How to homeschool in Minnesota

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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Minnesota homeschooling laws and options

Minnesota law requires children aged 7 to 17 to attend school—whether public, private, or homeschool. In Minnesota, parents can homeschool their children using two main options:

Homeschooling under the state homeschool statute – This is the most common option. It requires parents to notify their local school district each year and have their children take standardized tests.
Registering as a nonpublic school – This option gives parents more independence but involves extra administrative work.

If you choose to homeschool, you must:

Provide an equivalent education to what public schools offer.
Submit a Letter of Intent to your local superintendent every year by October 1 (or within 15 days of starting).

Parents don’t need specific teaching credentials, but they must meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a Minnesota teaching license.
Be directly supervised by a licensed teacher.
Pass a teacher competency exam.
Provide instruction in an accredited homeschool program.
Hold a baccalaureate degree.
Be deemed qualified by the local school superintendent.

Homeschool curricula must include key subjects like reading, writing, math, science, history, geography, health, physical education, fine arts, and studies on the U.S. Constitution and citizenship. This ensures a well-rounded education for homeschooled students.

For a comprehensive guide to Minnesota’s homeschooling laws and requirements, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Home Schooling Page.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Minnesota

Homeschooling with Time4Learning in Minnesota is an engaging and flexible option for families. This comprehensive online curriculum provides a variety of tools and resources to help parents meet state requirements while tailoring their child’s education to their unique needs and learning style.

Understand Minnesota's homeschooling requirements. Familiarize yourself with the state’s guidelines, including subject requirements, record-keeping expectations, and standardized testing policies.
Submit your letter of intent. Notify your local school district superintendent of your decision to homeschool, ensuring you adhere to Minnesota's legal timeline. The Minnesota DOE provides this form to submit as the Letter of Intent.
Enroll in Time4Learning. Sign up for Time4Learning to access a standards-aligned, engaging curriculum designed to meet Minnesota’s homeschooling requirements. Cover all essential subjects, including literature, math, and science, while utilizing tools to track progress and generate reports for documentation.
Create a flexible schedule. Design a homeschooling schedule that suits your family’s needs while staying aligned with state guidelines. Use the Activity Planner to plan out your homeschool schedule.
Start homeschooling! Leverage Time4Learning’s comprehensive curriculum and resources to provide a personalized, effective education tailored to your child’s unique needs.

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Minnesota high school graduation and diploma requirements

Unlike public high schools, Minnesota homeschoolers are not required to follow the state’s graduation requirements. Parents have the freedom to create their own standards for graduation, ensuring that their child is prepared for their future goals, and issue the diploma once their homeschool program is completed. That said, here are a few important notes for homeschooling high schoolers:

Although Minnesota homeschool students are not required to accumulate a specific number of credits, a well-rounded curriculum typically includes:

4 years of English
3 years of math (including algebra and geometry)
3.5 years of social studies (including U.S. history and citizenship/government)
3 years of science
Electives, such as fine arts, world languages, or technology

Time4Learning offers a thorough high school curriculum, including core courses and electives, making it an excellent option for Minnesota homeschoolers who wish to fulfill these essential academic milestones.

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Minnesota’s standardized test requirements for homeschoolers

Minnesota requires homeschoolers to participate in an annual standardized assessment to measure educational progress. Families can choose an exam that meets the state’s requirements, such as:

Iowa tests
CAT (California achievement test)
Stanford 10
ACT Aspire

Parents are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of testing. Time4Learning's program puts emphasis on learning skills through repeatable interactive lessons and practice tests to help students prepare for standardized assessments.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Minnesota

Homeschoolers in Minnesota have successfully gained admission to a wide range of colleges and universities. Here are some tips to simplify the process:

Transcripts: Create a detailed transcript that outlines courses taken, grades received, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
Standardized tests: Colleges will typically ask for ACT or SAT scores. Be sure to prepare for these exams well in advance.
Letters of recommendation: Homeschoolers can include letters from tutors, coaches, or community leaders to strengthen their application.
Essays and portfolios: Some colleges may request a personal essay or a portfolio showcasing the student’s work.

Time4Learning simplifies the transition from high school to college by providing printable records, helping you document academic progress effectively.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Minnesota

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a form of financial aid that some families may use to offset the cost of homeschooling. While Minnesota does not currently offer a statewide ESA program, it’s worth exploring any local options or private scholarships.

For questions about homeschooling in Minnesota or how Time4Learning can help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Homeschooling is a unique and rewarding experience, and with the right resources, your family is set up for success!

In Minnesota, parents can apply for the Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit and use those funds for Time4Learning!