Missouri Laws and Requirements for Homeschool
In Missouri, homeschooling is a legal and recognized educational option for families.
Compulsory Attendance Age: Children between the ages of 7 and 17 are required to receive educational instruction. However, compulsory attendance may end earlier if a student completes 16 high school credits.
Instructional Hours: Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year. Of these, 600 hours should focus on core subjects: reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Additionally, 400 of the 600 core subject hours must occur at the regular homeschool location.
Record-Keeping: While Missouri law does not mandate standardized testing for homeschoolers, maintaining records is essential.
- A plan book, diary, or written record indicating subjects taught and activities engaged in.
- A portfolio of samples of the child's academic work.
- A record of evaluations of the child's academic progress.
These records demonstrate that the child is receiving regular instruction.
Notification: Missouri does not require parents to notify the state or local school district of their intent to homeschool. However, submitting a "declaration of enrollment" to the local school district or county recorder of deeds is recommended to avoid potential truancy issues.
Teacher Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications required for parents who wish to homeschool their children in Missouri.
Resources:
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Families for Home Education (FHE)
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Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
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Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education