Missouri Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Missouri Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Instruction

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Minimal

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri

Missouri requires more record keeping than some other states, but home educators still have many freedoms in what, how, when, and where they teach their children. 

In Missouri, a home school provides private or religious-based instruction. Home educators don’t need any qualifications to teach, although you may not instruct more than four unrelated children at a time. You also may not charge any fees or tuition.

TIP: The law states that children must start school or begin instruction at home by age 7.

You can start schooling as early as you’d like, but you must follow Missouri’s laws and requirements when students turn 7.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Missouri

The law does not require families to notify their local districts or the state of their intention to homeschool. However, it strongly suggests that families inform the local district or the county recorder of deeds that a child will receive instruction at home to avoid triggering a truancy investigation. 

If you decide to provide notification, the law says it should be “a signed, written declaration of enrollment stating their intent for the child to attend a home school.” Submit your notification within 30 days after starting to homeschool and by September 1st of each year after that. Include the following information:

• Name and age of each child attending the homeschool
• Address and telephone number of the homeschool
• Name of each person teaching in the homeschool
• Name, address, and signature of each person making the declaration of enrollment

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Mandatory School Age in Missouri

In Missouri, children must receive educational instruction by the time they turn 7, although parents/guardians are welcome to start schooling earlier. They must continue to be instructed in the required subjects until they turn 17 or earn 16 credits toward high school graduation.

Missouri Homeschool Subject Requirements

Homeschool families in Missouri can choose their own curriculum programs and educational materials. The only requirement is to spend at least 600 hours teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science each year. 

TIP: Missouri law says your instruction should be “consonant with the pupil’s age and ability.” In other words, tailor your instruction to your children’s needs. 

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Missouri Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Missouri has detailed attendance requirements for homeschools. Although home educators may set their own schedules, they must provide instruction for a minimum number of hours each year. The law says you must:

• Offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction each school year
• Spend at least 600 of those hours teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science
• Provide at least 400 of the 600 required subject hours at the regular homeschool location

Although the law does not set specific attendance record-keeping requirements, families should keep attendance records showing they provided the required number of instruction hours. This can be part of the child’s plan book or diary.

Missouri Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Although Missouri outlines specific homeschool record-keeping requirements, you don’t have to submit these records to the state or local district. You must maintain them in case they have any questions about the education you’re providing. The law doesn’t indicate how long to keep them on file. Some homeschoolers recommend maintaining these records for at least two years at the K–8 level and indefinitely for high school age children. 

For each child under the age of 16 being taught at home, you must keep all of the following:

• A plan book, diary, or other written record indicating subjects taught and activities engaged in
• A portfolio of samples of the child’s academic work
• A record of evaluations of the child’s academic progress

The law says you may also use “other written or credible evidence equivalent to” these three items.

Planbook, Diary, or Other Academic Record

This should include a regularly-updated record of the subjects, activities, and lessons you complete each day. Though it’s not mentioned in the law, this is a good place to record your daily homeschooling hours so you can show you meet the attendance requirements if questioned.

You can purchase academic and homeschool planners from many sites in paper and digital formats. Or you can set up your own record-keeping system.

Portfolio of Work Samples

There are many ways to create a homeschool portfolio. Some designate one accordion file per student that holds projects, papers, and other examples of their children’s accomplishments. You can also keep a digital portfolio, scanning work on paper and attaching files as needed. There are many resources available online to help you build a solid portfolio.

Evaluations

Keep track of grades or overall assessments and how they were determined. Evaluations can take many forms, such as test scores, projects, essays, creative writing, presentations, book reports, etc. 

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Missouri Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschool students do not need to participate in standardized testing in Missouri. Home educators who want their children to take these tests can contact the Department of Education for more information.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Missouri

Missouri immunization requirements apply only to public, private, parochial, or parish school students. Homeschool students are not required to meet these requirements. Students taking classes or participating in activities at a public school may be required to abide by their policies.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Missouri

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, organizations, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other.

Families for Home Education (FHE) is a statewide group that has offers resources and insight on homeschool record keeping, requirements, events, and regional groups. 

Visit FHE’s regional page to find local homeschool groups and co-ops in Missouri.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Missouri

It’s up to individual districts to determine sports eligibility for homeschoolers. The Missouri State High School Athletic Association requires homeschool students to be enrolled in a minimum number of classes at a public school before they can participate in any sports overseen by the association. Learn more here.

Fortunately, homeschoolers have plenty of other sports options. Some areas have homeschool sports leagues, which provide classes and competitive sports activities. Many communities offer youth sports programs which welcome homeschoolers. Here are some you might consider:

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Missouri Homeschool Field Trips 

Field trips are often a big part of homeschooling because families have so much freedom and flexibility. Joining other homeschoolers allows families to take advantage of group discounts and special programs.

In Missouri, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do at the state’s parks and historic sites. Pair literature lessons with a visit to the Mark Twain Boyhood Museum in Hannibal or the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum in Mansfield. Embrace culture at the American Jazz Museum, Kansas City Museum, or the St. Louis Art Museum. And, of course, no childhood in Missouri would be complete without a trip to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch!

Special Education Homeschoolers

Homeschooling students with special needs in Missouri are able to receive special education services during the school day according to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 162.996 as long as they comply with the rules and regulations of section 167.031.

There is no transportation provided to and from the public school or location of the special education services during the day, so families will need to transport their children to their services as needed.

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Missouri Homeschool FAQ

Is Missouri a homeschool-friendly state?

Missouri has more requirements for homeschoolers than some states, but in general, the state allows families many freedom in how, when, what, and where they teach their children. Missouri homeschool students can also take classes or play sports at local public schools.

How much does it cost to homeschool in Missouri?

Families in Missouri are responsible for all homeschooling costs, which can add up. Be sure to research the potential costs of homeschooling your family. 

Can Missouri homeschoolers take classes at public schools?

Missouri law allows homeschoolers to take classes at their local public schools. Each district sets its own policies on admission and requirements, so contact them directly if you’re interested.

How do Missouri homeschoolers receive diplomas and transcripts?

Homeschoolers don’t receive diplomas through their local districts or the state education department. Instead, home educators may issue diplomas and transcripts based on the records they’ve kept. Home educators may choose to align their own graduation standards with those of the state (see here) but are not required to.

Is unschooling legal in Missouri?

Unschooling is legal in Missouri, as it is in all 50 states.

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