Homeschooling in Missouri: the law and how to start

Yes. Missouri's compulsory attendance law (RSMo § 167.031) lists a home school as one of the ways a child can meet the requirement to attend school. A home school's main purpose is to provide private or religious-based instruction to the family's own children.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) says it does not regulate or monitor homeschooling, and there is no registration with the state. Responsibility for meeting the hours and record-keeping rules sits with you.

Since 2024 the law also recognizes a family paced education (FPE) school (RSMo § 167.013). It mirrors the homeschool rules but is the category for families whose child takes part in the MOScholars scholarship program — a traditional home school cannot enroll a MOScholars student. Families can also choose a private school or a full-time virtual program instead.

• Decide how you'll meet the hours. Plan for at least 1,000 hours of instruction over the school year, with 600 in the core subjects.
• Set up your records from day one — a plan book, diary or daily log; a portfolio folder for work samples; and a place to record evaluations.
• Optional: file a declaration of enrollment. RSMo § 167.042 lets you file a declaration with the county recorder of deeds or your district's chief school officer, listing each child's name and age, the homeschool's address and phone number, and the teacher. Filing is voluntary, and the statute says a declaration is not by itself cause for a truancy investigation.

Withdrawing from public school: if your child is currently enrolled, send the school a written notice that you are withdrawing them to homeschool, and keep a copy with the date. This prevents your child from being marked absent.

Missouri sets hours rather than a detailed curriculum. Each school year you must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction. At least 600 hours must be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science, or closely related academic subjects, and at least 400 of those 600 hours must take place at your regular homeschool location.

The hours requirement does not apply to students who are 16 or older. The law also states that a home school does not have to include any concept, topic or practice in its curriculum that conflicts with its religious doctrines.

Missouri does not require standardized tests, and you do not submit anything to the state. The law does require you to keep:

• a plan book, diary, daily log or other written record of the subjects taught and activities completed;
• a portfolio of samples of your child's academic work;
• a record of evaluations of your child's academic progress (you choose the method, such as graded work, a written assessment or a test you arrange).

Keeping these records carefully is the best protection if your homeschool is ever questioned. DESE notes that it does not keep homeschool transcripts, so your own files are the permanent record.

The State of Missouri does not issue diplomas or keep transcripts for homeschooled students. As the person running the homeschool, you decide when your teen has finished high school and issue the diploma and transcript.

DESE tells adults looking for old homeschool records to contact the parent who ran the homeschool, and then the county recorder of deeds where they were educated — another reason to keep a clear transcript with courses, credits and grades from grade 9 onward.

Colleges set their own admission requirements for homeschooled applicants, so check with each one early about transcripts, test scores and dual-credit options.

Sports and activities: Senate Bill 63 (2025), in effect from August 28, 2025, requires public and charter schools to let full-time homeschool, FPE and full-time virtual students try out for and take part in activities at the school that serves where they live, without enrolling in classes. MSHSAA calls these students "resident participant students". The law covers athletics as well as fine arts and other activities; schools may still require participation in the instructional part of fine arts, career and technical student organizations and similar programs.

Your child must meet the same academic, conduct and physical standards as enrolled students, and schools can't charge more than they charge enrolled students. Contact your resident district's activities office to start.

Special education: homeschooled children with disabilities can be evaluated by the local district. DESE publishes an FAQ on services for parentally placed private and homeschooled students; ask your district's special education office what is available.

MOScholars is Missouri's education savings account program, run by the State Treasurer and funded through tax-credit donations to educational assistance organizations (EAOs). Since the 2024 expansion (Senate Bill 727), students in a family paced education (FPE) school are among those who can use it, for approved costs such as curriculum, tutoring and therapies.

Eligibility depends on criteria such as an IEP or household income, award amounts vary by EAO, and places are limited — check the current Parent Handbook and the Treasurer's EAO list. In 2025 the state also put general revenue into the program for the first time.

Taking MOScholars funds changes your legal category from a home school (RSMo § 167.012) to an FPE school (RSMo § 167.013). The day-to-day requirements are similar, but read both sections before you apply. The facts here apply to the 2026–27 school year.

DESE does not provide homeschool supplies, funding or information, and points families to local libraries and homeschool associations.

Statewide groups include Families for Home Education (FHE), and many regions have co-ops and support groups that organize classes, field trips and activities.