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Missouri · Light-touch
Missouri does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Missouri's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
Missouri does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Cover the subjects the state names
Missouri names 6 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Missouri expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Nothing to file
Missouri does not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.
No testing or assessment
Missouri does not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: The home school law (RSMo 167.012) requires you to keep a record of evaluations of your child's academic progress. It does not mention a state test.
MOScholars
Run by Missouri State Treasurer · payments through Odyssey
The award amount is set by the program and changes from year to year. Check the official page below for this year's figure rather than an estimate.
Eligibility and application dates are set by the program. Check the program's official page before you apply.
Is homeschooling legal in Missouri?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Missouri. Missouri is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.
How many instruction days are required in Missouri?
Missouri requires 1,000 hours a year.
What subjects are required by law in Missouri?
Missouri requires instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Related academic courses.
Does Missouri require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
No. Missouri does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Missouri?
No. Missouri does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Missouri?
Missouri has a law on this. Since Aug. 28, 2025, RSMo 167.790 says a school district may not prohibit a home school student from trying out for or taking part in athletics, fine arts and integrated cocurricular events offered by the district where the student lives, and may not require the student to attend classes to take part. Districts may set attendance and discipline policies for required practices and rehearsals, and may require related coursework for some fine arts and career activities.
Missouri asks for no notice or registration with the state, and the home school law does not mention a state test. You keep your own records and offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction, at least 600 of them in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science and at least 400 of those at the home school location; the hours rule does not apply to a pupil 16 or older (RSMo 167.012). Read the statute for the current rules before you start.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Missouri's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with None. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) says it does not regulate or monitor home schooling. This is information for families, not legal advice.