Homeschool benefits: Milaca Public School District

Milaca Public Schools reimburses homeschool families up to $138.43 per student in 2026-27 for new, secular textbooks, workbooks, learning software, and the required achievement test. You must have filed the Student Report for Aids by October 1, 2026, then mail a reimbursement form with original receipts by April 30, 2027.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Who qualifies

1. Homeschools in Milaca

   The program is for homeschooling families reporting to Milaca Public Schools. New or returning families file the state Initial Registration Form, and continuing families file the Letter of Intent.

2. Filed the Student Report for Aids

   The state form ED-01650 must be completed and received at the district by October 1. Without it, the district cannot reimburse you for that school year.

3. Buys new, secular materials

   Materials must be secular, neutral, nonideological, not capable of religious use, and meant mainly for one student's use in a particular class.

4. Keeps original receipts

   Attach original receipts dated July 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. The district reviews each receipt for eligibility.

What it is worth

Milaca's 2026-27 rate for textbooks, standardized tests, and individual instructional materials is $138.43 per pupil, claimed on one form per student.

One student

$138.43

Two students

$276.86

Three students

$415.29

Four students

$553.72

Health services (paid to the district)

$89.75

Secondary guidance (paid to the district)

$376.69

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) may adjust the rates on or about October 15, once it knows the final funding and participation, so ask whether the $138.43 changed.

From filing to reimbursement

1. By October 1, 2026

   File the Student Report

   Send form ED-01650 to Erika Nelson at Milaca Public Schools along with your registration or letter of intent.

2. From July 1, 2026

   Buy eligible materials

   Only receipts dated July 1, 2026 or later count for the 2026-27 year.

3. By April 30, 2027

   Send the request

   Mail or deliver the Request for Nonpublic Pupil Aids Reimbursement, one per student, with original receipts attached and your signature.

4. After review

   District decides the amount

   The district office reviews the receipts and records the eligible amount, up to the per-student rate.

5. Each year

   File again

   Submit a new Student Report for Aids by October 1 for every school year you want aid.

What it pays for

Covered

• Textbooks and workbooks
• DVDs, educational games, and flashcards
• Music books, sheet music, and learning kits
• Instructional software and per-student monthly subscriptions

Not covered

• Used books or materials
• Family, yearly, or lifetime subscriptions
• Tuition or fees for live courses
• PSEO expenses
• Paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, and crayons

Teacher's editions and guides count only when they come packaged with the student textbook.

Who to contact

Erika Nelson at the district office takes the forms and receipts and answers questions about the nonpublic aid program.

erika.nelson@milaca.k12.mn.us 320-982-7210 Homeschool forms

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

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