Minnesota Homeschool Requirements Explained (2025 Guide)

Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling? Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.

And good news! The North Star State is a great place to begin your home education journey. MN’s homeschooling laws allow for a good amount of customization, giving parents the freedom to tailor their child’s education.

Whether you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Minnesota homeschooling laws, so you can start homeschooling with confidence.

Homeschooling in Minnesota at a Glance

Minnesota – The North Star State

Required Age	7-17
Standardized Testing	Required for unaccredited homeschools
Subjects	Reading, literature, mathematics, science, history, geography, economics, government, writing, fine arts, citizenship, health, and physical education
Time Requirements	None
Graduation Requirements	Determined by parent
Special Requirements	Immunization records are required upon first notice and again when the student reaches 7th grade.
State Financial Assistance Available	Yes

Parent Qualifications

If you are the parent or guardian of the student, you’re already qualified! If you are instructing someone else’s child along with your own, you will need at at least one of the following: 

1. A bachelor’s degree
2. A valid Minnesota teaching license for the grade you’re teaching
3. A completed teacher competency exam

If you cannot meet the licensing requirements, you may also instruct someone else’s children if you are teaching at a state accredited school or teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher. 

Notice of Intent

Before you start homeschooling in Minnesota, you will need to submit immunization records along with your initial Notice of Intent to homeschool. The Notice of Intent needs to be submitted by October 1st for every child aged 7 and older. 

If you choose to homeschool in the middle of the school year, you must submit the Notice of Intent no later than 15 days before withdrawing your student.

For each year you continue to homeschool, you will need to submit another form stating your intent to continue homeschool.This form will ask if there have been any changes with your students or instruction plans since the initial notification.

Attendance

There is no required amount of hours or days of instruction. Homeschooling parents are able to choose a schedule that works best for them. 

Homeschool Curriculum

Parents should be prepared to teach the following subjects: 

Reading	Writing	Literature
Fine Arts	Math	Science
History	Geography	Economics
Government	Citizenship	Physical Education
Health

Testing

Minnesota state law requires students in unaccredited homeschools to participate in annual testing. Each year, students will take a nationally normed standardized achievement test to assess their progress. Your superintendent may request that testing be done at a specific time or location.

You aren’t required to report scores to the state. However, if your child scores in the 30th percentile or lower for their age, you will be required to have them evaluated for a learning disability. It’s important to keep at least three years’ worth of test results to stay compliant with Minnesota’s record keeping law.

Record Keeping

Homeschool record keeping is required in Minnesota. Parents need to keep proof that the required subjects are being taught and that annual assessments are being taken. It’s strongly recommended to keep at least three years’ worth of academic records for each student. 

A homeschool portfolio is a great place to keep these records safe and organized! Other items that can go into a homeschool portfolio include attendance records, a list of materials and textbooks used, and some of your student’s best work. 

Graduation Requirements

In Minnesota, parents have the unique opportunity to decide when their high school student is ready to graduate. It’s a good idea to discuss your student’s career aspirations and include courses that can help them reach those goals. Some parents also look to the Minnesota Academic Standards to get a better idea of what their student should learn before graduation. 

When a student graduates from homeschool, they often receive a diploma from their parents. Some students opt to take the GED, which is recognized as a high school diploma equivalency in all 50 states.

Financial Resources

Homeschool families in Minnesota may qualify for the Minnesota K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit. The Subtraction allows you to subtract qualifying expenses from your total taxable income. The Credit allows you to claim a credit up to 75% of the total homeschool expenses. 

The Subtraction and Credit are two separate programs, and it’s possible to qualify for one but not the other. To determine your eligibility, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Income Tax Fact Sheet.

Other Tips & Resources

For more information about homeschooling in Minnesota, check out: 

• Homeschooling FAQ from the Minnesota Department of Education
• The Homeschool Mom for information on homeschool groups

If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.