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Missouri Homeschool Information

—Homeschool In Missouri —

Homeschooling in Missouri

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Find Out What the State Says About Home Education

Missouri School Choice

Click above for general information on the school choice.

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Missouri Department of Education

Click above for the state Education Information

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Missouri Homeschool

1. Notification 

  • Unlike many states, Missouri does not require parents to notify the state or local school district when beginning to homeschool.

  • No forms, no proof — you can start teaching at home without filing anything official.

🎓 2. Parent Qualifications

  • Parents are not required to have any specific education credentials—no teaching licenses or college degrees needed.

  • Homeschools are considered “private schools,” so parents administer and oversee the education themselves.

🏫 3. Attendance & Hours

  • Missouri does not mandate a minimum number of days or hours of instruction per year.

  • However, it’s wise to follow a consistent schedule that aligns with traditional public school expectations (e.g., ~180 days).

📚 4. Required Subjects

Parents must teach these core subjects:

  • Reading

  • Language Arts (writing, grammar, spelling)

  • Mathematics

  • Social Studies (history, civics, geography)

  • Science

Missouri does not require submission of textbooks or proof of curriculum—just that these subjects are taught.

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    Missouri K-12 School Choice

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    3. Intra-District and Inter-District Public School Choice:

    • Intra-district: Students may be able to transfer between schools within the same district, depending on district policies.

    • Inter-district: Some districts allow students to transfer to schools in neighboring districts, but this is not guaranteed statewide—it depends on agreements between districts.

    4. Homeschooling and Virtual Education:

    • Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MOCAP):

      • Offers full-time and part-time virtual schooling options.

      • Students can enroll through their local district or as full-time virtual students.

    • Homeschooling: Fully legal and regulated lightly; parents must provide 1,000 hours of instruction per year.

    Missouri K-12  Choice/Scholarship Summary

    Missouri does have a K–12 school choice program, but it is relatively limited compared to other states. Here’s a breakdown of the main options available:

    1. Private School Choice:

    MOScholars Program (Tax-Credit Education Savings Account – ESA):

    • Launched in 2021.

    • Type: Tax-credit funded Education Savings Account (ESA).

    • Eligible Families: Must meet income requirements (generally 200% of the federal free and reduced-price lunch level, though this can vary), and students must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or be from military families or low-income households.

    • How it Works:

      • Donors contribute to approved Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) and receive a tax credit.

      • EAOs manage the ESA accounts and distribute funds to families.

      • Funds can be used for tuition, tutoring, online education, special education services, and other educational needs.

    • Limitations:

      • Funding is capped and available only in certain regions or under specific circumstances.

      • Participation is limited by the number of EAOs and donation caps.

    2. Charter Schools:

    • Available in: Kansas City and St. Louis (and recently expanding slightly beyond).

    • Open to: Any student in the district, though access may vary.

    • How they work: Publicly funded but independently operated, with more flexibility than traditional public schools.

    • Expansion: Legislation has recently allowed charter schools in more areas beyond just Kansas City and St. Louis, but the rollout is gradual.

    Homeschool Resources for Missouri

    Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.

    In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.

    Homeschool Legal Defense Association

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    Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney.  Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.