Homeschooling in Minnesota: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Minnesota provides a balanced homeschool environment with clear requirements and meaningful flexibility in how you meet them. You'll file annual reports with your local superintendent, teach specified subjects, and conduct yearly assessments—but you choose your curriculum, methods, and evaluation approach.

The state's Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program stands out as a significant benefit for homeschool families. Minnesota homeschoolers can take free college courses starting in 10th grade, accumulating credits that count toward both high school completion and college. This guide covers the reporting requirements, subject mandates, assessment options, and how to take advantage of Minnesota's dual enrollment opportunities.

Minnesota Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Annual Reporting Requirements

Minnesota requires annual reporting to your local school district superintendent. This isn't an approval process—you're notifying the district of your homeschool, not seeking permission.

When to file: Submit your initial report before you begin homeschooling or by October 1 of each school year^[1]. File annually thereafter by October 1.

What to include: Your report must contain: (1) the name, age, and address of each child being homeschooled, (2) the name of each instructor, (3) evidence that the instructor meets the assessment requirements (explained below), (4) the curriculum to be used, and (5) the assessment methods you'll use^[1].

Curriculum disclosure: You list the general curriculum or materials you'll use—not detailed lesson plans. "Saxon Math," "Sonlight Literature," or "Parent-designed science curriculum" provides sufficient detail. The district doesn't approve your curriculum; they simply record that you've reported one.

Who receives the report: File with the superintendent of the district where you reside. Keep a copy for your records with proof of delivery (certified mail receipt or email confirmation).

What happens next: Districts don't approve or deny homeschool reports—they receive and file them. You begin homeschooling according to your reported plan. If you move to a new district during the year, file a new report with your new superintendent.

How to Start Homeschooling in Minnesota

Required Subjects

Minnesota law specifies subjects that must be included in your homeschool curriculum. You have complete flexibility in materials and methods—only the subject areas are mandated.

Required for all grades: - Reading and writing - Literature - Fine arts (music, art) - Mathematics - Science - History and geography - Government and citizenship - Health (including effects of alcohol, drugs, tobacco) - Physical education

Grade-level considerations: The law doesn't specify what constitutes appropriate instruction at each grade level. You determine depth and complexity based on your child's development and your educational philosophy.

Curriculum flexibility: No specific textbooks or materials are required. You can use published curriculum, create your own, combine approaches, or use online programs. The subjects must be addressed, but how you address them is your choice.

Documentation approach: Keep notes on how your curriculum covers each required subject area. This supports your annual report and assessment process. You don't submit detailed documentation to the district—just the general curriculum description.

Annual Assessment Requirements

Minnesota requires annual assessment of each homeschooled child's progress. You have options in how to satisfy this requirement, giving flexibility based on your teaching approach.

Option 1: Standardized testing. Your child takes a nationally-normed, standardized achievement test administered by a neutral third party (not you). The test must be approved by the superintendent, though most standard tests (Iowa, Stanford, CAT) are accepted. No minimum scores are required—the test documents progress.

Option 2: Assessment by licensed teacher. A licensed Minnesota teacher evaluates your child's progress. This can involve portfolio review, observation, student interview, or other assessment methods the teacher deems appropriate.

Option 3: Assessment by mutually agreed person. You and the superintendent agree on a qualified person to conduct assessment. This creates flexibility for alternative evaluation approaches when you don't prefer standardized testing.

Instructor self-assessment: If the parent teaching is a licensed Minnesota teacher, they may assess their own children's progress. This simplifies assessment for families with a licensed teacher as instructor.

What to do with results: Keep assessment results on file. Minnesota doesn't require you to submit results to the superintendent unless specifically requested. Maintain records to demonstrate compliance if questions arise.

Assessment timing: Complete your assessment annually. Many families test in spring; others evaluate based on their academic calendar. Results should be available for the following year's report.

Immunization Records Requirement

Minnesota requires immunization documentation as part of your annual homeschool report. This is a paperwork requirement—not a mandate that your children be vaccinated.

What to submit: Include with your report either: (1) immunization records showing your child has received required vaccinations, OR (2) a notarized statement of conscientious objection to immunizations, OR (3) a physician's statement indicating medical contraindication^[1].

Conscientious objection: If you object to vaccinations for reasons of conscience, submit a notarized statement to that effect. No specific form is required—a brief statement explaining your objection, notarized, satisfies the requirement.

Medical exemptions: If a physician advises against vaccination for medical reasons, submit their statement indicating the specific vaccines contraindicated and why.

Annual requirement: Include immunization documentation with each year's report. Updates for new vaccinations or continued exemption statements as appropriate.

Keep copies: Retain copies of whatever documentation you submit. This proves compliance if questions arise.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Record-Keeping Recommendations

Minnesota's reporting requirement means you'll document your curriculum and assessment annually. Beyond minimum compliance, good record-keeping protects your family and supports your child's future.

What's required: Annual reports to the superintendent, assessment results kept on file, immunization documentation submitted.

What's wise to maintain:

Attendance records—though not required, documenting school days demonstrates consistent instruction if questions arise.

Subject coverage—notes showing how your curriculum addresses each required subject area.

Work samples—periodic samples across subjects showing progress throughout the year. Essential for portfolio-based assessments.

Assessment results—keep all standardized test scores, evaluation reports, or assessment documentation.

Report copies—retain copies of your annual reports with proof of delivery.

Transcript preparation: If you're homeschooling through high school, consistent documentation from earlier years supports comprehensive transcript creation later.

PSEO: Free College for Homeschoolers

Minnesota's Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program is one of the best dual enrollment opportunities in the country, and homeschoolers have full access. Starting in 10th grade, your student can take college courses tuition-free.

How PSEO works: High school students take classes at participating Minnesota colleges^[4]. Tuition, fees, and required textbooks are covered at no cost to the family. Students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

Eligibility for homeschoolers: Homeschool students can participate in PSEO^[4]. You'll need to demonstrate academic readiness, typically through placement testing at the participating institution.

When students can start: Sophomores (10th grade) can take one career/technical course. Juniors and seniors can take broader course loads based on readiness^[4].

Course options: Community colleges, state universities, and some private colleges participate. Course availability varies by institution. Students can attend full-time or take select courses while continuing homeschool instruction.

Credits earned: PSEO credits count toward both high school completion and college degree. A student who participates actively in 11th-12th grade can enter college with significant credits already completed.

Application process: Contact participating institutions directly for homeschool student procedures. You'll typically need to demonstrate readiness through testing and submit homeschool documentation.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Minnesota homeschool families issue their own diplomas. There are no state-mandated graduation requirements for homeschoolers—you determine what constitutes a complete high school education.

Graduation requirements: You set your own. Many families reference Minnesota public school requirements as a baseline: 4 years English, 3 years math, 3 years science, 3.5 years social studies, plus electives. Adjust based on your educational philosophy and your student's college or career goals.

Transcript creation: Document courses, credits, and grades throughout high school. Include course descriptions for specialized subjects. Minnesota colleges are familiar with homeschool transcripts—clear, consistent documentation matters.

College preparation: Minnesota colleges actively admit homeschool graduates. University of Minnesota, state universities, and community colleges all have established homeschool applicant processes. Requirements typically include ACT/SAT scores, transcripts, and sometimes portfolio or course descriptions.

PSEO continuation: PSEO credits transfer to Minnesota public institutions. Students who participated heavily in PSEO may enter college as sophomores or with even more credits completed.

Diploma credibility: Your home-issued diploma is a legitimate credential. Combined with test scores and transcripts, it provides documentation colleges and employers accept.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Minnesota does not have statewide legislation guaranteeing homeschool access to public school sports. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) leaves eligibility decisions to individual school districts.

Public school access: Some districts allow homeschool students to participate in athletics and extracurriculars; many do not. Policies vary significantly. Contact your local school district to inquire about homeschool participation policies.

MSHSL position: The League permits districts to establish their own policies regarding non-enrolled student participation. There's no statewide mandate in either direction.

Private school options: Some private schools admit homeschool students for athletic programs. This varies by school and sport.

Homeschool athletics: Minnesota has active homeschool sports organizations and teams. Basketball, volleyball, and other sports are available through homeschool-specific leagues. The Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) and regional groups maintain information about athletic opportunities.

Community options: Club sports, travel teams, community leagues, martial arts, swimming, and recreation programs provide athletic outlets without school affiliation. These are common pathways for Minnesota homeschool families.

Funding Situation

Minnesota offers no direct state funding for homeschool families. No ESA programs, tax credits, or vouchers apply to home education expenses.

What's available: - PSEO: Free college tuition for 10th-12th graders—the most significant financial benefit for homeschool families. - Tax deductions: Minnesota offers limited education tax credits and deductions that may apply to some homeschool expenses. Check current tax law for eligibility.

What you cover: Curriculum costs, assessment fees if using standardized testing, PSEO expenses not covered by the program (transportation, non-required materials), and extracurricular activities.

Budget considerations: Many Minnesota homeschool families keep costs modest using library resources, used curriculum sales, and free online materials. The active homeschool community includes curriculum swaps and sales events.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any point. File your report with the superintendent promptly—there's no waiting period. If withdrawing from public school, notify the school and file your homeschool report.

Moving to Minnesota: If relocating from another state, file your annual report with your new district superintendent promptly after establishing residence. Bring records from your previous homeschool to support continuity.

Special needs students: Homeschooled students with disabilities may access some services through local school districts under IDEA. The specifics vary—contact your district's special education department. Full IEP services typically require enrollment in district programs.

Part-time public school: Some districts allow homeschool students to enroll in specific classes while maintaining homeschool status for the rest of their program. Policies vary—inquire with your local district.

Multiple children: Your annual report covers all children you're homeschooling. Include each child's information and appropriate curriculum for their level.

Moving within Minnesota: If you move to a different school district during the year, file a new annual report with your new superintendent.

The Bottom Line

Minnesota's homeschool framework provides clear requirements with meaningful flexibility in implementation. The annual reporting process is straightforward—file by October 1 with your curriculum description and assessment method, include immunization documentation, and you're set.

The state's PSEO program deserves special attention. Few states offer free college coursework to homeschoolers at this scale. Planning for PSEO participation in 11th and 12th grade can provide significant college credit at no cost—a substantial benefit unique to Minnesota.

Focus on consistent documentation: annual reports filed on time, assessment results maintained, and progress records that support transcript creation later. This protects your compliance and positions your student for successful transitions.

Your first step: prepare your annual report and file with your local superintendent. Minnesota's homeschool community is established and welcoming—connect with MACHE or local groups for curriculum recommendations, assessment resources, and community support.