This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
In Minnesota, your only option to home school your child is to establish and operate your own home school. Minnesota actually has a home school statute that delineates what specifically an “approved” home school looks like.
The statue states that the parent, “is primarily responsible for ensuring that the child acquires the knowledge and skills that are essential for effective citizenship.” In other words, parents need to do their own home schooling, rather than hire a tutor.
According to state law the home instructor must satisfy one of these six requirements:
1. Hold a Minnesota teaching license in the grade and subject taught.
2. Be directly supervised by a licensed teacher.
3. Successfully complete a teacher competency exam.
4. Provide instruction in a school that is accredited by a the state board.
5. Hold a baccalaureate degree.
6. Be the parent of a child who is assessed according to the procedures of subdivision 11 and the standardized test section below.
The parent-instructor must then report to the local superintendent the name, date of birth, and address of each child taught. This must be done by Oct. 1st of each school year. This report must include:
1. The name of the instructor and evidence that the instructor is qualified (by meeting one of the 6 requirements listed above).
2. If the parent teaches under the 6th requirement above (parent of a child who is assessed), a quarterly report of the achievement of each child in the required subjects (mentioned below.)
The parent-instructor must be prepared to prove that the required subjects are being taught. The documentation must include: class schedules, copies of materials used for instruction, and a description of the method used for assessment.
While it is not mandatory, the local superintendent may visit the home school to determine whether or not the home school is in compliance.
Compulsory Age: Compulsory attendance is required of students who are age 7 to 16. Students who were enrolled in school before age 7 and then pulled out, are also under compulsory attendance law unless the school district has an exemption to this rule.
Number of Days: There is no specified number of days. I would have to assume however, given the lengthy regulations, that one can say home schools should run similarly to a public school schedule.
Required Subjects: Reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, government, health and physical education.
Standardized Testing: Administer an annual standardized test as agreed to by the local superintendent.
Resources
State Support Groups
Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators
Minnesota Homeschoolers Alliance