Homeschool benefits: Elk River School District
Elk River Area Schools (Independent School District 728) reimburses homeschool families who opt in up to $138.43 per student for 2026-27 for new, eligible textbooks, instructional materials, and tests. You must have filed the Student Report for Aids by October 1, then send receipts dated July 1, 2026 or later so they arrive by May 1.
Who qualifies
Registered with ISD 728
File the Initial Registration Form by October 1 or within 15 days of leaving public school, then a Letter of Intent to Continue by October 1 each year. Incomplete files are reported to the state as not compliant.
Opted in by October 1
The aid is optional. To take part, file the Student Report for Aids to Nonpublic Students by October 1.
Requested by September 15
The state counts only students enrolled in your homeschool and requested in writing on or before September 15.
Buys new, eligible items
Items must be secular, designed for your child's individual use, and available to Minnesota public school students. Used books and materials are not reimbursed.
What it is worth
Elk River lists the 2026-27 educational aid reimbursement as $138.43 per student.
- One student
- $138.43
- Two students
- $276.86
- Three students
- $415.29
- Four students
- $553.72
Reimbursed materials must be labeled "Property of ISD 728," so ask the Home School Office whether you return them later.
From opting in to reimbursement
- By October 1
Register and opt in
Send your registration or Letter of Intent and the Student Report for Aids to the Home School Office, 11500 193rd Avenue NW, Elk River.
- From July 1, 2026
Buy new materials
Purchases dated within the fiscal year that began July 1, 2026 count. Label each item "Property of ISD 728."
- By May 1
Send receipts
All receipts for reimbursement must be received by May 1.
- Each year
File again
Opt in again with a new Student Report for Aids by October 1.
What it pays for
Covered
- Textbooks, workbooks, and e-books
- Manipulatives, flashcards, games, and learning kits
- Instructional software
- Standardized tests and scoring services
Not covered
- Used books and materials
- Paper, pencils, and other consumable supplies
- Library and reference books
- Religious materials
Elk River uses the eligible-item lists in Appendices A and B of the Minnesota Department of Education's Education Aids for Nonpublic School Students.
Who to contact
The home school coordinator and administrator handle registrations, the aid report, and reimbursement questions.
theresa.simon@isd728.org 763-241-3407 Home school page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Minnesota
You must file the initial report by October 1 of the first instructional year after the child turns seven, or after establishing a new resident district. You must file within 15 days of withdrawing a child seven or older from public school, or of moving out of a district. You must file annual continuation letters by October 1 for the required ages.
Minnesota sets these rules:
- Subjects: Teach reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and PE. Instruction and materials are in English unless the statutory language-program exception applies.
- Testing: Annual nationally normed achievement test for ages 7–16, plus certain 16–17-year-olds first reported after age 16. Agree on the test, administration, and location with the superintendent. State-recognized accredited instruction is exempt.
- Records: Unless the accreditation exemption applies, keep schedules, materials, assessment methods, and proof of testing. Keep immunization or exemption records for five years after adulthood. File immunization statements by October 1 of the first homeschool year and grade 7.
- Teachers: A parent may teach without a degree if the assessment requirements are met. Other instructors need a qualifying license, licensed supervision, bachelor’s degree, or recognized accredited-school route.
Read the Minnesota homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Minnesota
Questions parents ask
- Will Elk River reimburse used curriculum?
- No. Used books and materials are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Do I have to label what Elk River reimburses?
- Yes. Reimbursable materials must be labeled "Property of ISD 728."
- We missed October 1. Can we still claim 2026-27 purchases?
- No. The aid requires the Student Report by October 1, so plan to opt in by October 1, 2027 for next year.
- Who do I call with questions?
- Call the Home School Office at 763-241-3407, or email the home school coordinator at theresa.simon@isd728.org.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
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$149/month per child after the trial.
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