How to homeschool in Missouri

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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Missouri homeschooling laws and options

Missouri law requires children ages 7 to 17 to be enrolled in education, which can include homeschooling. The state is homeschool-friendly, giving parents flexibility to teach their children outside of public or private schools.

Parents in Missouri have one primary legal pathway for homeschooling their children. Unlike some states that offer multiple legal options, Missouri law simply requires parents to maintain compliance with the state homeschooling requirements.

Parents or guardians must take responsibility for providing instruction under Missouri’s homeschooling rules:

Parent qualifications: Parents don’t need specific educational qualifications to homeschool, allowing families to create a flexible and personalized approach.
Subjects and records: Instruction should cover reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science. Parents must keep a portfolio of their child’s work and progress for record-keeping.
Notice of intent: Parents in Missouri are not required to file a notice of intent to homeschool with the state or local school district.
Recordkeeping: Parents must maintain a portfolio of their child’s work, including samples of academic progress and a log of at least 1,000 instructional hours per school year. 600 hours must be focused on core subjects like reading, math, and science. Of those, 400 hours must happen at the main homeschool location.

For detailed information on the legal requirements for homeschooling, visit the official website of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Missouri

Research and familiarize yourself with Missouri homeschooling laws.
Contact your local school (optional). Although Missouri doesn't require parents to file an official notice of intent to homeschool, we always recommend notifying the school you will be withdrawing from.
Create a plan book or choose a system for documenting subjects taught, hours tracked, and completed work. Time4Learning makes this easy with built-in tools to track progress, log hours, and organize completed assignments all in one place.
Explore various homeschooling curriculums to find the best fit for your child’s learning style and educational goals.
Sign up for a comprehensive program like Time4Learning to simplify the homeschooling process. Time4Learning covers the core subjects required for homeschooling, including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies.
Regularly review your child’s progress and adjust your teaching methods as needed.

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Missouri's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Missouri does not set specific graduation requirements for homeschooled students. Instead, parents take on the role of guiding their children toward graduation, which may include setting credit hour requirements and issuing a homeschool diploma.

Creating a transcript: Many families include completed coursework, grades, and achievements.
College preparedness: Ensure your child completes courses that mirror typical high school requirements—such as four years of English, three years of math, and two years of science.

With these flexible options, Missouri families can tailor their teen’s high school experience to prepare them for their post-graduation goals.

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Missouri’s standardized test requirements for homeschoolers

Missouri does not mandate standardized testing for homeschool students. However, many families opt to participate in assessments, such as the ACT or SAT, to gauge progress or prepare for college admission.

If you're interested in standardized testing, you can register your child for optional nationwide tests at locations throughout the state.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Missouri

Homeschooling through high school in Missouri doesn’t mean limiting college opportunities! Colleges and universities in Missouri and nationwide welcome homeschoolers, and most have similar application processes as they do for traditionally schooled students.

Prepare a transcript: Include coursework details, grades, and extracurriculars. Use Time4Learning’s reporting tools for a polished transcript.
Standardized tests: Colleges often consider ACT or SAT scores during admissions. Make sure your student is adequately prepared.
References and essays: Some colleges may request letters of recommendation or a personal essay.

Be sure to reach out to admission offices to help your homeschooler plan for post-secondary success.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Missouri

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are an innovative way Missouri families may fund homeschooling. While Missouri doesn’t offer state-specific ESA programs for homeschoolers, you can explore federal education tax credits or private scholarships.

Be sure to check with local Missouri homeschool groups or organizations to learn more about potential financial aid options.