Homeschool Education

For some families, homeschooling is the appropriate educational choice for their child. For specific questions and to review requirements, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.

If you determine homeschooling is the best option for your student, you must turn in a Homeschool Full Report to Winona Area Public Schools:

By October 1 of the first year, the child is homeschooled after reaching age 7.
Within 15 days of withdrawing a child from public school to homeschool.
Within 15 days of moving out of a district, the parent must notify the old district of the move. They must turn in the Full Report to the new district by October 1 of the next year.
In subsequent years, the parent turns in a Letter of Intent to Continue to Provide Instruction by October 1 of each year.

Aids to Nonpublic Students

Homeschools are also eligible for the Aids to Nonpublic Students program. You must complete and return the Aids to Nonpublic Students Forms to Winona Area Public Schools by October 1. Qualified homeschooling families in school year 2024-25 can access up to:

$120.97 per eligible pupil for textbooks, standardized tests and individual instructional materials.
$81.07 per eligible student for Pupil Health Services.
$339.53 for Secondary Pupil Guidance and Counseling Services.

Please note: Students must be age 5 by September 1 to be eligible for any aid.

Extracurricular Activities

Testing Information

Minnesota homeschools are required to annually administer a nationally normed achievement test for each student from ages 7 through 17.

Only accredited homeschools are exempt from this requirement. A nationally normed achievement test compares students’ performance to other students in the same grade across the nation. MN Statewide Testing Program (MSTP) offers tests that meet Minnesota's requirement, as well as additional assessments.

You must indicate your selected assessment on your homeschool forms.

Please note: If your student scores at or below the 30th percentile on the test, state law requires further testing to determine if there are additional supports your student needs to receive.

How to Submit Homeschool Forms

Download the fillable forms below:
- Homeschool Full Report
- Intent to Continue
- Aids to Nonpublic Students (optional)
Completed forms can be:
- mailed or dropped off at the WAPS District Office, 903 Gilmore Ave., Winona, MN 55987
- OR emailed to ying.hou@winona.k12.mn.us

Questions?

Ying Hou

Testing Coordinator

District Office

School: (507)494-0865