by Rita Onyx
This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.
There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.
Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Missouri. Know the Missouri homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
- There is one way to homeschool
- Children between 7-17 of age must be in school
- You DO NOT need to notify your local school district of your intentions
Requirements:
- There are NO teacher qualifications
- There ARE state mandated subjects
- There are NO required assessments or testing
- There are NO immunization requirements
How to Homeschool in Missouri Under the Statute
- Understand that in Missouri if you homeschool you are providing private or religious-based instruction
- Make sure that you have no more than four students that are unrelated
- Do not charge any tuition, fees, or receive any other types of payments
- Make sure subjects include:
a) Reading
b) Math
c) Language Arts
d) Social Studies
e) Science
- Hours must be at least 1000 hours of instruction every school term
- Keep a daily record showing the hours of instruction, subjects taught, samples of the student’s work, and assessments or testing until the student turns 16
Helpful links:
https://www.mo.gov/education/k-12/
https://fhe-mo.org/missourilaw
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/missouri.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- 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: http://dese.mo.gov/
- U.S. Department of Education: Missouri