Homeschool benefits and savings in Circle Pines and Anoka County
Centennial School District 12 lets resident homeschooled students take select electives such as band or choir when space allows, and offers school health services and grade 7-12 guidance and counseling through the state nonpublic aid form. For 2026-27 the state funds those services at $89.75 and $376.69 per student.
Who qualifies
Lives in Centennial
Shared-time electives are for homeschooled students who live in Centennial School District 12, and your homeschool must be registered with the district by October 1.
Requests services on the form
Mark health services or guidance and counseling on the 2026-2027 Nonpublic Student Aid Request Form and return it signed by October 1.
Fits an open seat
Shared-time enrollment may be limited by available space in the program, class, grade level, or school building.
Is age 5 by September 1
Students must be 5 by September 1 to count for any nonpublic aid, and guidance and counseling is reported for grades 7-12 only.
What your child can use
The rates come from Centennial's Services and Supports page, and the service rules come from the district's homeschool questions and answers, updated May 22, 2026.
- Electives such as band or choir
- When space allows
- Health services, such as school nursing
- $89.75 per student
- Guidance and counseling, grades 7-12
- $376.69 per student
- Special education evaluation and services
- Through Student Services
- Extracurricular activities
- Homeschools of 5 or fewer
The health and guidance amounts pay the district to deliver services, not your family. The district and your homeschool consult each year about the type, provider, and location, and the school board makes the final decision.
How to request support
- By October 1
Register and request services
Register your homeschool and return the signed aid request form, marking each service you want.
- Before the term
Ask for an elective
Contact the homeschool liaison to request a shared-time elective, and ask which classes have room.
- Each year
Consult on services
Meet with the district to agree on who provides health or counseling services and whether they happen at a public school, a neutral site, or your home.
- Any time
Ask about special education
Call Student Services if your child may need an evaluation or specialized instruction.
What it includes
Included
- Select electives such as band or choir
- School nursing and other health services
- Guidance and counseling for grades 7-12
- Special education evaluation and services
Not included
- Cash payments for health or guidance services
- Public online courses through shared time
- Guaranteed seats in electives
- Graduation ceremony participation
Textbook and materials reimbursement uses the same aid form but is a separate benefit.
Good to know
Homeschoolers can join band or choir if there is room
Your child qualifies if you live in the district and there is space. Contact the homeschool liaison to request the elective.
Who to contact about services
The homeschool liaison takes shared-time elective requests and the nonpublic aid form.
homeschool@isd12.org 763-792-6175 Homeschool program
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
- Does Centennial send us $376.69 for counseling?
- No. That rate is what the state allots the district to provide counseling to your student in grades 7-12. Your family receives the service, not the money.
- Can my child take a public online course as shared time?
- No. Minnesota law does not let homeschool students generate shared-time aid for public online courses, so an online program can charge you tuition.
- Can my child play sports for Centennial?
- Only if your homeschool has five or fewer students. Homeschools that small may join their resident district's extracurricular activities, the school board can charge activity fees, and high school sports follow Minnesota State High School League rules.
- What if my child needs special education?
- Resident districts must let homeschool students receive special education services. Call Centennial Student Services at 763-792-5235 to ask about an evaluation.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Local classes cover the subjects they offer. We teach the remaining subjects, so a local class can stay part of the year without becoming the whole curriculum.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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