional evaluation by a licensed teacher.
Minnesota's homeschool requirements are established by Minnesota Statutes 120A.22 (compulsory instruction) and 120A.24 (reporting requirements). There is a single compliance path with clear requirements.
| Requirement | Minnesota Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Minn. Stat. 120A.22, 120A.24 |
| Notification | Annual -- by October 1 |
| Attendance | Not specified (approx. 170-180 days) |
| Teacher Qualification | None for parents |
| Required Subjects | 9+ subjects specified |
| Curriculum Approval | Not required |
| Testing | Annual standardized test (no minimum score) |
| Record-Keeping | Annual report + test results submitted |
Parents have the right to direct their children's education. Districts cannot deny your right to homeschool, require curriculum approval, mandate home visits, or set minimum test scores. Districts can receive your annual report, receive test results, and request immunization records.
If a non-parent provides instruction, they must meet one of five qualifications: hold a valid Minnesota teaching license, be supervised by a licensed teacher, pass a teacher competency exam, hold a bachelor's degree, or be the parent/guardian of a child being assessed. Parents teaching their own children have no qualification requirements.
Starting homeschool in Minnesota requires filing a report with your local superintendent and planning for annual testing.
Submit your report to the local school district superintendent. Include:
Choose materials covering all 9+ required subjects. No approval is needed -- you have complete freedom in curriculum selection. Religious curriculum is permitted.
Decide how you will meet the annual testing requirement. Options include nationally normed standardized tests (Iowa Assessments, Stanford, CAT, etc.) or alternative assessment by a qualified professional.
Send a withdrawal notification to the current school, file your Compulsory Instruction Report with the superintendent, and request student records be transferred to you.
The annual report is due by October 1 each year. If you begin homeschooling mid-year, file within 15 days of starting. Late filing may result in a letter from the district, but will not prevent you from homeschooling.
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Minnesota requires an annual Compulsory Instruction Report filed with your local school district superintendent.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Name | Compulsory Instruction Report |
| Deadline | October 1 annually |
| Mid-Year Start | Within 15 days of beginning |
| Submit To | Local school district superintendent |
| Frequency | Every year |
The report includes your planned subjects, assessment method, school calendar, and instructor information. This is an annual requirement -- you must re-file every year by October 1.
Minnesota requires instruction in 9+ subject areas. The state does not approve curriculum choices -- parents select all materials and methods. Religious curriculum is allowed.
Despite the specified subject list, parents retain full control over how subjects are taught. There is no requirement to follow the public school scope and sequence, use specific textbooks, or meet grade-level standards. You choose the approach that works for your family.
Don't forget the Constitution requirement and the drug/alcohol education requirement for grades 5+. These are easy to overlook but are specifically mandated by Minnesota law. Many families integrate these into existing history and health curricula.
Minnesota does not specify exact hours or days by statute. However, instruction must be "comparable" to public school instruction. Most homeschool families follow approximately 170-180 days of instruction per year.
Daily scheduling is flexible -- parents determine start times, break schedules, and the length of the school day. You report your planned instruction days on your annual Compulsory Instruction Report.
Keep a basic attendance log even though it is not required to be submitted. This documentation is helpful for your annual report, for college transcripts, and as evidence if questions arise about your instructional program.
Annual assessment is Minnesota's most significant requirement. Every homeschool student must be assessed each year, with results submitted to the superintendent.
Acceptable nationally normed standardized tests include:
Tests may be administered by the parent or through a testing service. Results must cover at least reading, math, and language arts.
Instead of standardized testing, you may provide:
Assessment results must be submitted to the superintendent by June 30 each year. While there is no minimum score -- results are for documentation only -- you cannot opt out of the annual assessment requirement entirely.
Minnesota requires certain records to be submitted and recommends others for your own documentation.
| Record Type | Required? | Submit? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Instruction Report | Yes | Yes -- to superintendent |
| Test Results | Yes | Yes -- to superintendent |
| Immunization Records | Yes | If requested |
| Attendance Log | Recommended | No |
| Portfolio / Work Samples | Recommended | No |
| Curriculum Records | Recommended | No |
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Parents create their own transcripts and diplomas. Minnesota colleges accept homeschool applicants and will have access to your annual test results. Include course names, grades, credits, and your standardized test history in your transcript package.
Minnesota offers several valuable programs for homeschool families, including one of the best dual enrollment programs in the country.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is one of the most significant benefits for Minnesota homeschoolers. High school students can take college courses for dual credit at no cost -- the state pays tuition.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Grades 10-12 (some 9th graders) |
| Cost | Free -- state pays tuition |
| Credit | Counts toward high school and college |
| Availability | Community colleges and state universities |
Minnesota offers a K-12 Education Subtraction from state income tax. You can deduct qualifying education expenses up to $1,625 for grades K-6 and $2,500 for grades 7-12. Qualifying expenses include curriculum, tutoring, school supplies, and some transportation costs. A refundable K-12 Education Credit is also available for lower-income families.
Minnesota does not have a guaranteed access law for homeschooler sports participation. Access to sports and extracurriculars is at district discretion. However, part-time enrollment in individual public school classes is available if space permits. PSEO is guaranteed by law.
Homeschoolers can request evaluation through their local district. Access to IEP services is limited and varies by district. Full special education services require public school enrollment.
Minnesota's requirements are manageable but have specific deadlines and obligations. Here are the most common mistakes new families make.
Minnesota has two firm deadlines: October 1 for your annual report and June 30 for assessment results. Mark both on your calendar and plan accordingly. Order standardized tests by March to ensure results arrive before the June 30 deadline.
Nothing happens. There is no minimum score requirement. Results are reported for documentation only, not as a performance gate.
No. Annual assessment is required by law. However, you can choose alternative assessment methods (professional evaluation by a licensed teacher) if standardized testing doesn't work for your child.
File as soon as possible. Late filing may result in a letter from the district, but it will not prevent you from homeschooling.
It depends on your district. There is no state law guaranteeing access. Contact your local district to ask about their policy.
Yes. The state pays tuition for qualifying homeschoolers to take college courses. Books and transportation may or may not be covered depending on the program.
No. Parents teaching their own children have no qualification requirements in Minnesota.
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Track Minnesota ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Minnesota Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators. Last updated February 2026.