Homeschooling in Minnesota
Annual Reporting & Testing
To homeschool in Minnesota, you must report to your local school district superintendent each year. The initial report lists your students and testing plan. In subsequent years, you file a simpler 'Letter of Intent to Continue'.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
9
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Submit Initial Report or Intent to Continue by October 1st
- Administer a nationally norm-referenced test annually (Title 1 requirement)
- Keep test scores on file (do not submit unless requested/accredited)
- Maintain immunization records
Legal Framework
Minnesota Statutes 120A.22 (Compulsory Instruction) and 120A.24 (Reporting) govern homeschooling.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Minnesota
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools and 5 kindergartens and playgroups in Minnesota, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- City of Lakes Waldorf School, Minneapolis
- Minnesota Waldorf School, Maplewood
- Acorn Tree Child Garden, Richfield
- Apple Blossom Village, Bemidji
Required Subjects
Must be taught in English.
Reading
Writing
Literature
Fine Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies (History, Geography, Gov, Citizenship, Econ)
Health
Physical Education
Filing Requirements
What to file
Initial Report to Superintendent / Letter of Intent to Continue
When
October 1 (or within 15 days of withdrawal for mid-year start)
Where
Local school district superintendent
How to submit
Submit forms to district
What to include
- • Student info
- • Testing plan (first year)
- • Intent to continue (subsequent years)
Annual testing REQUIRED (keep on file, don't submit). Eligible for Nonpublic Pupil Aids (textbook/test reimbursement - request by Oct 1). **PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options)**: Grades 10-12 can take FREE college courses (tuition + books covered). **Sports access ALLOWED** under state law (may require participation fees). Special ed: Shared Time services available from district.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: Ages 7-17
Must administer a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test annually to students ages 7-17.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Initial Report
File the 'Initial Report to Superintendent' form.
- •Include names/birthdates of children
- •List the standardized test you plan to use
- •Include immunization records (or exemption)
Tip: Do NOT use the 'Initial' form for subsequent years; use the 'Letter of Intent to Continue'.By October 1st (or within 15 days of withdrawing)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Clear legal framework
- ✓State income tax deduction available for expenses
Cons
- •Annual testing required (and must be paid for)
- •Specific subject list
Sports & Activities
Access allowed under state law (may require participation fees).
Questions about homeschooling in Minnesota
Do I have to turn in my test scores?
Generally, no. You keep them on file. The district can only request them if there is a specific legal reason (e.g. court order) or for accreditation purposes if you arrange it.
Can I claim a tax deduction?
Yes! Minnesota offers a K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit for homeschool expenses. Keep your receipts.
What if my child scores low on the test?
If a child scores at or below the 30th percentile, you must evaluate for learning problems. This doesn't automatically mean sending them back to school, but you must address it.
Get Minnesota’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Minnesota page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Minnesota page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Minnesota records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Minnesota tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MN homeschool law guide