How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri: 14 Easy Steps

Do you want to get your ideas about how to start homeschooling in Missouri? Don’t worry. This guide will make your journey effortless and fruitful. 

Homeschooling may be enjoyable and fruitful for any parent and child in Missouri. To start with, homeschooling is not easy; it is even difficult to start, but once it begins, it will surprise you and make so much sense. Do It slowly and steadily, and learn to have fun from the journey.

However, from this article, you can learn what homeschooling is, how to start homeschooling in Missouri, free homeschool programs in Missouri, Missouri homeschooling requirements, Missouri homeschool Laws, best homeschool programs in Missouri, Missouri accredited homeschool programs, Missouri homeschool hour requirements, and common FAQs on how to start homeschooling in Missouri.

Let’s start to learn our topics one by one to make clear our ideas about how to start homeschooling in Missouri. 

 how to start homeschooling in Missouri

What is Homeschooling?

To understand how to start homeschooling in Missouri, you should learn what homeschooling is. 

By the way, homeschooling is a technique of education in which children are taught at home by their parents. Students do not have to attend the usual schools but study in the comfort of their homes. Parents or guardians supervise and are the ones that come up with the curriculum. They choose which topics are worth transmitting and how those instructions will be given to the students.

How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri?

This content highlights how Missouri is quite homeschool-friendly. The process of how to start homeschooling in Missouri is pretty simple. If you wish to homeschool your child in Missouri, this is an essential step-by-step guide to starting homeschooling in the state. Just follow the steps below: 

1. Understand Missouri Homeschool Laws

Like in every other state, homeschooling also has its laws in Missouri. Knowing them is essential if you are planning to start homeschooling in Missouri. 

2. Withdrawal from Public School

If your child is still in a public or private school, you must transfer them by filling out different forms. Contact the school and explain to them your intention to homeschool your child. Ideally, it is good to give written notice to prevent any grumbles arising from misunderstandings. Ensure that you make a copy of it for your files.

3. Know the Required Subjects

By law, homeschooled students in Missouri are required to be taught the following subjects. These include:

  • Reading
  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science

It means that you can manage how to teach those subjects independently. In this case, you don’t have to stick to merely following a curriculum or program.

Learn also how to start homeschooling in North Carolina

4. Instruction Hours and Days

According to the laws of Missouri, one is expected to complete at least one thousand hours of training within one year. Altogether, 300 hours must be spent in the core area of study (including reading, mathematics, science, etc.), while at least 400 hours should be spent in your home. It may or may not be by the public school year to suit the needs of the Academy. There is no boss but you to tell you when and how to work.

5. Keep Good Records

Keeping records is essential in Missouri. You must maintain:

  • A record of instruction (lesson plans or notes)
  • Samples of your child’s work
  • A record of evaluations (like tests or quizzes)
  • A log of instructional hours (this can be a simple calendar showing days and hours)

They assist you in providing proof that you are implementing provisions of the state. You do not need to file them anywhere except if directed by a court of law.

6. Choose Your Homeschool Curriculum

You can choose any curriculum you wish in Missouri. As for the organization, you can purchase an already developed one or design your own. It is essential to ensure specific topics are tackled in the class. Most are accessible through the Internet, books from stores, or locally based homeschool groups. It can be school books, textbooks, videos, movies, presentations, documentaries, websites, etc.

7. Join Homeschooling Groups

It would help if you considered getting affiliated with a homeschooling group since this could greatly benefit you. These groups provide helpful information, guidance, and companionship to the parents and children. There are groups you can join online and local support groups you can join. They may offer excursions, lessons, games, and other learning opportunities for your child.

8. Real Understanding of Testing and Assessment

Missouri does not use standardized achievement tests for homeschoolers. Unfortunately, some parents test their children to check if they have made progress. Here, you can take a practice or online test or buy one from one of the educational stores. Thus, testing allows for the definition of strengths and weaknesses.

9. Plan for Socialization

Learning from home does not imply your child will be left behind in social events. It is possible to organize meetings with peers, enroll in sports sections, and attend the programs of communities. In a homeschooling group, children are often encouraged to attend events that will enable them to make friends. The most significant advantage of homeschooling is that it is flexible enough to give a place for social activities.

10. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

According to Missouri law, homeschoolers can join some school district events. Of course, you should consult the local district to learn whether your child can participate in sports teams, music or clubs. That’s why there are numerous possibilities for after-school programs and other community services, including art painting/ drawing, martial arts, dancing etc.

11. Know About High School Requirements

If you homeschool through high school, find out what may be expected from colleges or employers in the future. They are likely to approach it differently. To capture your child’s high school work, prepare a transcript. This includes the program of study, academic performance/credit and co-curricular activities. Such homeschoolers attend community college classes, AP or SAT/ACT, to enhance their chances of embracing college education.

12. Consider Legal Support

However, as we have seen, Missouri is good at homeschooling, and thus, it is recommended that you cover your legal back. One of the ways to protect your homeschooling rights is by becoming a member of a homeschool legal defense organization. They can give recommendations and assistance if you need help with the law.

13. Reevaluate and Adjust as Needed

Teaching from home is one of the flexible learning environments. The “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset doesn’t apply here: If you’re struggling, try something different. Check your child’s progress frequently and make changes to how you teach your child or the kind of lessons you give them. The purpose is to have the right learning conditions for your child.

Read to learn more how you can get paid to homeschool in California.

14. Embrace the Freedom of Homeschooling

Homeschooling offers flexibility that allows you to create an appropriate environment and course for your child. It will enable you to go on trips, engage your kids in projects, or focus on topics your child is particularly passionate about. Be bold and come up with novel ideas. Ever get the impression that Learning is only sometimes limited to the classroom, like sitting at a desk? 

If you still need a clear idea about the matter, no problem. We will discuss how to start homeschooling in Missouri in more detail. View the article throughout; it will be apparent to you.

Free Homeschool Programs in Missouri

To clarify your idea about  how to start homeschooling in Missouri, some homeschool programs that are offered free to homeschool parents in Missouri include the following: Here’s a list of some options available in Missouri:

how to start homeschooling in Missouri
  • Missouri K-12 Virtual Schools

Some distance-learning schools provide free education to students at the K-12 level in Missouri. Some schools include Missouri Connections Academy and Missouri Virtual Academy free education programs. Private schools offer structured programs, qualified teachers, and other services. Students can also be taught through online classes, assignments, and resources.

  • Power Homeschool (formerly Acellus Academy)

Power Homeschool offers homeschooling services without cost. It includes tutorials for elementary, high school, and college students on basic subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. It has video lessons, practice exercises and quizzes. Of course, parents can use the parent portal to track their children’s progress.

  • Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online tutorial that allows learners to study at their own pace and convenience. It is used to learn topics like Math and Science, History and many others. The disseminated program contains such activities as slides with text and options for choices, videos, and self-assessment pop quizzes. Overall, it is the perfect supplementary material to build your curriculum for the semester.

  • Ambleside Online

A complete, accessible, and Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum is Ambleside Online. It encompasses literature-based Learning, which encompasses reading books, nature studies and history. The curriculum includes the schedules, reading lists and resources for each grade of the school year. The issue of who needs to organize lessons and supervise the learning process involves parents.

Read also to get your ideas about the States that pay for homeschooling

  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Easy Peasy has a curriculum that is free from preschool through elementary junior, junior, and senior high. Developed by a homeschooling mother of three, it is offered entirely online. These include core subjects such as the Bible, art, and music. That way, parents and students, in particular, can view the lesson plans in detail day by day at their own time and pace.

  • CK-12 Foundation

What CK-12 contains is free to use: textbooks, videos, and lessons for grades K-12. The target is Math and Science, but other subjects are also incorporated. Parents can use the CK-12 library to develop lessons suited to their children. The platform is versatile for full-time and part-time learners and even more so for those who do not fit into the conventional learner category.

  • Missouri Homeschool Support Groups

In Missouri, many organizations support families who homeschool their children. These groups normally interchange free materials, co-op classes, and field trips. Okay, some common groups are the families for home education (FHE) and homeschoolers encouraging Learning and progress (HELP). It enlightens, socializes and supports the individuals who join these groups.

The programs are more flexible so that parents can manage education according to the child’s needs.

how to start homeschooling in Missouri

Missouri Homeschooling Requirements

You need to learn Missouri’s homeschooling requirements to get more ideas about how to start homeschooling in Missouri. Let’s start now:

  • Compulsory School Age

Children in Missouri must attend school between ages 7 and 17. If you choose to homeschool, you need to follow state guidelines.

  • Notification to the State

Missouri does not require parents to notify the state or school district about homeschooling. No need to register or submit any formal paperwork.

  • Qualification for Parents

Parents do not need any special qualifications to homeschool their children in Missouri. Anyone can homeschool their child.

  • Required Subjects

Homeschooling in Missouri must include these subjects:

  1. Reading
  2. Language arts
  3. Mathematics
  4. Social studies
  5. Science
  • Minimum Hours of Instruction

You must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction per school year. Of those, 600 hours should focus on the core subjects (reading, math, language arts, social studies, and science). At least 400 of the 600 hours must take place at your home.

You can view also to learn about the psychological effects of homeschooling.

  • Record-Keeping

While not required to submit records, you must keep certain records for your homeschool, including:

  1. A log of instructional hours
  2. Samples of the student’s work
  3. Records of evaluations and assessments (if done)
  • Standardized Testing

Fortunately, Missouri does not mandate testing of homeschooled children. All assessments are voluntary kindergartners, but the testing can offer a better perception of how your child is progressing.

  • Graduation Requirements

Parents also decided on graduation standards on their own. Homeschoolers in Missouri are not awarded a state-endorsed diploma. You can even create your certificate and transcripts when your child is finished.

  • Homeschooling Support

Missouri has several homeschool groups and other resources for those families to utilize. These groups mainly provide social interaction, outings, and co-op classes.

Missouri Homeschool Laws (2024)

Missouri has flexible laws for homeschooling that can help you learn how to start homeschooling in Missouri. The state allows parents to educate their children at home without heavy regulation. Below are the essential requirements:

1. No Notice Required

  • Parents do not need to notify schools or the state if they homeschool.
  • No registration or reporting is necessary
how to start homeschooling in Missouri

2. Compulsory Attendance

  • Children between 7 and 17 years old must be enrolled in school.
  • If a child is at least 16 and has completed 16 credits toward high school graduation, they do not have to attend.

3. Instruction Requirements

  • Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction each school year.
  • At least 600 hours must focus on core subjects like reading, math, social studies, science, and language arts.
  • A minimum of 400 hours must occur at the homeschool location.

4. Record Keeping

  • Parents must keep records of their child’s education.
  • Records can include lesson plans, work samples, test results, and attendance logs.
  • Maintain a portfolio with examples of work and progress reports.
  • These records are not usually submitted to any authority but may be needed if questioned.

5. No Testing Requirements

  • Missouri has no law that calls for administering exams for homeschooled students.
  • Parents can administer tests if they wish, but it’s not mandatory.

6. Graduation and Diplomas

  • Parents decide when their child has met graduation requirements.
  • Homeschools can issue their high school diplomas.
  • Missouri does not provide state-recognized diplomas for homeschool graduates.

7. Special Education

  • Parents may homeschool children with special needs.
  • There are no extra requirements for teaching special needs students at home.
  • However, parents can seek resources and support through the public school system.

8. Participation in Public School Activities

  • Homeschooled students may not be allowed to join public school sports or extracurricular activities.
  • Some districts may have their policies, so check locally.
how to start homeschooling in Missouri

Best Homeschool Programs in Missouri

The state of Missouri is homeschooling-friendly. The curriculum is not restricted; parents can select the most appropriate resources for their children. Here are some of the top homeschool programs available in Missouri that can enhance your understanding about  how to start homeschooling in Missouri:

  • Time4Learning

Time4Learning is an online program. Pre-K to 12 focuses on all educational levels kids and youth can attend. An exciting and lively curriculum also characterizes it. Typical focus areas are math, language, science, and social studies. It offers sequential outlines of lessons and records. It is an open and independent program.

Read also to get ideas about the best online homeschool programs free for your child’s learning.

  • K12 (Missouri Virtual Academy)

MOVA follows K12’s curriculum. It has an Online 6-12 Ohio Public School option. Students receive live lessons and specified schedules. It has all subjects from kindergarten to high school level. MOVA offers state-certified teachers. Your enrollment for this program is free if you are a Missouri resident.

  • Abeka

Abeka’s educational program entails a religious approach, particularly a Christian one. It relies on conventional textbooks and video teachings. Parents can choose parent-directed or video-directed types. It comprises the following: kindergarten to grade 12. The program emphasizes the academic curriculum. This library contains books for reading, mathematical books, science materials, and history books.

  • The Good and the Beautiful

In this program, the focus is on the healthful, religious-oriented content. It embraces language arts, mathematics, science and history. In the program, material is thus divided over the Internet and printed material. Education inspires creativity and independent thinking or the ability to think critically. Courses are clear and do not call for struggling on what to do next. I wanted to create a game that teaches the children values and moral lessons they learn through individuals they meet in their families.

  • Oak Meadow

Oak Meadow offers both secular and Waldorf styles of homeschooling. This lesson is suitable for pre-K through to high school or 12th grade. Proceedings are based on the Project-Based Learning concept. There are science and sensory experiences and art involving hands-on projects. Equally independent and flexible Learning is supported at Oak Meadow. They are textbooks, teachers’ manuals, and online supports and structures.

  • BJU Press Homeschool

The BJU Press provides a Christian education. It consists of school textbooks and online video classes. The content of the courses is informative, and the courses are well organized. They include language arts, mathematics, science, and history. It features special open-ended items that help parents monitor the child’s progress through a detailed assessment. Families enquiring about a faith-based education will find the program most suitable.

  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

Easy Peasy is an online free homeschooling program for Christians. It goes from preschool up to senior high school. The presented curriculum is divided according to grade and subject. Courses are introductory yet readily available and understandable. It employs video clips, online books, and a set of activities. This implies that parents can set the tempo for the lessons delivered in their own homes.

  • Sonlight

Sonlight makes use of literature and is a Christian-based homeschooling curriculum. And it spans Pre-K through high school levels. The readers utilized books rather than textbooks. Hence, the method of Analysis emphasizes the novice’s critical thinking and reading abilities. Sonlight is ‘built’ around discussion and Learning by discussion. Parents receive scholarly lessons and programs of Learning and its facilitation.

  • My Father’s World

This program encompasses belief in God with studies in academia. The institution is a Pre-K to 12 learning institution. The curriculum consists of classical education integrated with Charlotte Mason’s approaches. It entails movement, imaginative activities such as assemblies, hands-on projects, arts, and musicals. Some parents said they can use the guide from the program to arrange lessons. It is particularly appropriate for families who want a religious perspective on life.

  • Acellus Academy

Acellus is an accredited online school. It operates from K-12 and grade level, integrating a self-paced learning system. It comprises a format, such as the use of animated video instruction. These career certificates include introductory courses and specialized courses. Parents receive an application that allows monitoring of the child’s progress. High school graduates receive a diploma.

The best homeschool programs in Missouri can increase your knowledge of how to start homeschooling. 

Missouri Homeschool Curriculum

Homeschooling in Missouri is legal and offers flexibility. Parents can learn how to start homeschooling in Missouri and design their curriculum. However, Missouri has specific requirements that you must meet.

Missouri Homeschooling Requirements: 

1. Age Range: Children aged 7 to 17 must be homeschooled.

2. Days of Instruction: Provide at least 1,000 hours per school year.

  • Six hundred hours must focus on core subjects like math, reading, language arts, social studies, and science.
  • Four hundred hours should happen at the regular homeschool location.

3. Record Keeping: Keep records of your child’s progress, including a log of educational activities, samples of work, and assessment results.

Suggested Core Subjects

Missouri doesn’t specify exact subjects. However, focusing on these areas is recommended:

1. Language Arts

  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar
  • Writing
  • Spelling and vocabulary

2. Mathematics

  • Basic arithmetic
  • Algebra (for older students)
  • Geometry
  • Problem-solving skills

3. Science

  • Biology
  • Earth science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Hands-on experiments

4. Social Studies

  • History (U.S. and world)
  • Geography
  • Civics
  • Economics

5. Physical Education & Health

  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Personal health and safety

Therefore, adhering to the above Missouri homeschool curriculum will ensure you can avail yourself of legal homeschooling experience for the students and enrich your ideas about how to start homeschooling in Missouri.

Missouri-Accredited Homeschool Programs

Several Homeschool Programs are legal and accredited in Missouri. Laws in the state are lenient on homeschooling families. If you want to enrich your concept of how to start homeschooling in Missouri, learn about the following accredited homeschool programs:

  • Missouri Virtual Academy (MOVA)

MOVA is an accredited, charter, college-preparatory, tuition-free Virtual School. It caters to learners in the Kansas City K-12 schools in Missouri. The program has a focused curriculum and is implemented by certified teachers. Most Learning is done under the supervision of teachers, but parents play an essential role in nurturing it at home.

  • Connections Academy

Connections Academy is another free internet-based public school in Missouri. It is available for grades K through 12, including all subjects. Professional teaching assistants support the program. This program has the curriculum, physical, art, and music options. Parents monitor and guide learning as learning coaches.

  • Acellus Academy

Acellus Academy is an online school and is a fully accredited private school. This learning approach is suitable for homeschooling and independent education. They can learn at the speed they want and do things they naturally do at their ages. They get individual attention. It provides K-12 programs, academic subjects and specialties. The Academy makes use of video lessons to pass concepts.

  • Calvert Academy

It also provides an accredited option for homeschooling through an online learning platform. It has sections for K to 12 with a relatively flexible academic flow. These components are live teacher support, course assignments, and course assessments. It also provides a college Preparatory curriculum.

  • Bridgeway Academy

Bridgeway Academy offers an option for homeschooling where the student is registered legally. The package provides full-year or specific courses for the families. Its operation is set at the K through the twelfth-grade level. It offers independent Learning and instructional classes as well. It involves curriculum planning to support parent needs and record keeping.

  • Time4Learning

Time 4 Learning is one of the online learning resources that are widely used when homeschooling in the state of Missouri. This institution is also not accredited but offers all preschool and high school subject areas. The program enables the students to learn at their own pace. It is very flexible and cheap for the family.

  • Liberty University Online Academy

Liberty University provides a homeschool program, and the program is accredited. They have as many as K to 12, focusing on education rooted in Christian beliefs. Live classes, formative tests, and teacher assistance are components of the Academy. One will need to go for it if they need religiosity in their children’s education.

These are the homeschooling accredited and flexible programs available for parents across Missouri. Families can pick what is best for their child, in this case, effective learning mode/technique.

Missouri Homeschool Hour Requirements

Like all states, Missouri has particular homeschool requirements. The skills, knowledge and effective practices that parents must practice for one school year are one thousand hours minimum. Out of these hours:

  • These 600 hours should be devoted to basic skills and describe learning experiences in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts.
  • No less than 400 of those 600 hours must occur at the regular home school location.

The other 400 hours are for any other subject or activity of the individual’s choice. Unfortunately, Missouri does not ask for the daily log but would like to know the homeschool cultural calendar, which contains subjects taught on that particular day.

Final Thoughts on How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri 

Homeschooling may be enjoyable and fruitful for any parent and child in Missouri. As it is essential for your child to receive their education in a rich and productive environment, the state has rules that need to be followed, good records to be made, and flexibility has to be valued to enjoy the educational process and mark successful results.

To start with, homeschooling is not easy; it is even difficult to start; however, once you know how to start homeschooling in Missouri, it will surprise you and make so much sense. Do It slowly and steadily, and learn to have fun from the journey.

I think from this article, you have got the idea about how to start homeschooling in Missouri, free homeschool programs in Missouri, Missouri homeschooling requirements, Missouri homeschool Laws, and the best homeschool programs in Missouri.

FAQs on How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri 

1. What are the requirements for homeschooling in Missouri?

Each state has different laws for homeschooling, but in Missouri, homeschooling requires the child to be taught for at least 1300 hours per year. Of these hours, 600 hours must be spent on the essential learning areas of reading, mathematics and science. Parents are expected to take documentation, including work samples and a log of hours. There is no obligation for any registration or testing in the current legal framework.

2. How much does it cost to homeschool in Missouri?

Homeschooling in Missouri has a wide range of costs. Families in Missouri need at least $500 and, at most, $1,000 for each child per year to cater for all their schooling needs. 

3. How many kids are homeschooled in Missouri? 

The number in Missouri, however, fluctuates from 30,000 to 40,000 kids who are being homeschooled. Each year, families have different motives for choosing to homeschool, which varies from family to family for this number.

4. What is the best free homeschool program in Missouri? 

According to the school choice ranking, Missouri’s best free program is Missouri Connections Academy. 

5. How can you legally homeschool in Missouri? 

In Missouri, parents shall teach their children at least 600 hours over a year in reading, mathematics, social studies, and language arts. Link up with attendance, work samples and evaluations for keeping records. Nevertheless, no registration is needed, and standardized tests are optional.

6. Is public school free in Missouri? 

Yes, the public schools in Missouri are free of charge for residents. This government will support these schools with taxes, preventing children from being asked for any tuition fees. 

7. When did homeschooling become legal in Missouri? 

Homeschooling in Missouri was legalized in 1993.

8. Does Missouri require standardized testing for homeschoolers? 

Yes, Missouri requires homeschoolers for students to take standardized tests. Students are tested in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

9. Is k12 accredited in Missouri?

Yes, K12 education in Missouri is accredited. 

10. What is accredited homeschooling?

An accredited school comes under a state or an organization that gives its recognition for educational purposes and its high-quality standards. A certified homeschool provides students with official diplomas, and the curriculum is viewed and supervised regularly to ensure quality education.

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