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Homeschool laws · Minnesota

How to homeschool in Minnesota

October 1 is the yearly deadline.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Minnesota. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Minnesota requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. An initial report to the district superintendent by October 1 (or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school), then a letter of intent to continue by October 1 each year until age 16.

Minimum school time

None set.

Required subjects

Reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health and physical education.

Parent qualifications

Parents teaching their own children qualify automatically.

Testing or evaluation

A nationally norm-referenced achievement test every year. Results stay at home; low scores call for an evaluation for learning difficulties.

Records to keep

Proof that the subjects were taught and the tests given: schedules, materials and assessment descriptions.

Compulsory school ages

7–17

Legal ways to homeschool in Minnesota

  • Homeschool under the education code

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    An initial report to the district superintendent by October 1 (or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school), then a letter of intent to continue by October 1 each year until age 16.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    Minnesota sets no minimum number of days or hours. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Minnesota asks for: proof that the subjects were taught and the tests given: schedules, materials and assessment descriptions. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A nationally norm-referenced achievement test every year. Results stay at home; low scores call for an evaluation for learning difficulties.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Minnesota homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Minnesota?

An initial report to the district superintendent by October 1 (or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school), then a letter of intent to continue by October 1 each year until age 16.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not set a minimum number of days or hours for homeschoolers.

What subjects are required in Minnesota?

Reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health and physical education.

Does Minnesota require testing for homeschoolers?

A nationally norm-referenced achievement test every year. Results stay at home; low scores call for an evaluation for learning difficulties.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Minnesota?

Parents teaching their own children qualify automatically.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Minnesota and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states