Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Minnesota

This is general guidance based on Minnesota law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Minnesota. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Minnesota requires school districts to allow homeschooled students to receive shared-time special education services. This is one of the stronger protections for homeschooled students with disabilities. Contact your resident district to arrange shared-time services.

Home-educated children not entitled to full IEP. However, shared-time special education services are available by right.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment

Districts MUST allow shared-time special ed services

Minnesota Statutes 125A.18

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Child Find

Districts must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services

Available through shared-time; mandated by state statute

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available through shared-time special education services
Occupational therapy:: Available through shared-time special education services
Behavioral therapy:: May be available; districts bill Medical Assistance for IEP services

Minn. Stat. 125A.08, 125A.18. Districts can bill Minnesota Health Care Programs.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Minnesota?

Yes. Parents in Minnesota have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Minnesota.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Minnesota?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Minnesota's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from Minn. Stat. 120A.22 (Compulsory Instruction); Minn. Stat. 120A.24 (Reporting and Assessment). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026