Overview
Minnesota allows parents to educate their children at home, but it is one of the more regulated homeschool states. Families generally must report to the resident school district, teach specified subject areas, maintain documentation, and complete annual standardized testing unless a statutory exemption applies.
Compulsory School Attendance Age
Minnesota compulsory instruction generally applies to children from age 7 through age 17 unless the child has graduated. A child under age 7 who is enrolled in certain kindergarten programs is also subject to instruction requirements, although a parent may generally withdraw a child under age 7 from enrollment.
Homeschool Notification and Annual Reporting
The person or nonpublic school providing instruction must report to the superintendent of the school district in which the child resides. The initial report is generally due by October 1 of the first school year after the child reaches age 7. If a child over age 7 is withdrawn from public school to begin homeschooling, the report is generally due within 15 days. A continuing letter of intent is then due by October 1 each year.
• Student name, birth date, and address • The annual standardized test intended to be used, when testing is required • The name of each instructor • Evidence that the instructor meets one of Minnesota's statutory instructor qualifications
Instructional Days and Hours
Minnesota homeschool law does not impose the public-school calendar or a specific homeschool day/hour count in the same way some states do. The family must provide instruction sufficient to satisfy the compulsory-instruction requirements and should maintain records showing that the required subjects are being taught.
Required Subjects
Minnesota requires instruction in at least the following areas:
• Basic communication skills, including reading and writing • Literature and fine arts • Mathematics and science • Social studies, including history, geography, economics, government, and citizenship • Health and physical education
Instruction, textbooks, and materials are generally required to be in English, subject to statutory language-program exceptions.
Attendance and Academic Records
Minnesota requires the person providing instruction to maintain documentation showing that the required subjects are being taught and that required tests have been administered. The documentation must include class schedules, copies of instructional materials, and descriptions of methods used to assess achievement. Families should also maintain attendance, grades, report cards, courses, credits, and transcripts.
Standardized Testing
A nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement examination is generally required every year for homeschooled children ages 7 through 16 and certain 16- and 17-year-olds. The local superintendent and the person in charge of instruction must agree on the specific examination and its administration and location. Children receiving instruction through a qualifying recognized accredited program may be exempt from this annual testing requirement.
Parent Teacher Qualifications
A Minnesota homeschool instructor must satisfy at least one statutory qualification. A parent may qualify simply by being the child's parent if the child is assessed under Minnesota's annual testing provisions. Other qualifying routes include holding an appropriate Minnesota teaching license, being supervised by a licensed teacher, teaching through a recognized accredited school, or holding a bachelor's degree.
Curriculum Freedom
Minnesota does not require homeschool families to use a state-issued curriculum. Parents may select their curriculum, books, online programs, workbooks, and teaching methods, but the required subject areas must be covered and the family must maintain the required documentation.
Graduation
Minnesota does not operate a separate state homeschool diploma program for independent homeschool families. Parents may establish the homeschool's graduation requirements and issue academic records. Families should maintain a complete transcript and consider college, scholarship, military, trade-school, and licensing requirements when planning high-school coursework.
Alabama Church School Services for Minnesota Families
Minnesota families are not legally required to enroll with Alabama Church School. However, ACS may provide curriculum, attendance resources, academic records, report cards, transcripts, diplomas, graduation documentation, and organizational support. Enrollment with ACS does not replace Minnesota reporting, documentation, testing, or other state-law requirements.
Minnesota Homeschool Law References
- Minnesota Statutes § 120A.22 — Compulsory Instruction
- Minnesota Statutes § 120A.24 — Reporting
- Minnesota Department of Education — Compulsory Instruction Compliance Reporting
This guide summarizes current homeschool requirements for informational purposes. Laws, administrative procedures, and agency guidance can change. Families remain responsible for complying with the laws of their state of residence.
How Alabama Church School supports Minnesota families
ACS does not replace your state's homeschool requirements — it gives families complete curriculum, academic records, transcripts, diplomas, and documentation while you continue satisfying Minnesota law.
Nearby state homeschool guides
Families moving to or from Minnesota often review these states next.