Hours / Days
1,000 hours per year (600 in core subjects; 400 at home location)
State Code
MO
Subjects
5 required
How to Comply with Missouri's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Missouri
Legal Classification
Home School (No Registration Required)
Compulsory Education Ages
7-17
Steps to Get Started
Understand Missouri's Minimal Requirements
Missouri does not require registration, notification, or approval to homeschool. You simply begin teaching your child at home. This makes Missouri one of the easiest states for getting started with homeschooling.
No paperwork, no permission, no waiting—you can start immediately.
If Withdrawing from Public School: Complete Withdrawal
If your child is currently enrolled in a Missouri public school, complete the school's formal withdrawal process. Contact the school's enrollment office and submit a withdrawal form.
- Request the withdrawal form from the school
- Complete the form with your child's information
- Submit to the school and keep a copy
- After withdrawal, you can begin homeschooling immediately
Teach Required Subject Areas
Missouri requires instruction in core subjects: reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health/PE. You have complete freedom in curriculum selection and teaching methods.
- Reading and language arts include reading, writing, grammar, and communication
- Mathematics covers grade-appropriate math skills and concepts
- Social studies includes history, geography, civics, and cultural understanding
- Science includes life science, earth science, and physical science
- Health and physical education promote wellness and fitness
These subjects can be integrated through projects and unit studies, or taught separately.
Meet the 1,000 Hour Annual Requirement
Missouri requires 1,000 instructional hours per year. More specifically, at least 600 of those hours must be in core subjects (reading, language arts, math, social studies, science), with at least 400 of the 600 core hours at your home location.
- Total annual requirement: 1,000 instructional hours
- Core subjects: Minimum 600 hours (reading, language arts, math, social studies, science)
- Home location: Minimum 400 of the 600 core hours must be at your home
- This allows flexibility for community classes, tutoring, and field trips
Planning your schedule to track 1,000 hours annually ensures compliance. A simple spreadsheet helps track progress.
Document Instruction With Log and Assessment
Missouri requires documentation showing the hours of instruction provided and evidence of academic progress. This can be a simple log plus informal or formal assessment.
- Maintain an instruction log showing dates and hours of teaching
- Document subjects covered and activities completed
- Show at least 1,000 hours of documented instruction
- Provide assessment of academic progress (formal or informal)
A simple spreadsheet with dates, hours, and subjects is sufficient documentation.
Assess Academic Progress (Flexible Methods)
Missouri does not require standardized testing. You can assess progress through informal methods like work samples, report cards you create, quizzes, or a written summary of accomplishments.
- Standardized testing: Optional, but can be used if you choose
- Report card: Create your own showing grades or progress
- Work samples: Keep quizzes, tests, and completed assignments
- Progress summary: Write brief assessment of what was learned
- Any combination of these methods is acceptable
Most Missouri families keep a simple portfolio of work samples and a yearly written assessment.
Design Your Educational Program
With required subjects and hour requirements defined, you have freedom in curriculum and teaching method. Create an education that fits your child's needs and your family's values.
- Select traditional textbooks, online programs, or hands-on materials
- Integrate subjects through projects and unit studies
- Incorporate field trips, tutoring, and enrichment (these count toward hours)
- Adjust pacing and content based on your child's progress
- Maintain flexibility while meeting the 1,000-hour annual requirement
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, complete the school's withdrawal form. No notification to the school about homeschooling is required. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Missouri homeschoolers may participate in some public school sports and activities depending on school district policy. Contact your school district's athletic director to inquire about opportunities.
Special Education
Missouri allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has been identified for special education services, coordinate with your school district about available services.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Maintain an instruction log showing dates, hours, and subjects covered daily or weekly
- Create a spreadsheet to track total instructional hours toward the 1,000-hour requirement
- Keep work samples and completed assignments from each subject area
- Document assessment results or write a yearly progress summary
- Save receipts for curriculum materials and educational purchases
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
Children must be evaluated at the end of each school year. Options include a standardized achievement test, evaluation by a certified teacher, or other methods approved by the parent. Results are recorded but not submitted to the state.
Record Keeping
Plan book/diary, portfolio, and progress evaluations. Keep records for children under 16.
Key Facts About Missouri
No approval process or annual reporting required
Very hands-off state
1,000-hour requirement
Portfolio-based approach
Ages 7-17 or 16 high school credits
“Every family's homeschool journey in Missouri is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file anything with Missouri?
No formal filing is required. Some families notify their district in writing, but it is not mandatory.
What does the 1,000-hour requirement mean?
Missouri requires 1,000 instructional hours per year (600 in core subjects, 400 at your home location). This allows flexibility in scheduling.
What should my portfolio contain?
Your portfolio should document your child's learning through work samples, attendance records, progress evaluations, and curriculum descriptions.
Does Missouri require testing?
No. Missouri does not mandate testing. You assess your child's progress through your chosen method.
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