Homeschooling in Missouri offers parents the flexibility to educate their children according to their unique needs and learning styles. However, to homeschool successfully, it’s important to understand the state’s laws, educational options, financial considerations, and resources available to support families.
This guide provides all the essential information for homeschooling in Missouri, from legal requirements to practical tips for teaching children of different ages.Dailies is on a mission to make sure each family is confident when choosing the homeschool path for them and we want to make sure you feel supported throughout the journey.
Understanding Missouri’s Homeschooling Laws
Missouri recognizes homeschooling as a legal education option, but parents must adhere to specific state requirements to ensure compliance.
Steps to Legally Homeschool in Missouri
- No Formal Notice of Intent Required
- Missouri does not require parents to submit a formal notice of intent to homeschool. However, keeping documentation of homeschooling activities is essential.
- Maintain Records and Instructional Hours
- Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction per school year (July 1 – June 30).
- A minimum of 600 hours must be in core subjects like reading, math, social studies, science, and language arts. At least 400 of these hours must occur at home. Dailies has great offerings for enrichment classes to encourage students to follow their interests and explore areas outside the core subjects.
- Keep a Portfolio of Student Work
- While Missouri does not require standardized testing, parents must maintain records that demonstrate educational progress. These records should include:
- A log of instructional hours
- Samples of the student’s work in required subjects
- Assessments or progress reports
- Graduation Requirements (For High School Students)
- Missouri homeschool parents determine their own graduation requirements and issue their child’s diploma.
- Many parents follow state high school credit guidelines (24 credits) to align with college admissions requirements.
Homeschooling Options in Missouri
Parents in Missouri have multiple approaches to homeschooling, allowing for a customized educational experience.
Traditional Homeschooling
- Parents design their own curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching strategies.
- Curriculum providers like Sonlight, The Good and the Beautiful, and Saxon Math are popular choices.
Online Homeschooling Programs
- Many families use online platforms such as Dailies, Time4Learning, K12, and Acellus Academy for structured lessons.
- Missouri Virtual Academy (MOVA) offers tuition-free online public school options, though it is not considered homeschooling under Missouri law.
Homeschool Co-Ops and Learning Groups
- Co-ops provide opportunities for group learning, extracurricular activities, and socialization.
- Examples include Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes (MATCH) and local Facebook homeschool groups.
Extracurricular Participation in Public Schools
- Some Missouri school districts allow homeschoolers to participate in sports, music, and other activities, but it varies by district.
Financial Aspects of Homeschooling in Missouri
Cost Considerations
The cost of homeschooling varies depending on the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and resources used. To save money, parents can:
- Utilize free educational resources like Khan Academy, OpenStax, and Ambleside Online.
- Borrow books from public libraries and use museum memberships for educational outings.
- Join homeschool co-ops that offer affordable group classes and shared curriculum.
Tax Benefits and Financial Assistance
- Missouri does not provide tax credits or funding for homeschooling expenses.
- Special education students may qualify for scholarships or state-funded therapy programs.
Strategies for Homeschooling Multiple Children
Establish a Flexible Routine
- Set up a daily schedule that balances group learning and individual study time.
- Rotate between structured lessons and hands-on activities to keep all age groups engaged.
Teach Subjects Together When Possible
- Subjects like history and science can be taught to multiple children simultaneously, with varying assignments based on age.
- Utilize multi-level curriculum options, such as My Father’s World or Gather Round Homeschool.
Encourage Independent Learning
- Older students can use self-paced programs like Study.com or IXL to work independently.
- Introduce educational games, audiobooks, and project-based learning to enhance engagement.
Finding Homeschool Support in Missouri
Homeschool Organizations and Co-Ops
- Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes (MATCH) – Provides legal guidance, curriculum recommendations, and networking events.
- Families for Home Education (FHE) – Advocates for homeschooling rights and offers annual conferences.
- Local Homeschool Co-Ops – Many communities have cooperative learning groups that offer socialization and group classes.
Socialization and Extracurricular Activities
- Homeschoolers can join local clubs, sports leagues, scouting organizations, and performing arts groups.
- Museums, science centers, and libraries in Missouri offer homeschool programs and field trip opportunities.
Support for Special Needs Homeschooling
- Parents of special needs students can access therapy services through Missouri First Steps (for children under age 3) and private providers.
- Organizations like SPED Homeschool provide guidance on adapting curriculum for different learning needs.
Overcoming Homeschooling Challenges
Staying Organized
- Use a homeschool planner or digital tracking system to log lesson plans and progress reports.
- Create a dedicated learning space at home to reduce distractions.
Keeping Children Motivated
- Incorporate educational games, nature-based learning, and hands-on projects to keep lessons engaging.
- Plan field trips to historical sites, zoos, and science museums to reinforce concepts in a real-world setting.
Tracking Academic Progress
- Missouri does not require standardized testing, but parents can use achievement tests like the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to gauge progress.
- Maintain a student portfolio to showcase growth and accomplishments.
Why Homeschool in Missouri?
Missouri offers one of the most homeschool-friendly environments in the U.S., with minimal state oversight and flexible learning opportunities. Families benefit from:
- Freedom to design a personalized education
- Strong support networks and homeschool organizations
- Access to local resources, museums, and co-op groups
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in Missouri allows families to tailor their child’s education to fit individual learning styles while staying compliant with state laws. By utilizing available resources, joining local homeschool groups, and developing a solid teaching strategy, parents can ensure a rewarding homeschool experience.
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming at the start, however there are many resources available that can take that stress away. Dailies is here to help answer any questions you may have as well! Sign up for a free class today and start your family’s learning journey off on the right track!
