How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri
Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling? You’re not alone! In 2020, the number of homeschooled children in Missouri nearly doubled. Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.
The “Show Me” State is a great place for homeschooling families to tailor their child’s education. When it comes to homeschooling, Missouri’s homeschooling laws are minimal and allow for full educational freedom.
Whether you’ve homeschooled before or you’re wondering how to get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know about state laws so you can get started homeschooling in Missouri!
Homeschooling in Missouri at a Glance
Missouri – The “Show Me” State
| Required Age | 7-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science |
| Time Requirements | Minimum of 1,000 hours, with 600 hours in core areas |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | 400 of the total 600 core instruction hours must take place at home |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes |
Parent Qualifications
All homeschool parents are able to teach in Missouri regardless of their education level.
Notice of Intent
Unlike other states, Missouri does not require you to file a Notice of Intent with the local school district. You can begin to homeschool as soon as you withdraw your child from their private or public school.
Attendance
The compulsory attendance ages for homeschoolers in Missouri are ages 7-17.
Missouri law requires a total of 1,000 hours of instruction per school year. Of these 1,000 hours, a minimum of 600 hours must be spent teaching core subjects. 400 of those 600 instruction hours must take place at home.
Parents can keep track of these hours by keeping attendance in a daily log or storing records in a homeschool portfolio.
Homeschool Curriculum
The State of Missouri requires only five subjects:
- Reading
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
This gives students the opportunity to study other areas of interest, such as government, fine arts, literature, or career exploration. Parents also enjoy the flexibility while building or choosing a homeschool curriculum.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students don’t have to participate in standardized testing. However, students are still encouraged to take college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT. These test scores are often required during the application process.
Record Keeping
Missouri homeschool law does require you to keep select records. To meet this requirement, you may be interested in a homeschool portfolio. According to Missouri law (RSMo 167.012), you must keep the following:
- A plan book, diary, or other written record showing what subjects are taught and what activities your child does
- A collection of samples of your child’s academic work
- A record of evaluations of your child’s academic progress
For those homeschooling 9th-12th graders, hold on to any high school records until your child has graduated. You’ll need records from all four years of high school to provide a transcript.
Transcripts
Highschool transcripts are an integral part of any college application. A transcript is a list of all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned from freshman to senior year. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Homeschool laws in Missouri let parents decide when their child has successfully completed high school. While this law grants parents educational freedom, it can also be a little intimidating. Many parents wonder how to know when their child is ready to graduate.
Some parents find it helpful to look to the state’s diploma requirements for public schoolers as a guideline. Parents will need to provide their own diploma, as the State of Missouri does not provide them for homeschooled students.
Many high school graduates also choose to earn an equivalency diploma instead of a homeschool graduation diploma. Missouri offers the HiSET exam to eligible students aged 17 and older. The HiSET is recognized as a high school diploma equivalency by employers and accredited colleges in all 50 states.
Financial Resources
Missouri offers the MOScholars program, which offers state tax credits for contributions to an approved Educational Assistance Organization (EAO). The EAO provides scholarships to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and students in low-income families.
Homeschool students can qualify for this assistance, although the eligibility requirements are slightly different. Parents will need to contact an EAO to determine availability and eligibility requirements before applying.
During the application process, you will need to submit documentation that your homeschool is accredited, complete a background check, and submit curriculum materials, as well as any other documents requested by the EAO. For more information on the homeschool submission process, click here.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Missouri, check out:
- Missouri Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
- Missouri Homeschool Checklist from Families for Home Education
Our friendly customer service team is always available to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on MO homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
Do homeschoolers get a diploma or GED in Missouri?
Missouri homeschoolers can get a homeschool diploma or HiSET equivalency certificate. Parents decide when their students can graduate, and they provide their own diploma. The HiSET is a popular option, as it’s more widely accepted than a homeschool diploma.
Is unschooling legal in Missouri?
The unschooling method is essentially the belief that natural, experiential learning should drive a child’s entire education. Missouri’s lenient homeschooling laws allow for flexibility in homeschooling styles, including unschooling. As long as the hour and subject requirements are met, parents can homeschool in any way that works for them.
What are the requirements to homeschool in Missouri?
To homeschool in Missouri, you need to teach the required subjects for a minimum of 1,000 hours. Of those hours, 600 must be spent on core subjects, and 400 of those need to take place at home or wherever the homeschool is located.
Information accurate as of: 05/31/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.