Homeschool

Homeschool parents/guardians do everything that traditional nonpublic school administrators and teachers do, but in the context of their home. This includes planning what students learn, record keeping, managing costs and assuring the quality and scope of their student’s education to college recruiters and employers. Students graduate from homeschools with homeschool diplomas and transcripts, just as they would from other nonpublic schools. Neither the Minnesota Department of Education or local school districts validate or certify any nonpublic school’s education, transcripts or diplomas.

A national norm-referenced standardized achievement examination is required annually for each child in a non-accredited homeschool who are between the ages of 7-17. The tests can be ordered through the University of Minnesota Testing Center at 612-626-1803. If the results of the assessments indicate that the child's performance on the total battery score is at or below the 30th percentile or one grade level below the performance level for children of the same age, the parent must obtain additional evaluation of the child's abilities and performance for the purpose of determining whether additional support for learning would be beneficial.

Homeschool FAQ (MN Dept. of Ed.)

Full Report - Homeschools must do a full report of information in three situations:

• By October 1 in the first year that they homeschool in Minnesota.

• Within 15 days of withdrawing a child from public school in order to homeschool.

• Within 15 days of moving out of a district and by October 1 to the superintendent or designee when new residence is established. 

MDE Initial Full Report Registration PDF - The person or nonpublic school in charge of providing instruction to a child must submit an Initial Registration Form for Non Accredited Nonpublic Schools (including homeschools), to the superintendent of the school district where the child resides. You will submit a Letter of Intent to Continue to Provide Instruction by October 1 in subsequent years. 

Intent to Continue Homeschool - Homeschools much do an intent to continue form in these situations:

• That the family is still homeschooling in the district

• Changes related to the names and birthdates of the students receiving instruction

• Changes to the annual nationally normed achievement testing plan

• Changes to the instructor name or qualifications

• Changes to the school’s accreditation status

• Updates to immunization record required by law at age 12 (7th grade)

*please note that an address change to a new school district requires a full report

Intent to Continue Letter PDF - A letter of Intent to Continue Homeschooling is written information on an MDE form or other format provided to the local resident school superintendent or designee by October 1 of each year after the instructor has previously provided the same district with a Full Report. 

Immunization Form - The Pupil Immunization Record or a notarized conscientious objection statement is required to be on file for each student who is homeschooled. Please complete and return a form if you have not previously provided one or if the student is entering grades 7 or 12. This is a Minnesota school immunization requirement.

• MDE Report for Aid Reimbursement Request Form - eligible forms must be turned in to the District Services Center by October 1. Forms submitted after October 1 cannot be processed.

• District Aid Reimbursement Receipt Form and Guidelines - submit with receipts to the District Services Center by April 30. Items may be purchased between July 1 and April 30. 

• MDE Pupil Aids Program Information

• Purchase Order Request

• Special Education for Homeschooled Students