Homeschool Owl

Minnesota Homeschool Requirements

Moderate Regulation

Minnesota requires notification and annual standardized testing (Minn. Stat. §§120A.22, .24, .26), with a narrow exemption for accredited home-based programs. The state's hour-based instructional-time minimums (§120A.41) apply to public schools, not homeschools. Minnesota sets NO homeschool-specific day/hour count. The 180-day figure shown is a general recommendation only.

No Minimum

180 days is a recommendation

Required

notification

Required

testing

Public schools in Minnesota typically start school on Sep 8, 2026. Each district sets its own date, so yours may differ.

Ready to start? See the step-by-step guide to withdrawing your child and homeschooling in Minnesota.Get started →

Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: initial: by October 1, or within 15 days of withdrawal; ongoing: an annual "Letter of Intent to Continue," due October 1

Testing

Required

Frequency: annual, ages 7–16, norm-referenced (with additional evaluation required for low scorers)

Required Subjects

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

Instructional Days

No Minimum

Minnesota does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown here as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.

Report Frequency

annual

Submission Method

resident district superintendent (paper); no statewide online portal

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

initial: by October 1, or within 15 days of withdrawal; ongoing: an annual "Letter of Intent to Continue," due October 1

Testing Requirement

annual, ages 7–16, norm-referenced (with additional evaluation required for low scorers)

Report Due

annual

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in Minnesota?+
Minnesota requires notification and annual standardized testing (Minn. Stat. §§120A.22, .24, .26), with a narrow exemption for accredited home-based programs. The state's hour-based instructional-time minimums (§120A.41) apply to public schools, not homeschools. Minnesota sets NO homeschool-specific day/hour count. The 180-day figure shown is a general recommendation only.
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in Minnesota?+
Minnesota does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.
Does Minnesota require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, Minnesota requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is initial: by October 1, or within 15 days of withdrawal; ongoing: an annual "Letter of Intent to Continue," due October 1.
Does Minnesota require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
Yes, Minnesota requires testing for homeschool students. Testing frequency: annual, ages 7–16, norm-referenced (with additional evaluation required for low scorers).
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Minnesota?+
Minnesota requires the following subjects to be taught: Reading, Writing, Literature, Fine Arts, Math, Science, History, Geography, Government, Health, Physical Education.
How to start homeschooling in Minnesota →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

Track Minnesota compliance automatically

Log instructional days and generate Minnesota compliance reports with Homeschool Owl, Minnesota sets no minimum, so we'll track toward a 180-day recommendation as a helpful reference.

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Minnesota homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
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