Homeschooling in Minnesota
Minnesota
Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Minnesota. Minnesota homeschoolers are subject to moderate oversight and detailed requirements to ensure adequate instruction is being provided. Minnesota’s goals for home education and the accountability to strive for excellence are highly beneficial to your student. Although it isn’t the official nickname of the state, Minnesota is sometimes referred to as the “Bread and Butter State” because of its numerous flour mills and butter-making plants. As an idiom, the phrase “Bread and Butter” is defined as the essential or sustaining element for quality. It could then be said that Minnesota homeschool requirements are the “Bread and Butter” of home education.
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
Minnesota is ranked as having moderate standards and requirements of homeschoolers.Teaching
In order to homeschool in Minnesota, the instructor must be "qualified" to teach. Parents are automatically qualified to provide instruction to their children. Additional or outside instructors will be held to higher standards of certification. Minnesota also requires instruction in mandatory subjects.Testing
Minnesota requires that your child test annually using a norm-referenced standardized achievement test. The exception to this rule is if your homeschool is accredited by a recognized Minnesota accrediting association.
Registration
Annual notice of your intent to homeschool should be filed with the superintendent of your local public school.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Minnesota requires children between the ages of 7 and 17 to be schooled.Reporting
Minnesota requires that you retain proof of instruction in all state-required subjects. This includes a class schedule, copies of instruction material, and a description of assessment methods.
Advice For Homeschooling In Minnesota
Legally speaking, Minnesota has a fair amount of accountability built into their homeschool requirements. This is useful in making sure your student’s education is on track. Being organized and planning ahead will help you a lot when it comes to providing adequate instruction in state mandated subjects. Be sure to file your annual notice of intent on time and stay up to date with testing requirements. With preparation and due diligence, meeting these requirements is a less daunting task!
QUICK FACTS
Over 25,000 students homeschool in the North Star State of Minnesota!
Minnesota has an array of co-ops and tutorials for the homeschoolers!
Minnesota parents have had the right to homeschool since 1987.
Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas
Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
History Museums
Do you ever wonder if your field trips are effective? With this download, you'll learn how to plan a history field trip, what to take along with you, and how to follow up on the trip with activities to reinforce learning. We've also included activity worksheets to use while on the field trip to help you make the most of your hands-on history exploration!
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Nature Study
How do you handle nature studies when nature isn't your thing? You find help! This download defines and describes nature studies, provides a list of materials you need, offers practical ideas for implementing a nature study, and includes a book list for reinforcement. We've even included worksheets to guide you each step of the way.
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Aquariums & Zoos
Zoos and aquariums are always fun to visit. But, with a little extra time and energy investment, you can turn your visit into an academically enriching activity! In this download, you'll find tips for planning your trip well, activities to complete during your visit, follow-up activities discussion guides, and a list of books to reinforce what your students have learned.
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Libraries
Did you know that you can turn something as simple as a trip to the library into a delightful field trip? In this download, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a fun trip, discover all of the exciting ways to enjoy a library visit, and find age-appropriate follow-up activities.
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Historical Sites
Historical sites bring history to life in amazing ways. With so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try to plan a trip. This month's download is here to help! Find tips for planning, carrying out, and following up on a historical site visit—then get ready to enjoy!
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Outdoor Family Fun
A summer break from formal curriculum is a healthy and good thing. But, you can still keep your child learning, even during the break! In this e-book, you'll find tips for ways to combine summer learning and summer fun.
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Art Museums
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Art Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next art museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
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Community Kindness
Have you heard of the Random Acts of Kindness movement (RAK)? That's what this month's field trip focus is all about!
In this Community Kindness Activity Guide, you'll find suggestions for showing kindness to people in your community. You'll also discover volunteer options for every stage of learning. Download your e-book today, and start planning your RAK fun!
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My Town
How much do you know about your town? Notebooking can be a great way to process through learning about your city or town! In this My Town Activity E-Book, you'll find suggestions for completing notebooking activities to help you learn about both the geography and history of your community, town, or city. When you complete all of the research, you can add a cover and use a binder or folder to create a lasting version of your exploration!
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Indoor Field Trips & Factories
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Factory Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next indoor field trip, with a special focus on factories of all kinds. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
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Holiday Crafts & Recipes
No matter what the holiday, there are always fun ways to celebrate through crafts and cooking! In this Holiday Crafts & Recipes Activity E-Book, you'll find a wealth of craft options for all ages, as well as recipes you can whip up together. Use the results of your creativity to decorate your home, brighten the day of a friend, or even show appreciation to the people who serve your town or community!
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Science Museum
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Science Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next science museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!