Homeschooling in Missouri: Laws, requirements, and resources

Missouri offers one of the most flexible homeschooling environments in the Midwest, with minimal reporting requirements and no mandatory state registration. With an estimated 30,000+ homeschoolers already thriving across Missouri, families have discovered the freedom to create truly personalized learning journeys that fit their children's needs and their family's lifestyle.

To help you get started on this journey, this comprehensive guide covers Missouri's straightforward legal requirements, step-by-step compliance processes, recordkeeping best practices, graduation pathways, and supportive community networks. And if you’re looking for more support, Outschool's diverse online classes can seamlessly integrate into your Missouri homeschool plan, offering live, interactive learning experiences that align with state requirements. 

Understanding Missouri homeschool law

Missouri homeschool law operates under a flexible framework that gives you significant freedom in educating your children. The state recognizes homeschooling through RSMo 167.031, which establishes the legal foundation for home education alongside public and private schooling options. 

Enrollment paperwork

You don't need to file a notice of intent or register with any state agency to begin homeschooling, making it easy to get started whenever you're ready. If your child is part of the public school system, it is better to inform the school and formally withdraw your child before the next school year starts, to avoid any truancy charges. 

Curriculum and instruction hours

Plan for at least 1,000 hours of instruction per school year, with 600 of those hours covering core subjects like reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. Plus, 400 of those 600 hours must occur at your primary homeschool location.

Teaching methods

You have complete freedom to select curriculum and teaching methods that match your child's learning style, as long as you cover the five required core subjects throughout the year.

Recordkeeping

While Missouri does not require homeschool records to be submitted annually, it is still a good idea to keep at least two complete school years' worth of records handy. These records can include simple lesson plans, samples of your child’s work and any evaluations taken during the year. 

Assessments 

Missouri doesn't require standardized testing. However, you can still maintain records of your child's progress through periodic evaluations like portfolio reviews, informal assessments, or annual progress summaries to show your child's learning progress and stay prepared for questions from officials or college applications.

Public funding options for homeschoolers in Missouri

While Missouri does not provide direct state funding for homeschooling, families can explore a few public funding programs and flexible-use options that may support educational expenses:

• Education savings accounts (ESAs) – “MOScholars Program” Eligible students with disabilities or from low-income families may qualify for scholarships through Missouri’s Tax-Credit ESA program. These funds can be used for tutoring, online courses, curriculum, and other approved educational expenses, including certain homeschooling resources.  It’s important to note that homeschooling families must use the Family-Paced Education (FPE) pathway to enroll in the ESA program and agree to follow certain teaching standards.
• Special education services Homeschooled students with special needs may access some services offered through local public school districts (e.g., speech therapy or evaluations). Availability varies by district.
• Dual enrollment and part-time public school access Some Missouri districts allow homeschooled high school students to take part-time classes, including career and technical education programs, with associated costs covered by the public system.
• Virtual instruction programs Missouri’s public virtual school options (like MOCAP) may permit homeschooled students to enroll in online classes, though access depends on local district policies.

How Outschool supports your homeschool journey in Missouri

Meeting Missouri’s homeschool requirements becomes straightforward with live online classes that count toward your required instructional hours. Missouri homeschooling families can take advantage of these learning opportunities to create an engaging educational experience.

Here’s how Outschool fits into your homeschool routine:

• Live online classes across K-12 core subjects and electives
• Flexible scheduling that works with your family’s pace
• Interest-based topics to keep learning engaging and fun
• Small group sessions that allow for peer interaction
• Self-paced options for independent learners
• Easy tracking of completed classes for homeschool portfolios

How to get started

Learning how to start homeschooling in Missouri becomes much more manageable when you follow a strategic timeline that aligns with your family's needs. Here's your roadmap to confidently begin homeschooling while staying organized and compliant throughout the year.

• Withdraw your child from public school if required; doing it before the next school year starts is always better to avoid truancy charges. 
• Plan for 1000 hours of instructional time, with 600 of those hours focusing on the required subjects.
• Select your curriculum and resources based on your child's learning style and interests, with options ranging from traditional textbooks to online platforms like Outschool.
• Select your curriculum and resources based on your child's learning style and interests, with options ranging from traditional textbooks to online platforms like Outschool.
• Begin instruction and keep records by saving samples of your child's work, attendance records, and documentation of subjects covered for your personal files. While Missouri doesn’t require this, it’s a good habit in case you move, re-enroll in public school, or just want to track progress over time.

Find support through homeschool communities in Missouri 

Missouri's homeschooling community benefits from a network of statewide organizations and Missouri homeschool support groups that provide advocacy, resources, and legal guidance for parents.

Statewide organizations

• Families for Home Education (FHE): The largest statewide homeschooling organization in Missouri. FHE focuses on protecting parental rights and offers workshops, sample withdrawal letters, and updates on educational policies, including ESA developments. 
• SEA Homeschoolers: A nationwide support group for homeschoolers that provides ample resources for new homeschool families and hosts online and in-person events for families to come together and learn from one another. 

Local communities and groups:

• S.H.A.R.E. (St. Louis Homeschooling): Offers cooperative learning environments with various classes and enrichment opportunities. 
• For the Kingdom Homeschool Co-op (Belton): A group of homeschooling families that meet once a week for support and offer core & elective classes for PreK-12th grade as well as holiday class parties, field trips, yearly pictures, and parent support.

Homeschooling in Missouri: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Starting your homeschool journey brings up many questions, and you're not alone in wondering about the specifics. These common questions address the most important aspects of homeschooling in Missouri, from legal compliance to practical day-to-day concerns.

What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in Missouri in 2025?

Missouri requires children ages 7 to 17 to receive education, which includes homeschooling. You must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction per school year, with 600 hours covering core subjects like reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. No notice of intent or registration with the state is required, giving you complete autonomy over your child's educational path, though it's wise to stay updated on any law changes by checking official Missouri resources annually.

How do I transition my child from public or private school to homeschooling in Missouri?

You can withdraw your child from their current school by notifying the administration in writing. You can start homeschooling immediately without waiting for approval or filing paperwork with the state. Consider your child's adjustment period and plan engaging activities to make the transition positive, whether you start at the beginning of a school year or mid-year when it works best for your family.

How do I keep records and submit documentation for homeschooling in Missouri?

You don't submit documentation to the state, but maintaining good records protects your family. Keep a plan book or diary showing instructions, collect samples of your child's work, and document periodic evaluations or assessments. Missouri's homeschool law requires these records to demonstrate that you're providing adequate instruction, so organize them in a way that works for your family.

Are standardized assessments or testing required for Missouri homeschoolers?

No standardized testing is required for homeschoolers in Missouri. You have the freedom to choose how you evaluate your child's progress, whether through portfolios, informal assessments, or standardized tests if you prefer. This approach allows you to focus on learning methods that work best for your child rather than teaching to a test.

What does graduation and issuing a diploma look like for Missouri homeschoolers?

You decide what graduation looks like for your homeschooled student. As the parent-educator, you can issue a diploma when your child completes their high school requirements. Keep detailed transcripts showing courses completed with dates, grades, and any standardized test scores or dual enrollment credits. Most colleges and employers accept parent-issued diplomas from established homeschool programs.

Homeschooling in Missouri made easy

Now that you have the knowledge and tools to navigate Missouri's homeschool landscape, you can move forward with confidence knowing the law supports your educational choices. Missouri's flexible framework gives you the freedom to create a learning experience that fits your child's unique needs and interests. 

Your Missouri homeschool journey can be as diverse and creative as you want, whether you're incorporating hands-on science experiments, exploring world cultures, or focusing intensively on your child's favorite subjects.

And Outschool's flexible online classes can meet you right there! From core subjects that fulfill Missouri's educational standards to enrichment courses that spark curiosity, you can create a well-rounded learning experience that grows with your child.