Missouri is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S. due to its ‘no-notice’ policy. Families are not required to register with the state, seek approval, or submit annual test scores to the government. However, Missouri law is very specific about the quantity of instruction and the quality of record-keeping required.

The Legal Definition of a Missouri Home School

Under Missouri Revised Statute Section 167.031, a home school is a school that:

1. Has as its primary purpose the provision of private or religious-based instruction;
2. Does not charge tuition;
3. Has no more than four unrelated students.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in Missouri must be in school (public, private, or home) between the ages of 7 and 17. If you enroll your child in public school at age 5 or 6, they become subject to compulsory attendance early. Attendance is required until the child turns 17 or completes 16 credits toward high school graduation.

Instruction Requirements

Missouri law requires a high volume of instruction hours, though it offers flexibility in how those hours are scheduled.

The 1,000-Hour Rule

Every school term (defined as July 1 to June 30), you must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction.

• 600 Hours in Core Subjects: Of the 1,000 hours, at least 600 must be in core subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.
• The Home Location Rule: At least 400 of those 600 core hours must occur at the ‘regular home school location.’ The remaining 200 core hours and 400 non-core hours can happen on field trips, at co-ops, or during other educational activities.

Mandatory Record-Keeping

Because Missouri does not require notification, your records are your only legal protection in the event of a truancy inquiry. You must maintain the following for all students under 17:

1. A Written Daily Log: This must track the subjects taught and the activities engaged in. Most parents find it easiest to track hours within this log to prove compliance with the 1,000-hour requirement.
2. A Portfolio: A collection of samples of the student’s academic work throughout the year.
3. Evaluations: A record of periodic assessments. This can be formal standardized tests or informal written progress reports created by the parent.

How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri

1. Withdraw (if applicable): If your child is currently in a Missouri public school, send a formal letter of withdrawal to the principal or superintendent. This prevents truancy officers from looking for your child. Missouri law does not require this, but DESE recommends it.
2. Set Your Calendar: Determine your ‘school term.’ Most Missouri homeschoolers follow the July 1 to June 30 cycle.
3. Begin Tracking: From day one, start your daily log to track hours and subjects.
4. Optional Declaration: You may file a ‘Declaration of Enrollment’ with the recorder of deeds in your county or your local superintendent. This is entirely optional but is sometimes used to provide proof of homeschooling for insurance or work permit purposes.

MOScholars ESA Expansion (2024 Updates)

Missouri’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, MOScholars, underwent significant changes in 2024 via SB 727.

• Statewide Availability: Previously restricted to urban areas, the program is now available to eligible students across the entire state.
• Scholarship Use: Families can receive approximately $6,375 to pay for curriculum, tutoring, or private school tuition.
• Impact on Regulation: If you accept MOScholars funds, you are no longer under the ‘low regulation’ home school status for that student. You must ensure the student takes a nationally normed achievement test every year and report those results to your Educational Assistance Organization (EAO). You must also comply with financial audits regarding the use of the funds.

High School and Graduation

In Missouri, homeschool parents are the administrators of their own private school. As such, parents have the legal authority to determine graduation requirements, issue a high school diploma, and sign transcripts. Missouri law recognizes these diplomas as valid high school completion credentials.

Important Resources

• Missouri DESE: Home Schooling Information
• Missouri Revisor of Statutes: Section 167.031
• MOScholars Official Site: Treasurer’s Office