Welcome to High School of America, the leading online education provider for homeschooling students in Minnesota!
We are committed to delivering an exceptional homeschooling experience tailored to every student’s unique learning needs. Our flexible and customizable curriculum accommodates individual learning styles, ensuring students can thrive academically.
With our team of experienced and dedicated teachers, students receive personalized instruction and support to help them reach their full potential.
Our comprehensive curriculum aligns with Minnesota’s state education standards, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the 21st century. Our interactive and user-friendly online learning platform enables students to learn anytime and anywhere.
Choose High School of America today and unlock the benefits and flexibility of homeschooling in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Homeschooling Law in Minnesota
In Minnesota, parents have the right to establish private schools in their homes for their children, according to the state’s Compulsory Instruction statutes, sections 120A.22, 120A.24, and 120A.26. Like other nonpublic options, these schools are primarily funded by the parents.
However, Minnesota offers Nonpublic Pupil Aids that parents can apply for through their local public school district superintendent’s office by September 15th each year.
In Minnesota, there is only one recognized accrediting agency for homeschools: The Home-Based Educators Accrediting Association. It’s important to note that homeschools are not required to be accredited. However, obtaining accreditation can have advantages, such as being exempted from the mandatory nationally normed achievement test for students aged 7-17, typically required yearly.
The following are other homeschooling requirements in the state of Minnesota:
Instructor Qualifications
To teach your homeschooling children in Minnesota, you must be qualified. Parents instructing their own teens are automatically eligible. If any other person is teaching your students, they must possess one of the following qualifications:
- Have a baccalaureate degree.
- Teach in an accredited school or one that is recognized by the state board.
- Completed an instructor competency exam.
- Directly supervised by a licensed educator
- Have a Minnesota teaching license in the grade and field taught
Homeschooling Notification
You are required to submit a notification to the district superintendent in which your child lives by October 1 of the school calendar or within 15 days of withdrawing the learner from public school.
The initial notification ought to include:
- Your child’s name, address, and date of birth,
- Yearly assessment tests that you plan to use (if needed),
- Each instructor’s name,
- Proof of compliance with educator credentials (if applicable), and
- Proof of immunization compliance for every child attaining seven years and then in grade 7 year.
In the preceding year, until your student attains 16 years, you are required to submit a letter of intent to continue homeschooling.
The letter must indicate all changes in the necessary information (You must also provide a letter of intent to continue homeschooling until your learner attains 17 years if you start homeschooling at 16 years.
Required Courses
Minnesota Homeschool Law (MN Statute 120A.22 Subd. 9) mandates the following courses:
- citizenship,
- economics,
- fine arts,
- geography,
- government,
- health,
- history,
- literature,
- math,
- physical education.
- science, and
- writing
Attendance Requirements
Homeschooling in Minnesota does not have specific minimum requirements for the number of days or hours of instruction. There is flexibility in determining the duration of homeschooling.
Record Keeping
Minnesota law mandates that homeschooling parents keep documentation to demonstrate that the required subjects are being taught and that the required tests have been administered.
This documentation should include class schedules, copies of instructional materials, and descriptions of the methods used to assess student achievement.
Annual Assessment
Under Minnesota law, homeschooling parents are obligated to administer or have their child take a nationally standardized achievement test each year. Submitting the test results to the school district is unnecessary, but they should be kept as part of the homeschooling records.
However, if a child scores at or below the 30th percentile on the total battery score, further evaluation must be obtained to determine if the child has any learning difficulties.
For homeschooled students aged seven to sixteen (or seventeen in specific cases), a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement test must be taken annually.
This requirement no longer applies once a homeschooled student reaches the age of sixteen unless the student recently began homeschooling at that age.
High school homeschool students can prepare for college by taking the ACT or SAT. However, it is important to note that these tests do not replace the mandatory annual tests for students under the age of sixteen.
Homeschooling families registered with a recognized Minnesota accrediting association are not required to administer tests to their children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Homeschooling Online
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Minnesota?
Yes, according to Minnesota homeschool laws, homeschoolers between the ages of 7 and 17 are mandated to take a standardized, norm-referenced test annually.
Can homeschoolers play public school sports in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, homeschooled students can participate in public school sports and activities within their resident school district attendance area, as permitted by Minnesota Statutes.
What subjects are required to be taught in a homeschool?
Homeschoolers in Minnesota, aged 7 to 17, must receive instruction in the following subject areas: basic communication skills (fine arts, literature, writing, and reading), science, mathematics, social studies (including citizenship, government, economics, history, and geography), and physical education and health.
The instruction and materials should be in English, even though other languages might be used as per Minnesota Statutes.
What do I need to know about selecting and obtaining a curriculum?
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) does not assist in selecting curricula for nonpublic schools, including homeschools. The parent is responsible for ensuring that the student receives instruction in the required knowledge and skill areas outlined in the compulsory instruction law.
What are the requirements for assessments?
If a parent fails to meet the requirements specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.22, subdivision 10, clauses (1-3), they must administer a standardized, norm-referenced test annually to each student between the ages of 7 and 17.
The parent and the school district’s superintendent should agree on the choice of test and the administration protocols. Additionally, if the standardized test does not assess each required subject area, the parent must evaluate the child’s performance in the applicable subject area.
Can my homeschooled student graduate early?
In Minnesota, homeschooled students, as well as students in nonpublic institutions, must meet the graduation requirements set by their homeschool or private institution.
Parents establish the graduation requirements for high school in a homeschool setting, and students graduate upon meeting those requirements.
The compulsory instruction statute, which mandates school attendance until age 17, applies only to students who have yet to graduate.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Minnesota
During the 2018-2019 academic year, around 16,700 students in Minnesota, ranging from seven to 16 years old, were registered for homeschooling, constituting approximately 1.9% of all students in the state.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the first few weeks of remote learning began, the percentage of homeschooled students in Minnesota surged to 4.6%, according to data from the U.S. Census. This marked a significant increase of 2.7 percentage points.
By October 2020, the number of homeschooled students had risen even further, jumping by 5.1 percentage points to 9.7% of all Minnesota students. These statistics reflect the growing trend of online homeschooling in the state during the pandemic.
In 2021, the number of homeschooled students in Minnesota 2021 was 30,955, representing 3.2% of overall students in the state.
How to Do it: Minnesota Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling in Minnesota can be done online using various resources and platforms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with online homeschooling in Minnesota:
- Familiarize Yourself with Minnesota Homeschooling Laws: Before you begin homeschooling, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements set by the state. In Minnesota, homeschooling is considered a form of private schooling, and you must comply with the state’s compulsory laws. Review the Minnesota Department of Education website or consult with a local homeschooling organization to ensure you understand the legal obligations.
- Notify the School District: In Minnesota, you are required to notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool. Contact your school district’s administrative office and request the necessary forms for homeschooling notification. Fill out the forms accurately, providing all the required information about your homeschooling plans and curriculum.
- Choose an Online Homeschooling Curriculum: Numerous online homeschooling curricula are available to suit different learning styles and preferences. Research and choose a curriculum that aligns with your educational goals and your child’s needs.
- Set Up a Dedicated Homeschooling Space: Designate a specific area in your home for homeschooling activities. Create a quiet and organized space for your child to focus on their studies. Ensure the space is free from distractions and has all the necessary supplies, such as textbooks, notebooks, a computer, and other materials required for online learning.
- Establish a Homeschooling Schedule: Create a daily or weekly homeschooling schedule that outlines the subjects, activities, and breaks. Consider your child’s natural rhythm and preferences when scheduling their study time. It’s essential to have a consistent routine to provide structure and maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Utilize Online Learning Resources: Online homeschooling offers many resources and tools. Explore educational websites, online libraries, virtual field trips, and interactive learning platforms. These resources can enhance your child’s learning experience and make the curriculum more engaging.
- Join Homeschooling Support Groups: Connect with other homeschooling families in Minnesota by joining local homeschooling support groups or online communities. These groups can provide valuable support, advice, and opportunities for social interaction for you and your child.
Remember, while homeschooling offers flexibility and personalized learning, it requires dedication, commitment, and active involvement from you as the parent or educator. Stay engaged with your child’s progress and provide them with a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
Benefits of Minnesota Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online in Minnesota offers several benefits for both students and parents. Here are some advantages of online homeschooling in Minnesota:
1. Flexibility
One of the key benefits of Minnesota homeschooling online is the flexibility it offers. With online courses, students can choose to take classes on topics that interest them or even create their own curriculum if desired. Additionally, there is no need to stick to any specific timeline; students may be able to complete lessons at their own pace and move on to other topics when they feel ready.
2. Cost Savings
Online homeschooling in Minnesota is often much more cost effective than traditional schooling. This is due to the fact that parents don’t have to purchase textbooks or supplies, pay to enroll their children in extra-curricular activities or pay for transportation costs.
3. Convenience
Homeschooling online also offers a great deal of convenience for both students and parents alike. Parents can access curriculum and resources anytime, anywhere, from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, since there are no set times for classes or assignments, families can work around any scheduling conflicts they may have.
4. Parent Involvement
Online homeschooling gives parents an even greater opportunity to be deeply involved in their child’s education. Parents can monitor their child’s progress, work with them to make sure they are on track, and provide support as needed.
By becoming more involved in the learning process, parents can ensure that their children receive a quality education in an environment tailored specifically for them.
5. Enhanced Learning Opportunities
Online homeschooling provides access to a wide range of educational resources, including interactive learning platforms, educational videos, virtual field trips, and online libraries.
Students can explore subjects in-depth, engage in interactive learning experiences, and access a wealth of information beyond traditional textbooks.
Conclusion
Homeschooling online in Minnesota is an excellent option for individuals who are looking to get an education away from the traditional classroom setting.
By understanding the laws of homeschooling in Minnesota, individuals can ensure that their homeschooling program is done correctly and legally so no problems will arise.
In addition, there are numerous benefits to homeschooling, including smaller class sizes and being able to personalize the learning process for each student.
If you or someone you know is interested in homeschooling in Minnesota, contact High School of America today! It has knowledgeable staff members available who will be able to answer any questions you have about starting a comprehensive and successful homeschool program.