Homeschooling in Missouri: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Missouri combines minimal regulation with clear expectations. You don't register with the state or submit to oversight, but you do need to provide a specific number of instructional hours and maintain certain records. It's a freedom-with-structure approach that appeals to many homeschool families.

The biggest news for Missouri homeschoolers is the MOScholars program—one of the newer ESA programs in the country, providing significant funding for qualifying families. This changes the landscape for families who meet the eligibility requirements. This guide covers Missouri's straightforward legal requirements, record-keeping best practices, and how to take advantage of available resources including the new funding options.

Missouri Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

How Missouri Homeschool Law Works

Missouri's homeschool statute is refreshingly straightforward. You don't register, you don't notify, and nobody reviews your work. Instead, you're responsible for providing education that meets specific hour requirements and maintaining records that document your compliance.

No notification required: Unlike most states, Missouri doesn't require you to file any paperwork to begin homeschooling. You simply start. The state has no registry of homeschool families and doesn't track who is or isn't homeschooling.

The 1,000-hour requirement: Missouri specifies that home instruction must include at least 1,000 hours annually, with at least 600 of those hours in the "five core subjects"—reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The remaining 400 hours can include any educational activities.

Record-keeping, not reporting: You must maintain records, but you don't submit them anywhere. Records stay with you unless requested in a specific legal situation (like a custody dispute) or if you ever need to transfer to public school.

The spirit of the law: Missouri trusts parents to educate their children. The hour requirements and record-keeping obligations exist to establish a standard, not to enable ongoing oversight.

How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri

The 1,000-Hour Requirement

Missouri's hour requirement is the core of its homeschool law. You must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction per year, with at least 600 hours in the five core subjects.

Breaking down the hours: - 600+ hours in core subjects: Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. This averages to about 120 hours per subject annually, or roughly 30 minutes per subject per school day. - 400+ hours in other instruction: This can include any educational activities—art, music, physical education, foreign languages, life skills, field trips, and more.

What counts as instruction? Missouri doesn't narrowly define "instruction." Formal lessons, educational reading, hands-on projects, educational videos, field trips, and structured activities all count. Many families find that a focused 4-5 hours of daily instruction easily meets requirements.

Tracking hours: Keep a log showing dates and hours of instruction. A simple spreadsheet, paper log, or homeschool planning software works. Record subjects covered and approximate time for each.

180-day comparison: Many families think in terms of a traditional 180-day school year. At 1,000 hours, that's about 5.5 hours per day—well within what most homeschool families accomplish naturally.

Required Subjects

Missouri's five core subjects must comprise at least 600 of your 1,000 instructional hours. The law doesn't specify curriculum or scope—just that these areas be covered.

The five core subjects: - Reading: Decoding, comprehension, fluency, and literature - Language Arts: Writing, grammar, spelling, composition - Mathematics: Age-appropriate math from basic arithmetic through higher mathematics - Social Studies: History, geography, civics, economics - Science: Physical science, life science, earth science, scientific method

Flexibility in approach: You choose curriculum and methods. Traditional textbooks, unit studies, classical education, Charlotte Mason, or eclectic approaches all satisfy the law. The requirement is subject coverage, not any particular philosophy.

Integration counts: Subjects often overlap naturally. A history-based literature program covers reading, language arts, and social studies. Science experiments involve math. The law cares about learning, not artificial subject separation.

Beyond core subjects: The remaining 400 hours can include any educational content—fine arts, physical education, foreign languages, music, technology, life skills, and more. Many families find their actual instruction far exceeds minimums.

Missouri's Five Core Subjects

• Reading — Decoding, comprehension, fluency, and literature at grade-appropriate levels
• Language Arts — Writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and composition
• Mathematics — Arithmetic, problem-solving, and grade-appropriate math concepts
• Social Studies — History, geography, civics, government, and economics
• Science — Life science, physical science, earth science, and scientific inquiry

Record-Keeping Requirements

Missouri requires homeschool families to maintain specific records. You don't submit these anywhere—they stay with you. But you should keep them in case they're ever needed.

Required records: 1. Plan book or daily log: Record subjects taught and time spent on each 2. Student work portfolio: Samples of the student's academic work 3. Record of evaluation: Assessments of academic progress (can be informal or formal) 4. Attendance record: Documentation of instructional hours (showing 1,000 hours annually)

How long to keep records: Missouri doesn't specify, but best practice is to maintain records until your child is at least 18. High school records should be kept indefinitely for transcripts and college applications.

Record format: The law doesn't require any specific format. Paper logs, digital spreadsheets, homeschool software, or any organized system works. Use whatever you'll actually maintain.

When might records be requested? In most situations, never. However, records could become relevant in custody disputes, if transferring to public school (for grade placement), or if questioned about educational neglect. Having solid records provides protection.

Record-Keeping Checklist

MOScholars: Missouri's ESA Program

Missouri launched the MOScholars program for the 2024-25 school year, providing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for qualifying families. This is significant news for Missouri homeschoolers—actual funding to support home education.

Program basics: - Amount: Up to $6,375 per student annually (2026 amount may vary) - Eligible uses: Curriculum, textbooks, educational materials, tutoring, therapies, testing fees, and other approved educational expenses - Not eligible: Room and board, transportation, or general household expenses

Eligibility requirements: - Income limits: Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal free and reduced lunch threshold - Prior enrollment: Some preference given to students coming from public school or entering kindergarten - Residency: Must be a Missouri resident

Application process: Applications are handled through the state treasurer's office. Deadlines and procedures are established each year. Apply early—funding may be limited.

Impact on homeschooling: ESA participation may have some additional requirements or accountability measures. Review program rules carefully. For many families, the funding significantly offsets curriculum and resource costs.

For complete details on eligibility, application, and approved uses, see our Missouri Homeschool Funding Guide.

High School, Graduation & Transcripts

Missouri homeschool parents determine graduation requirements and issue their own diplomas. The state doesn't specify graduation requirements for homeschoolers—you define completion.

Creating a transcript: Develop your transcript as your student progresses through high school. Include: - Course titles with credit hours (typically 120-180 hours = 1 credit) - Grades for each course - Cumulative GPA - Graduation date

Course descriptions: Prepare brief descriptions of courses, especially for non-traditional subjects or unique curricula. Colleges appreciate understanding what was covered.

Diploma: You create and issue the diploma when your student completes your graduation requirements. This is a legitimate credential—homeschool students don't need a GED.

College admissions: Missouri colleges accept homeschool applicants. University of Missouri, other state universities, and community colleges all have established processes. Requirements typically include: - Transcript with courses and grades - SAT or ACT scores - Application materials - Sometimes course descriptions or portfolio

Dual enrollment: Missouri community colleges welcome homeschool students for dual enrollment. This builds college credit, creates official transcripts, and provides experience with college-level work.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Missouri law does not require public schools to allow homeschool students access to sports or extracurricular activities. Access depends entirely on individual school district policies.

MSHSAA rules: The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) allows member schools to permit homeschool participation but doesn't require it. Each district makes its own decision.

Current landscape: Most Missouri public schools do not allow homeschool participation in sports or activities. Some rural districts are more accommodating. Always contact your local district to inquire about their specific policy.

Alternatives: - Homeschool sports leagues (active in Kansas City, St. Louis, and other areas) - Club sports and travel teams - Community recreation programs - YMCA leagues - Church-based athletic programs

Extracurriculars beyond sports: Homeschool co-ops offer drama, music, debate, and academic clubs. Community organizations provide 4-H, Scouts, community theater, and similar opportunities.

Tim Tebow law efforts: Missouri has considered "Tim Tebow" legislation to mandate homeschool access to public school activities, but as of 2026, no such law has passed.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any time. Missouri has no notification requirement, so you simply withdraw from public school (if applicable) and start. Track hours from your start date.

Moving to Missouri: Welcome to one of the friendliest homeschool states. There's nothing to file. Begin keeping records that meet Missouri's requirements. Your previous state's records help establish educational continuity.

Moving from Missouri: Research your new state's requirements well before moving. Missouri's documentation practices prepare you well for most other states, though some require different records or more detailed reporting.

Special needs students: Missouri allows homeschooling for students with special needs without additional requirements. You forfeit public school IEP services when homeschooling. Some families access private therapies or evaluations.

Returning to public school: If your child enrolls in public school, they may face placement testing. Your records (hours, subjects, work samples) support appropriate grade placement.

Previously public-schooled students: Transitioning from public school is simple. Submit a withdrawal letter to the school, then begin homeschooling. Consider a "deschooling" period if your child needs time to adjust.

Resources and Community

Missouri has an active homeschool community with organizations, co-ops, and support networks throughout the state.

State organizations: - Families for Home Education (FHE): Major statewide organization providing resources, support, and advocacy - Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes (MATCH): Christian homeschool organization serving families statewide - Regional groups: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and other areas have active local organizations

Testing options: While not required, standardized testing is available through homeschool groups, churches, and testing centers. Popular options include Iowa Tests, Stanford Achievement Test, and CAT.

Co-ops: Homeschool co-ops throughout Missouri offer group classes from elementary enrichment to high school academics. These provide academic support, social interaction, and community.

Dual enrollment: Missouri community colleges offer dual enrollment opportunities. This provides college credit and creates official transcripts to complement homeschool documentation.

Libraries: Missouri libraries often support homeschoolers with programs, resources, and meeting spaces.

The Bottom Line

Missouri offers a balanced approach to homeschool freedom—no registration or oversight, but clear expectations for instructional hours and record-keeping. The 1,000-hour requirement (with 600 in core subjects) creates a standard without imposing burdensome reporting.

The MOScholars ESA program opens new possibilities for qualifying families, providing meaningful funding for curriculum and educational resources. Check eligibility requirements early if you might qualify.

Getting started is simple: decide to homeschool, withdraw from public school if applicable, and begin. Set up a record-keeping system that tracks your 1,000 hours across required subjects. Connect with Missouri's homeschool community for support, resources, and fellowship.