Homeschool Information

We believe Detroit Lakes Public Schools is one of the finest school districts in the state of Minnesota; however, if you have chosen to homeschool as your desirable option, we are here to support you in the knowledge of complying with MN state law. MN law requires education of all school-age children between the ages of 7 - 17. Detroit Lakes public schools offers information on this site of the reporting responsibilities required of homeschooled students residing within the district's boundaries.

Minnesota Compulsory Instruction Law (120A.22 Subd. 9) requires instruction must be provided in at least the following subjects:

1. Basic communication skills including Reading and Writing, Literature, and Fine Arts;

2. Mathematics and Science;

3. Social Studies including History, Geography, and Government; and

4. Health and Physical Education.

Homeschool parents do everything that traditional private school administrators and teachers do but in the context of their home. This means planning what students learn, keeping all records, managing costs and assuring the quality and scope of their student's education for college recruiters and employers. Students graduate from homeschools with homeschool diplomas and homeschool transcripts (provided by the homeschool parent), just as they would from other private schools. "The parent of a child is primarily responsible for assuring that the child acquires knowledge and skills that are essential for effective citizenship. "2015 MN Statutes 120A.22 Subd. 1- Minnesota Department of Education

New homeschoolers can enroll at any time during the school year; however, to be eligible for the non-public aids, the Full Report for New Homeschools (new enrollment for the year) or the Letter of intent to Continue to Provide Instruction (returning students) needs to include both the immunization report and testing information along with MDE's Student Report for Aids to Nonpublic Students individual and summary forms. These forms must be received in our office by the designated deadlines.

If questions, please contact Debbie Janzen, Homeschool Liaison, at 218-847-9271 or djanzen@detlakes.k12.mn.us .

(State Law requires that each home educator must register every year with the district).