{"id":4200,"date":"2023-08-28T21:26:48","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T21:26:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4200"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:30:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:30:29","slug":"homeschooling-in-missouri","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-missouri\/","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Homeschool Requirements Explained (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling<\/a>? You\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cShow Me\u201d State is a great place for homeschooling families to tailor their child\u2019s education. When it comes to homeschooling, Missouri\u2019s homeschooling laws<\/a> are minimal and allow for full educational freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve homeschooled before or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about state laws so you can get started homeschooling in Missouri!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Missouri at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Missouri – The \u201cShow Me\u201d State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Required Age<\/td>7-17<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Not required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>Reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>Minimum of 1,000 hours, with 600 hours in core areas<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>400 of the total 600 core instruction hours must take place at home<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All homeschool parents are able to teach in Missouri regardless of their education level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The compulsory attendance ages for homeschoolers in Missouri are ages 7-17. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents can keep track of these hours by keeping attendance in a daily log or storing records in a homeschool portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschool Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The State of Missouri requires only five subjects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Reading<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Language Arts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Math<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Social Studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n