How to Homeschool in Missouri

A home school is not considered a private school though it is a school that "has as its primary purpose the provision of private or religious-based instruction." Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.2(1)(a)-(c).

Instruction is given to children between the ages of seven and 17 years. Further state restrictions for children on either end of the age range are outlined in the law. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.1(3) and §167.031.2(3).

The parents may notify the superintendent of schools or the recorder of county deeds in the county where the parent resides of their intention to homeschool. This declaration of enrollment must be done before September 1 annually and within 30 days after establishing the home school. The law is permissive in the area of registering and does not mandate registration. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.042.

A parent who is homeschooling a child must maintain the following records: a plan book, diary, daily log, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student; a portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work; and a record of evaluation of the student's academic progress. These records do not need to be submitted. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

Any parent may educate a child at home. The parent does not have to hold a teaching certificate or meet any education requirements. If a parent decides to homeschool, he or she must provide 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics, such as reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. At least 400 of the 600 hours must be taught in the home location. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

Students may attend a combination of schools during the day — public or private school in the morning and home school in the afternoon — to satisfy the Missouri compulsory attendance law. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

If families are educating students of high school age and elect to re-enroll in the public schools, they need to be aware of the local board of education policies on accepting credit for students from unaccredited educational programs. There is no recognized high school diploma for homeschooled students. Individuals who have been homeschooled may take the high school equivalency exam to obtain their GED.

Homeschooled students may be allowed to attend public school part-time under Missouri's compulsory attendance statute. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.1.

Contact Information

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
205 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
Phone: 573-751-4212
Fax: 573-751-8613
TTY: 800-735-2966
Website: https://dese.mo.gov/

Source: United States Department of Education - Missouri State Regulations

The Missouri Department of Education does not regulate or monitor home schooling.

Intent to Home School Notification

There is no registration required with the state Missouri.

Homeschool Regulation

There is no program for the inspection, approval, or accreditation of home schools in Missouri.

Record Keeping

A parent who is homeschooling a child must maintain the following records:
1) a plan book, diary, daily log, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student;
2) a portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work; and a record of evaluation of the student's academic progress.
3) These records do not need to be submitted. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

Hours of Instruction and Subjects

If a parent decides to homeschool, he or she must provide:
1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics, such as reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
At least 400 of the 600 hours must be taught in the home location. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

Dual Enrollment Public School

Students may attend a combination of schools during the day — public or private school in the morning and home school in the afternoon — to satisfy the Missouri compulsory attendance law. Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.031.

Public School Re-enrollment

If families are educating students of high school age and elect to re-enroll in the public schools, they need to be aware of the local board of education policies on accepting credit for students from unaccredited educational programs.

Diplomas

There is no recognized high school diploma for homeschooled students.

GED

Individuals who have been homeschooled may take the high school equivalency exam to obtain their GED.

Missouri Home Schooling Links

• Missouri Frequently Asked Questions and Educational Topics
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Source: Missouri Department of Education