Minnesota homeschool laws
Moderate regulation State Rank 50 of 56 (1 = easiest)
Confidence: High · Last verified:
Current regulations
Notification & registration Requirement exists
Initial report to the district superintendent with the child's name, birth date and address, the annual tests to be used, each instructor's name and evidence the instructor qualifies (Minn. Stat. 120A.24 subd. 1): by Oct 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7, or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school after 7 or of moving out of a district (and by Oct 1 after a new resident district is established). A letter of intent to continue, with any changes, is due by Oct 1 each year until age 16 (17 if the first report was filed after 16). Parents also submit the immunization statements required by 121A.15 (conscientious objection allowed).
Parent / instructor qualifications None in scored pathway
Parents automatically qualified; non-parent instructors need MN license in field/grade, supervision by licensed teacher, accredited-school instruction, or a bachelor's degree.
Required subjects Requirement exists
At least: 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 and materials in English (120A.22 subd. 9).
Testing & assessment Requirement exists
Annual nationally norm-referenced standardized test, test and location agreed with district superintendent (accredited homeschools exempt). At or below 30th percentile or one grade below -> evaluation for learning difficulties.
Records, days & reporting Requirement exists
Keep documentation that required subjects are taught and proof that tests were administered: class schedules, copies of instructional materials and descriptions of assessment methods; make it available to the county attorney if a case is commenced (120A.24 subd. 2). No day count stated.
Oversight Requirement exists
District superintendent; county prosecutor may demand records.
Immunization & other requirements Requirement exists
Immunization compliance submitted with initial notice (conscientious objection option).
Legal pathways
- Homeschool under Minn. Stat. 120A.22 (parent-qualified)
Scored pathway: Homeschool under 120A.22. The score uses the least-burdensome parent-led pathway defined in law (see methodology).
Who to notify & where to start
Initial report to the district superintendent with the child's name, birth date and address, the annual tests to be used, each instructor's name and evidence the instructor qualifies (Minn. Stat. 120A.24 subd. 1): by Oct 1 of the first school year after the child turns 7, or within 15 days of withdrawing from public school after 7 or of moving out of a district (and by Oct 1 after a new resident district is established). A letter of intent to continue, with any changes, is due by Oct 1 each year until age 16 (17 if the first report was filed after 16). Parents also submit the immunization statements required by 121A.15 (conscientious objection allowed).
Official agency / statute links:
Recent changes
HSLDA lists MN SF 4458 and HF 3239/SF 3439 among 2026 bills (outcomes not verified).
Also see Law watch.
How the score breaks down
Regulation burden 48.8 / 100 → freedom score 51.3. Bars show burden points per criterion (longer = more burdensome). HSLDA's own map tier for comparison: Moderate (summary dated 2025-03-27).
Sources
Primary / official
- Minn. Stat. 120A.22 (Compulsory instruction) — Content checked
- Minn. Stat. 120A.24 Reporting — Content checked
- Minn. Stat. 121A.15 Health standards; immunizations — Content checked
Last verified . Spot an error or an update? See how to report a correction or email support@homeschoollawmap.com.
Helpful resources for Minnesota families
Types of services families in this jurisdiction commonly look for, based on the requirements above. These are categories, not endorsements.
Standardized testing services
Nationally normed achievement tests that families can order for home administration or take at a testing site.
Why shown: Minnesota's scored pathway includes a testing or assessment requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Portfolio and evaluation services
Certified teachers or evaluators who review a student portfolio or write an annual progress evaluation.
Why shown: Minnesota's scored pathway lists a portfolio, evaluation, or similar review as an option or requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Curriculum and course providers
Complete curricula, single-subject courses, and online programs, including options organized around required subjects.
Why shown: Minnesota lists required subjects or curriculum expectations.
Partner links coming soon.
Record-keeping and planning tools
Attendance logs, lesson planners, transcript and portfolio organizers for keeping the records your jurisdiction may ask for.
Why shown: Minnesota asks for notices, records, attendance, or instruction time in the scored pathway.
Partner links coming soon.
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