Notice of Intent (NOI)
Required annually, due October 1
Under Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 4, parents must submit a Notice of Intent to the superintendent of the school district where the child resides. Due by October 1 each year, or within 15 days of beginning homeschool instruction mid-year.
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Locate your school district superintendent's contact information Find your district at the MN Dept of Education website or call your local district office.
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Complete the NOI with the child's name, age, address, and instructor name Include the name of the parent or guardian who will be providing instruction.
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Submit the NOI to the district superintendent by October 1 Submit by mail, email, or hand-delivery per your district's preference. Keep a dated copy for your records.
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Save confirmation or proof of submission Keep a dated copy or email confirmation in your homeschool records file.
Parent Qualification
Who can legally provide homeschool instruction in Minnesota
Under Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 10, a parent or guardian homeschooling their own child is not required to hold a teaching license, diploma, or GED. Being the child's parent or legal guardian is sufficient qualification, provided annual assessment requirements are met.
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You are the child's parent or legal guardian No teaching license, college degree, or high school diploma is required by Minnesota law for parents teaching their own children.
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If a non-parent is providing instruction, additional requirements apply Instructors who are not the child's parent must hold a valid MN teaching license or be directly supervised by one. Document this arrangement in writing.
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Ensure annual assessment compliance, this is what Minnesota law emphasizes The law's key requirement for parent-taught students is that the student is assessed annually using an approved method. See the Assessment section below.
Required Subjects
Instruction must cover all MN-required subject areas
Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 9 requires instruction in the same subject areas as public schools for the applicable grade level. You choose your own curriculum, just ensure all required areas are covered throughout the year.
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Basic communication skills, reading, writing, literature, and fine arts Includes language arts, composition, grammar, and exposure to literature and the arts.
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Mathematics Age-appropriate math instruction from arithmetic through algebra, geometry, and beyond.
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Science Life science, physical science, and earth science appropriate to grade level.
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Social studies, history, geography, government, and economics Includes U.S. and world history, civics, and geography components.
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Health and physical education Basic health and wellness education plus regular physical activity throughout the year.
Annual Assessment
Student must be evaluated once each school year
Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 11 requires an annual assessment for every homeschooled student. You have two options: a nationally normed standardized test, or an evaluation conducted by a licensed Minnesota teacher. You choose the method each year.
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Choose your assessment method, standardized test or licensed teacher evaluation Common standardized tests: Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), CAT. Or arrange a portfolio/interview review with a licensed MN teacher.
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Schedule or order the assessment well in advance of year-end Some test providers require advance ordering. Teacher evaluations need scheduling time. Plan by spring.
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Administer the assessment and receive your results Review scores or the teacher's written evaluation report. Note subject areas to strengthen next year.
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File assessment results in your homeschool records Keep originals or copies of test score reports or teacher evaluation letters for at least 3 years.
Record-Keeping
Maintain accurate records throughout the school year
Minnesota law does not specify every record to maintain, but thorough record-keeping protects you legally and is essential for college applications, transcript preparation, and demonstrating assessment compliance.
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Track attendance and instructional days (165-day equivalent) Log school days or equivalent hours. Minnesota expects instruction comparable to what public schools provide.
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Record all courses with grades and credits earned Log course name, description, grade, and credits for each subject, this forms the basis of your official transcript.
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Keep samples of student work and completed assignments A portfolio of work supports a teacher-based assessment and demonstrates learning progress throughout the year.
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Store all records securely for at least 3 years Keep NOI copies, assessment results, transcripts, and attendance logs, physical or digital backups recommended.
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Legal disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Minnesota homeschool law may change. Always verify current requirements with the Minnesota Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney familiar with Minnesota education law.