Homeschooling a child can be an incredibly rewarding and educational experience for both the student and the parent. Minnesota is one of many states that allow parents to choose to homeschool their children. As such, it’s important to know who may homeschool a child in Minnesota and the laws they must follow.
This article will detail who may homeschool a child in Minnesota, the legal requirements of doing so, and the pros and cons of homeschooling in the state.
Who May Homeschool a Child in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, homeschooling is generally open to any person responsible for the education of a minor student (under the age of 18). The responsible party can be a parent, legal guardian, or other authorized adult.
A variety of alternatives are also allowed for parents and guardians who wish to homeschool their children, such as enrolling in a tutoring program, hiring a certified instructor or tutoring service, or enrolling in an online homeschool program.
Legal Requirements of Homeschooling in Minnesota
Homeschoolers in Minnesota are subject to the same age requirements and compulsory attendance as public school students. Students must attend classes regularly, beginning at age 6 and continuing until age 1
If a student is age 16, they must attend at least 990 hours of instruction, while those ages 17 must complete 540 hours of instruction. While the state has no curriculum requirements, it does require that homeschoolers adhere to certain standards of instruction. Subjects taught must include reading, writing, mathematics, and science.
They must also teach physical education and social studies. All homeschoolers must keep records of attendance, instruction, and progress for at least two years. Homeschoolers in Minnesota must also take part in annual assessments of their students’ academic progress.
These assessments may include standardized tests, or a portfolio review from an academic evaluation or review service. The test results, or the review results, are sent to the County Superintendent of Schools or the designated homeschooling team.
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling in Minnesota
Homeschooling in Minnesota has many advantages for both parents and their children. One of the biggest benefits is the flexibility it provides. Homeschoolers can set their own pace of learning, and design their own curriculum.
This allows parents to tailor their child’s educational experience to their needs. Homeschooling also allows parents to get involved in their child’s education and be in control of what they learn.
This can help foster a closer relationship between parent and child. Homeschooling in Minnesota also offers financial savings. Homeschoolers do not have to pay for tuition costs or other associated expenses, such as uniforms or school supplies.
Additionally, homeschoolers are not bound by state or national assessment requirements and can use their own assessment methods instead. On the other hand, homeschooling in Minnesota requires a great degree of commitment and responsibility on the part of the parents.
Not only must parents be knowledgeable enough to teach their child, they must also fit homeschooling into their daily lives. Additionally, parents must ensure that their child is performing at an acceptable academic level while they’re homeschooling.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Minnesota can be an educational and rewarding experience for both parents and their students. While the state allows anyone who is responsible for the education of a minor student to homeschool, there are legal requirements that must be followed.
Additionally, homeschooling has its pros and cons, so parents should carefully consider their options before deciding to take on the responsibility.