Homeschool benefits: Osseo Area Schools
Osseo Area Schools (District 279) reimburses homeschool families up to a preliminary $138.43 per eligible student for secular textbooks, standardized tests, and individual instructional materials. You must have returned the Student Report for Aids by October 1, then send all receipts to the district by May 1.
Who qualifies
Reports to Osseo Area Schools
Send the Initial Registration Form or the Letter of Intent to Continue to the district by October 1, naming the nationally normed test your child will take.
Filed form ED-01650-38
Return the Student Report for Aids to Nonpublic Schools by October 1. Submitting it tells the district you will seek reimbursement.
Buys secular materials
Reimbursement covers secular textbooks, standardized tests, and individual student instructional materials allowed by state law. Receipts from a religious vendor are reviewed to confirm the items are secular.
Sends receipts by May 1
All receipts must reach the district by May 1 to be reimbursed.
What it is worth
Osseo lists a preliminary authorized rate of $138.43 per eligible student for textbooks and standardized tests.
- One student
- $138.43
- Two students
- $276.86
- Three students
- $415.29
- Four students
- $553.72
- Health screenings at your local school
- Service only
The rate is preliminary and may be adjusted on or about October 15, so ask the district for the final figure before you plan purchases around it.
From filing to reimbursement
- By October 1
Send your forms
Fax, email, or mail your registration or letter of intent and form ED-01650-38 to Kristin Johnson at the Educational Service Center.
- During the school year
Buy eligible items
Keep the receipt for each secular textbook, test, or instructional material you buy for your student.
- By May 1
Submit receipts
Send all receipts to the district. Email works: homeschool@district279.org.
- Each year
File again
All reporting forms are due by October 1 each year.
What it pays for
Covered
- Secular textbooks
- Standardized tests
- Individual student instructional materials
Not covered
- Religious materials
- Health supplies
Health services (vision, hearing, scoliosis, and blood pressure checks) and grade 7-12 guidance are provided by your local public school, not paid to you.
Who to contact
Kristin Johnson at the Educational Service Center handles homeschool reporting forms and aid entitlements.
Homeschool@district279.org 763-391-7125 Non-Public Services
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
- Which achievement tests does Osseo accept?
- Osseo accepts the California Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Iowa Test of Educational Development, NWEA Measures of Academic Progress, Peabody Individual Achievement Test, Stanford Achievement Test, and Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement.
- Will Osseo reimburse curriculum from a Christian publisher?
- Only if the items are secular. You can submit those receipts, and the district reviews the materials; religious materials are not reimbursed.
- Can my homeschooled child take a class at an Osseo school?
- Yes, on a limited basis. Students attending non-public schools full time can join district academic courses under Academic Shared Time Policy and Procedure 546.
- Who do I contact about special education?
- Danielle Johnson, at JohnsonDanielle@District279.org. Osseo Area Schools locates, assesses, and serves qualified homeschool students, so contact her if you think your child may have a disability.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
TheHomeschoolingCompany offers one subject or a full curriculum. Check the program’s purchasing rules before using funds to pay for a plan.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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