Homeschool benefits: Richfield Public School District
Richfield Public Schools (ISD 280) buys instructional materials for registered homeschools, or reimburses you for eligible purchases, up to your share of Minnesota's nonpublic aid, which is $138.43 per full-time student for 2026-27. You must have signed the Memorandum of Agreement and filed the Student Report for Aids by 3 p.m. October 1, and documented purchases are due before May 1, 2027.
Who qualifies
Homeschools in Richfield
File the Initial Registration Form in your first year, or the Letter of Intent to Continue by 3 p.m. October 1 in later years.
Signed the Memorandum of Agreement
The agreement between your homeschool and ISD 280 covers purchase orders issued July 1, 2026 through May 1, 2027.
Filed the Student Report for Aids
Submit form ED-01650 by 3 p.m. October 1. If you plan to use the funds, do not check the non-participation boxes.
Documents each purchase
Expenses you pay yourself must meet the state criteria and reach the district with detailed documentation before May 1, 2027.
What it is worth
Minnesota's 2026-27 nonpublic aid rate is $138.43 per full-time student, and Richfield's agreement limits spending to your homeschool's remaining allocation.
- One full-time student
- $138.43
- Two full-time students
- $276.86
- Three full-time students
- $415.29
- Spending above your allocation
- You repay it
- Invoices paid after June 30, 2027
- You repay it
Richfield does not post its own rate, so ask the homeschool liaison for your exact allocation before you order.
From signing up to receiving materials
- By 3 p.m. October 1
Sign up for aid
Turn in the Memorandum of Agreement and the Student Report for Aids with your registration or Letter of Intent.
- July 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027
Order through the district
Use the purchase order requisition form to list items, unit costs, and vendor. Every order must include shipping, typically 10% of the total.
- Before May 1, 2027
Submit your own receipts
Send the reimbursement request form with purchase receipts to the district homeschool liaison.
- Each year
Sign up again
The agreement and the aid form are due by 3 p.m. October 1 every school year.
What it pays for
Covered
- Instructional materials the district orders for you
- Eligible purchases you document with receipts
- Shipping on district orders
Not covered
- Spending above your remaining allocation
- Purchases documented on or after May 1, 2027
Under the agreement, the district buys and delivers materials as Minnesota law allows, and reimburses your own eligible purchases only up to the aid you have left.
Who to contact
Community Education handles homeschool questions for Richfield Public Schools, including special education services for homeschooled students.
communityeducation@rpsmn.org 612-243-3000 Home-schooling information
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
- Do I buy materials myself or does Richfield order them?
- Both are possible. The agreement says the district purchases instructional materials and delivers them, and it also reimburses eligible purchases you document before May 1, 2027.
- What if I order more than my Richfield allocation?
- You repay the difference. If the district spends more on your behalf than your allocation, your homeschool must repay it, and your own purchases are reimbursed only up to the aid that remains.
- Can my homeschooled child get special education services?
- Yes, if your child meets Minnesota's criteria. Contact Richfield at 612-243-3002 or communityeducation@rpsmn.org if you suspect a disability or your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- We missed October 1, 2026. Is there another chance this year?
- Not that Richfield publishes. The page sets 3 p.m. October 1 as the deadline and gives no late option, so plan to file by October 1, 2027.
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.
Find benefits for your ZIP code