Homeschool parents do everything that traditional school administrators and teachers do, but in the context of their home. This means planning what students learn, choosing appropriate curriculum, keeping all records, managing costs and assuring the quality and scope of their student's education. When students graduate from homeschool, they receive a homeschool diploma/transcript, just as they would from other private/public schools.

In accordance with Minnesota state law, Shakopee Public Schools ISD720 is required to ensure that all school-age children living within the district’s boundaries are being educated. The district’s primary role is to provide the necessary information and forms to each homeschool for compliance and documentation. The district has no educational records of students who have been homeschooled. Likewise, the district does not verify or certify any homeschool diploma or transcript.

The following information is mandatory and must be submitted to the District Office by October 1 of each year. Deadlines for returning all forms to the School District are set by the MN Department of Education. If complete information is not received, the district must report the homeschool as "not compliant" in its report to the state of Minnesota:

PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS

Letters will be mailed in early August to known homeschool families in the district, reminding families to complete the required documents (links below). Paperwork can be downloaded, printed and then mailed, emailed or dropped off in person to:

Shakopee Public Schools, District Office
Attention: Alison Johnson
1200 Shakopee Town Square
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 952-496-5825
Email: ajohnson@shakopee.k12.mn.us

If you would like a complete packet mailed to your home, you may request it by calling the number above. 

Please note that Minnesota laws related to homeschooling changed significantly in July 2011 and 2014. Minnesota homeschools are encouraged to carefully review Homeschool Information for Parents provided by the Minnesota Department of Education. For specific questions, call MDE directly at 651-582-8200.

New Families

• Required forms: Unaccredited Nonpublic School (Including Homeschools) Full Report and a Student Immunization Form. These forms are due by October 1 of each year, or within 15 days of withdrawing a child from public school.

Returning Families

• Required forms: Letter of Intent to Continue Homeschooling and a Student Immunization Form when you child reaches 7th grade (age of 12). 

Optional Form

• If you wish to participate in the MDE nonpublic pupil aid program, you must fill out the Nonpublic Pupil Aid Request to get reimbursed for textbooks/tests. If this document is not received by the October 1st deadline, we are unable to reimburse for any purchases.  Please remember all items become the property of Shakopee Public Schools.  The entitlement for the 2024-2025 school year for textbooks, standardized tests, and individualized instructional materials is $120.97 per eligible pupil.  Receipts for items you purchased must be sent to our office no later than February 15th, 2025.  Remember, the materials have to be purchased after July 1, 2024 and used in this school year.