MN

Medium regulation

Can you homeschool without a degree in Minnesota?

Many parents worry they are not “qualified enough” to homeschool. The legal question is simpler: what does Minnesota actually require of the parent or teacher?

Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.

Teacher qualification rule

A parent teaching their own child is automatically qualified under the HSLDA summary. If someone other than a parent teaches, the available sources say that person generally must meet one of the listed qualification options, such as holding a Minnesota teaching license for the field and grade taught, being directly supervised by a licensed teacher, teaching in an accredited or state-recognized school, or holding a bachelor's degree.

Legal status

Homeschooling is legal in Minnesota, but families have to meet several state requirements, including annual notice, required subjects, testing in most cases, and instructor qualification rules.

Curriculum freedom

Moderate. Families choose their own curriculum and teaching approach, but they must cover Minnesota's required subjects and comply with the state's notice, qualification, recordkeeping, and testing rules.

What still matters if no degree is required

  1. 1Check Minnesota's notice rule: Yes. Minnesota requires notice to the local superintendent for homeschooled children in the compulsory-attendance ages described in the available sources.
  2. 2Calendar the deadline: By October 1 each school year, or within 15 days after withdrawing a child from public school. HSLDA also says families who move into a new district should notify the new district within 15 days.
  3. 3Build around required subjects: Reading, Writing, Literature, Fine arts, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Health, Physical education
  4. 4Keep records that match the state summary: Keep documentation showing that the required subjects are being taught and that required tests were given. The HSLDA summary says this should include class schedules, copies of instructional materials, and descriptions of how student progress is assessed.
  5. 5Plan for testing or evaluation if required: Yes, in most cases. Minnesota requires annual assessment with a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test unless an exception applies, such as instruction through an accredited nonpublic program described in the available sources.
  6. 6Use official source links before making a filing or deadline decision.

Related homeschool guides for Minnesota

These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.

Free printables

Download the homeschool starter kit

Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.

View all downloads

These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Minnesota?

A parent teaching their own child is automatically qualified under the HSLDA summary. If someone other than a parent teaches, the available sources say that person generally must meet one of the listed qualification options, such as holding a Minnesota teaching license for the field and grade taught, being directly supervised by a licensed teacher, teaching in an accredited or state-recognized school, or holding a bachelor's degree.

Do I need curriculum approval in Minnesota?

Moderate. Families choose their own curriculum and teaching approach, but they must cover Minnesota's required subjects and comply with the state's notice, qualification, recordkeeping, and testing rules.

What should I do first?

Yes. Minnesota requires notice to the local superintendent for homeschooled children in the compulsory-attendance ages described in the available sources.

Start with the Minnesota legal checklist

This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual Minnesota homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.

Minnesota homeschool requirements