How to Start Homeschooling in Minnesota (Even If You Work Full Time)


My grandmother supporting my daughter with an assignment.

How to Start Homeschooling in Minnesota: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

Deciding to homeschool your child is a big step—one that brings both freedom and responsibility. In Minnesota, families have the legal right to educate their children at home, but there are a few important requirements you’ll need to follow.

Whether you’re just getting started or moving districts, this guide will walk you through each step, share important deadlines, and give you direct links to the forms and resources you’ll need.

Step 1: Know Who Must Be Homeschooled

In Minnesota, homeschooling is for children between ages 7 and 17. If your child is younger than 7 and not yet enrolled in school, you aren’t required to register. But once they turn 7, the law applies.

Read more on Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)

Step 2: Understand Who Can Teach

Most parents qualify automatically! Minnesota law allows parents to be the primary instructor as long as their children participate in annual testing (see Step 6). Other options include using a licensed teacher, accredited program, or holding a bachelor’s degree.

Instructor requirements explained here (MDE PDF)

Step 3: Plan Your Curriculum Around Required Subjects

The state requires you to teach:

  • Reading, writing, and literature

  • Fine arts

  • Math and science

  • Social studies (history, geography, economics, government, citizenship)

  • Health and physical education

The materials you use should be in English (with allowances for English language learners). There’s no set number of school days or hours—you decide the schedule that works best for your family.

Step 4: Choose and Schedule Annual Testing

Every homeschooled student must take a nationally norm-referenced test each year—unless your homeschool is accredited.

Accreditation Option

If your homeschool is accredited, you are exempt from the annual testing requirement. In Minnesota, accreditation must come from an approved body. The Home-Based Educators Accrediting Association (HBEAA) is the primary accrediting organization for homeschools in the state.

  • Why Accreditation? It streamlines oversight and removes the need for annual standardized testing.

  • HBEAA Website: hbeaa.org

If you choose not to pursue accreditation, you and your district superintendent must agree on the annual test and how it will be administered. A common option is the Iowa Assessments via the University of Minnesota MSTP.

Step 5: Keep Records

Minnesota requires parents to keep certain records on file:

  • Class schedules

  • Copies of instructional materials

  • Assessment methods and test results

These don’t need to be sent in annually, but you must have them available if ever requested.

Step 6: Know What Happens If Test Scores Are Low

If your child scores at or below the 30th percentile (or a grade level behind peers), you’ll need to complete additional evaluation to rule out learning difficulties.

(Accredited homeschoolers are exempt from this step.)

Step 7: File the Right Forms (Deadlines Matter!)

Step 8: Submit Immunization Records (or Exemptions)

Minnesota requires homeschoolers to file either:

  • An immunization record for each child, or

  • A medical/conscientious exemption form

Updates are required when a child enters 7th grade.

View MN Immunization Requirements

Step 9: Claim Nonpublic Pupil Aids (Optional)

Did you know you may be eligible for textbooks, materials, and health services provided by your district? To apply, submit your request for Nonpublic Pupil Aids by September 15 each year.

Learn more about Nonpublic Pupil Aids

Step 10: Explore Extra Opportunities

Homeschoolers in Minnesota also have access to:

  • Shared-time classes at local public schools (varies by district)

  • PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) for earning college credit in high school (more on PSEO)

Quick Checklist for Parents

  • File Initial Registration Form (first year or new district) by Oct 1

  • File Annual Letter of Intent by Oct 1 each year

  • Submit immunization record or exemption

  • Schedule and administer annual standardized test (unless accredited with HBEAA)

  • Maintain curriculum records and test results

  • (Optional) Apply for Nonpublic Pupil Aids by Sept 15

10 Tips for Homeschooling When You Work Full-Time

Balancing homeschooling with a full-time job is no small task. It requires creativity, flexibility, and a strong support system—but it is possible. Whether you work outside the home or remotely, here are 10 strategies to help your family thrive.

1. Redefine the “School Day”

Homeschooling doesn’t need to run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learning can happen evenings, weekends, and even in short bursts during the day. Some families do 2–3 hours of focused work at night, while weekends carry the heavier load.

Tip: Block time on your calendar as “school time” just like you would a meeting.

2. Prioritize Core Subjects

Focus on math and language arts daily since they build foundational skills. Other subjects—science, history, art—can rotate or be taught in units when you have more time.

Tip: A 4-day week schedule works well for many working parents, with the 5th day for catch-up, projects, or field trips.

3. Lean Into Independent Learning

Choose curricula and resources that encourage self-directed work. Workbooks, online platforms, and reading lists can keep kids learning while you’re busy.

Examples:

  • Khan Academy (free online courses)

  • Epic! (digital library for kids)

  • Teaching Textbooks (math program that auto-grades)

4. Make Use of Early Mornings or Evenings

Many parents find their best “school time” outside traditional hours. A quiet early morning session before work or an evening lesson after dinner can be just as effective.

Tip: Try “morning baskets” with books, puzzles, or journaling for kids to start the day independently.

5. Build a Community Village

You don’t have to do it all alone. Tap into:

  • Local co-ops for group learning days

  • Other homeschool parents to swap teaching days

  • Family or trusted friends who can cover subjects or supervision

6. Maximize Weekends

Saturdays and Sundays can hold your longer projects, experiments, or field trips. Many families treat weekends as their “main school days” when parents are fully available.

7. Create a Flexible Routine (Not a Rigid Schedule)

Children thrive with consistency, but flexibility is your superpower as a working parent. Have a flow to the day, but don’t stress if things shift.

Tip: Use visual schedules or checklists so kids know what’s expected, even if you’re working.

8. Incorporate Real-Life Learning

Homeschooling doesn’t stop at worksheets. Cooking, budgeting, running errands, and even helping with your work projects can count as practical learning.

Tip: Involve your kids in planning meals, managing money, or simple chores—life skills matter just as much as academics.

9. Consider Hybrid Options

If full-time homeschooling feels too heavy, you might:

  • Enroll in a homeschool co-op one or two days a week

  • Use part-time online schools

  • Explore your district’s shared-time programs

This gives you breathing room while still homeschooling.

10. Give Yourself Grace

Some days won’t go as planned. That’s okay. Homeschooling while working full time is about progress, not perfection.

Tip: Celebrate small wins—finishing a math lesson, reading a chapter, or just having a good conversation counts as learning.

Bonus Resource

If you’re in Minnesota, check out:

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Minnesota gives families the flexibility to design an education that works for their children’s needs and interests. While there are a few legal hoops to jump through, once you understand the steps, the process is straightforward.

If you’re new, start with the MDE Homeschool Page and decide whether accreditation through HBEAA is right for you. From there, build a learning routine that nurtures your child’s strengths and sparks their curiosity.

Homeschooling isn’t just about education—it’s about creating a life-giving rhythm for your family.✨ 

Homeschooling while working full time may not look like a “traditional” classroom—but that’s the beauty of it. Your family gets to design a learning rhythm that works for your reality. And remember: homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. Flexibility, creativity, and grace will carry you through.

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