Homeschool Resources

Shared Time

Shared time allows a homeschool student to take a core subject or elective class at their designated local public school, when approved by the school. Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) allows shared time if approved by the public school principal. 

The homeschool instructor should contact their local public school to discuss if the needs of the homeschool student may be met. Principals will assess the request and make the final determination. Factors considered in making the acceptance decision may include class size, class schedule, disruption to public school students' education, etc.

MPS board policy requirements for shared time include the following:

1. Pupils are residents of the city of Minneapolis.
2. A signed request is received from the pupil and the parent/guardian.
3. Space is available in specifically requested classes that are held during regular public school hours.
4. Shared time participation does not limit or detract from the instructional program for public school students.

Minneapolis Public Schools provides special education and related services to eligible students attending nonpublic schools with disabilities. Special education and related services are provided to children with a disability in one of the 13 disability categories:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Blind/visually impaired
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Developmental cognitive disabilities
• Developmental delay
• Emotional or behavioral disorder
• Other health disability
• Physical disability
• Specific learning disability
• Speech or language impairment
• Traumatic brain injury

Student Evaluation Process

Children suspected of having a disability can be referred for a comprehensive education evaluation by parents, administrators, teachers or other nonpublic school staff. The "child find" process initially involves gathering information about the child, his/her background and educational concerns.

An evaluation plan is created with input from parents and education staff. Since the evaluation plan covers multiple domains, several professionals may be involved in completing the testing. The plan lists the areas to be assessed, evaluation tools to be administered, and the title of the professional assigned to complete the testing. Parents must sign in agreement with the evaluation plan before any testing begins. Once the evaluation plan is signed, the team has 30 school days to complete the testing and meet with the parents to discuss the evaluation results.

If your student needs to be evaluated, please email non-public.spedreferrals@mpls.k12.mn.us to request their Nonpublic Student Review form.

Special Education Services

If the child qualifies for special education and related services, an Individual Service Plan (ISP) is developed that includes goals and objectives focused on educational needs identified in the evaluation. Services may include direct or indirect service as well as accommodations to general and special education. Progress reports and ISP meetings are held to inform parents and administrators of student growth. Parents must sign in agreement with the ISP before services can begin.

If direct special education services are listed in the ISP, the services are arranged as determined by Minneapolis Public Schools.

Contact: non-public.spedreferrals@mpls.k12.mn.us
 

The parent/guardian, who is acting as principal, teacher, counselor and office person of the homeschool, makes grade level placement decisions for their students.

Grade level placement for homeschool students transitioning back into Minneapolis Public Schools are managed in the same manner as incoming transfer students from nonpublic schools. This transition is most efficient when the following student information has been assembled:

• Names of materials used for instruction
• Work samples of your child's academic achievement
• Descriptions of methods used to assess student achievement, including standardized test score information
• Cumulative file information including a transcript

In most cases, students will receive credit toward graduation for the work that has been completed in their homeschool. The public school grade point average is generated only on course work completed in that public school.

To participate in Minneapolis Public Schools' (MPS) athletic programs, you must contact the Athletic Director of your student's assigned school (also known as "community school") for your address.

If you are unsure of the assigned school for your student, please visit the MPS Student Placement Center.

Please visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety: Homeschool Driver's Education to learn about options for classroom driver's education that are only available to full-time homeschool students

Students in grades 11-12 may choose to participate in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program (PSEO). 

To apply for PSEO, students should contact the admissions office of the post secondary institution of their choice. Those institutions have the necessary forms. 

If a homeschool student qualifies for the post secondary institution they want to attend, they do not need to enroll in a public high school in order to participate. 

Families will fill out the parent/guardian and the high school section of the PSEO form provided by the institution. The post secondary institution will forward it to the State of Minnesota. If you have questions, visit Post Secondary Enrollment Options.

Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) & Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDR) Resources

Please visit the specified resource in this table for more information.

Other Resources

As a homeschool instructor, you may find it helpful to view what is required for someone to graduate from a Minneapolis Public School (MPS).  This tool is meant to be used as guide only for homeschoolers, primary instructors are responsible for knowing graduation requirements.  Please visit Graduation Requirements for MPS Public School Students.

As an optional resource for new homeschool instructors not knowing where to start, you may find content areas for MPS students in Health Education and Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, Literacy & English Language Arts, Arts, World Languages, and Ethnic Studies.  For any other core content areas, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education's K-12 Academic Standards website.