![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/SEO-133_RankingHomeschoolStates-Missouri.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHomeschooling in Missouri Overview<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nNotice of Intent Required: No<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Instruction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSubject or Curriculum Requirements: Minimal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAttendance Age Requirements: 7-17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRecord-Keeping Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAssessments or Evaluations Required: No<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nProof of Immunization Required: No<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschooling Laws and Regulations
<\/strong>How to Start Homeschooling<\/a>
Notice of Intent<\/a>
Mandatory School Age<\/a>
Subject Requirements<\/a>
Attendance Requirements<\/a>
Record-Keeping Requirements<\/a>
Evaluations and Assessments<\/a>
Required Immunizations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nResources for Homeschooling Families in Missouri <\/strong>
Homeschool Groups and Co-ops<\/a>
Organizations and Associations<\/a>
Sports Opportunities<\/a>
Homeschool Field Trips<\/a>
Special Education Homeschoolers<\/a>
How Our Curriculum Can Help<\/a>
Homeschool FAQ\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/BlueDot-Separator-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Group-9.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow to Start Homeschooling in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Missouri requires more record keeping than some other states, but home educators still have many freedoms in what, how, when, and where they teach their children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Missouri, a home school provides private or religious-based instruction. Home educators don\u2019t need any qualifications to teach, although you may not instruct more than four unrelated children at a time. You also may not charge any fees or tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIP:<\/strong> The law states that children must start school or begin instruction at home by age 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can start schooling as early as you\u2019d like, but you must follow Missouri\u2019s laws and requirements when students turn 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nNotice of Intent for Homeschooling in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The law does not require families to notify their local districts or the state of their intention to homeschool. However, it strongly suggests that families inform the local district or the county recorder of deeds that a child will receive instruction at home to avoid triggering a truancy investigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you decide to provide notification, the law says it should be \u201ca signed, written declaration of enrollment stating their intent for the child to attend a home school.\u201d Submit your notification within 30 days after starting to homeschool and by September 1st of each year after that. Include the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Name and age of each child attending the homeschool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Address and telephone number of the homeschool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Name of each person teaching in the homeschool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Name, address, and signature of each person making the declaration of enrollment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Notice-of-Intent.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/School-Age.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMandatory School Age in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In Missouri, children must receive educational instruction by the time they turn 7, although parents\/guardians are welcome to start schooling earlier. They must continue to be instructed in the required subjects until they turn 17 or earn 16 credits toward high school graduation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Subject Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Homeschool families in Missouri can choose their own curriculum programs and educational materials. The only requirement is to spend at least 600 hours teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TIP:<\/strong> Missouri law says your instruction should be \u201cconsonant with the pupil’s age and ability.\u201d In other words, tailor your instruction to your children\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Curriculum-Requirements.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Attendance-Requirements.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Attendance Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Missouri has detailed attendance requirements for homeschools. Although home educators may set their own schedules, they must provide instruction for a minimum number of hours each year. The law says you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction each school year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spend at least 600 of those hours teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide at least 400 of the 600 required subject hours at the regular homeschool location<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Although the law does not set specific attendance record-keeping requirements, families should keep attendance records showing they provided the required number of instruction hours. This can be part of the child\u2019s plan book or diary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although Missouri outlines specific homeschool record-keeping requirements, you don\u2019t have to submit these records to the state or local district. You must maintain them in case they have any questions about the education you\u2019re providing. The law doesn\u2019t indicate how long to keep them on file. Some homeschoolers recommend maintaining these records for at least two years at the K\u20138 level and indefinitely for high school age children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For each child under the age of 16 being taught at home, you must keep all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- A plan book, diary, or other written record indicating subjects taught and activities engaged in<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A portfolio of samples of the child’s academic work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A record of evaluations of the child’s academic progress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The law says you may also use \u201cother written or credible evidence equivalent to\u201d these three items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planbook, Diary, or Other Academic Record<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This should include a regularly-updated record of the subjects, activities, and lessons you complete each day. Though it\u2019s not mentioned in the law, this is a good place to record your daily homeschooling hours so you can show you meet the attendance requirements if questioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can purchase academic and homeschool planners from many sites in paper and digital formats. Or you can set up your own record-keeping system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portfolio of Work Samples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are many ways to create a homeschool portfolio. Some designate one accordion file per student that holds projects, papers, and other examples of their children\u2019s accomplishments. You can also keep a digital portfolio, scanning work on paper and attaching files as needed. There are many resources available online to help you build a solid portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evaluations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep track of grades or overall assessments and how they were determined. Evaluations can take many forms, such as test scores, projects, essays, creative writing, presentations, book reports, etc. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Record-Keeping.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Assessment.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Homeschool students do not need to participate in standardized testing in Missouri. Home educators who want their children to take these tests can contact the Department of Education for more information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nRequired Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Missouri immunization requirements<\/a> apply only to public, private, parochial, or parish school students. Homeschool students are not required to meet these requirements. Students taking classes or participating in activities at a public school may be required to abide by their policies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Immunization.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Homeschool-Organization.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHomeschool Groups and Co-ops in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, organizations, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Families for Home Education (FHE)<\/a> is a statewide group that has offers resources and insight on homeschool record keeping, requirements, events, and regional groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\nVisit FHE\u2019s regional page<\/a> to find local homeschool groups and co-ops in Missouri.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nSports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s up to individual districts to determine sports eligibility for homeschoolers. The Missouri State High School Athletic Association requires homeschool students to be enrolled in a minimum number of classes at a public school before they can participate in any sports overseen by the association. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFortunately, homeschoolers have plenty of other sports options. Some areas have homeschool sports leagues, which provide classes and competitive sports activities. Many communities offer youth sports programs which welcome homeschoolers. Here are some you might consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Instruction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Minimal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Attendance Age Requirements: 7-17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Assessments or Evaluations Required: No<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of Immunization Required: No<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Missouri Homeschooling Laws and Regulations Resources for Homeschooling Families in Missouri <\/strong> Missouri requires more record keeping than some other states, but home educators still have many freedoms in what, how, when, and where they teach their children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Missouri, a home school provides private or religious-based instruction. Home educators don\u2019t need any qualifications to teach, although you may not instruct more than four unrelated children at a time. You also may not charge any fees or tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP:<\/strong> The law states that children must start school or begin instruction at home by age 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can start schooling as early as you\u2019d like, but you must follow Missouri\u2019s laws and requirements when students turn 7.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The law does not require families to notify their local districts or the state of their intention to homeschool. However, it strongly suggests that families inform the local district or the county recorder of deeds that a child will receive instruction at home to avoid triggering a truancy investigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to provide notification, the law says it should be \u201ca signed, written declaration of enrollment stating their intent for the child to attend a home school.\u201d Submit your notification within 30 days after starting to homeschool and by September 1st of each year after that. Include the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In Missouri, children must receive educational instruction by the time they turn 7, although parents\/guardians are welcome to start schooling earlier. They must continue to be instructed in the required subjects until they turn 17 or earn 16 credits toward high school graduation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Homeschool families in Missouri can choose their own curriculum programs and educational materials. The only requirement is to spend at least 600 hours teaching reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TIP:<\/strong> Missouri law says your instruction should be \u201cconsonant with the pupil’s age and ability.\u201d In other words, tailor your instruction to your children\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Missouri has detailed attendance requirements for homeschools. Although home educators may set their own schedules, they must provide instruction for a minimum number of hours each year. The law says you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the law does not set specific attendance record-keeping requirements, families should keep attendance records showing they provided the required number of instruction hours. This can be part of the child\u2019s plan book or diary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Although Missouri outlines specific homeschool record-keeping requirements, you don\u2019t have to submit these records to the state or local district. You must maintain them in case they have any questions about the education you\u2019re providing. The law doesn\u2019t indicate how long to keep them on file. Some homeschoolers recommend maintaining these records for at least two years at the K\u20138 level and indefinitely for high school age children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For each child under the age of 16 being taught at home, you must keep all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The law says you may also use \u201cother written or credible evidence equivalent to\u201d these three items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This should include a regularly-updated record of the subjects, activities, and lessons you complete each day. Though it\u2019s not mentioned in the law, this is a good place to record your daily homeschooling hours so you can show you meet the attendance requirements if questioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can purchase academic and homeschool planners from many sites in paper and digital formats. Or you can set up your own record-keeping system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many ways to create a homeschool portfolio. Some designate one accordion file per student that holds projects, papers, and other examples of their children\u2019s accomplishments. You can also keep a digital portfolio, scanning work on paper and attaching files as needed. There are many resources available online to help you build a solid portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep track of grades or overall assessments and how they were determined. Evaluations can take many forms, such as test scores, projects, essays, creative writing, presentations, book reports, etc. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Homeschool students do not need to participate in standardized testing in Missouri. Home educators who want their children to take these tests can contact the Department of Education for more information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Missouri immunization requirements<\/a> apply only to public, private, parochial, or parish school students. Homeschool students are not required to meet these requirements. Students taking classes or participating in activities at a public school may be required to abide by their policies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, organizations, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families for Home Education (FHE)<\/a> is a statewide group that has offers resources and insight on homeschool record keeping, requirements, events, and regional groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit FHE\u2019s regional page<\/a> to find local homeschool groups and co-ops in Missouri.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s up to individual districts to determine sports eligibility for homeschoolers. The Missouri State High School Athletic Association requires homeschool students to be enrolled in a minimum number of classes at a public school before they can participate in any sports overseen by the association. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, homeschoolers have plenty of other sports options. Some areas have homeschool sports leagues, which provide classes and competitive sports activities. Many communities offer youth sports programs which welcome homeschoolers. Here are some you might consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>How to Start Homeschooling<\/a>
Notice of Intent<\/a>
Mandatory School Age<\/a>
Subject Requirements<\/a>
Attendance Requirements<\/a>
Record-Keeping Requirements<\/a>
Evaluations and Assessments<\/a>
Required Immunizations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Homeschool Groups and Co-ops<\/a>
Organizations and Associations<\/a>
Sports Opportunities<\/a>
Homeschool Field Trips<\/a>
Special Education Homeschoolers<\/a>
How Our Curriculum Can Help<\/a>
Homeschool FAQ\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Start Homeschooling in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNotice of Intent for Homeschooling in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMandatory School Age in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Subject Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Attendance Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Planbook, Diary, or Other Academic Record<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Portfolio of Work Samples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Evaluations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMissouri Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRequired Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHomeschool Groups and Co-ops in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Homeschool-Sports.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Field-Trips.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/heart.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"ABCmouse](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ABCmouse-SEO-Page-CTA-Homeschool-Module.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"ABCmouse](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ABCmouse-SEO-Page-CTA-Homeschool-Module-Small.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Adventure](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AA-SEO-Page-CTA-Homeschool-Module.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Advertisement](\"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AA-SEO-Page-CTA-Homeschool-Module-Small.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homeschoolplus.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/FAQ.png\")
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