Yes, homeschooling is legal in Minnesota under the state’s Compulsory Instruction Law (Minn. Stat. § 120A.22), provided families comply with annual reporting and assessment requirements enforced by local school districts.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Minnesota
- Annual Reporting: Families must submit a Letter of Intent to the local superintendent by October 1 each year, including the student’s name, age, and address.
- Instruction Hours: A minimum of 170 days of instruction per year is mandated, with subjects mirroring public school standards (e.g., reading, math, science, social studies).
- Assessment Requirements: By the end of grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, homeschooled students must undergo standardized testing or a portfolio review, as outlined in Minnesota’s 2024–2026 compliance guidance.
Local school districts, such as those in Minneapolis or St. Paul, oversee compliance through the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) Homeschool Office. Failure to meet deadlines or submit required documentation may trigger district audits or revocation of homeschool status. Minnesota’s 2026 legislative updates emphasize stricter digital record-keeping for portfolios, aligning with statewide data privacy laws. Homeschooling families should consult their district’s homeschool liaison for jurisdiction-specific interpretations, as enforcement varies by county.