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Missouri · Some paperwork
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.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
Nothing to file
Missouridoes 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.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
No yearly assessment
Missouridoes 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: No state-mandated assessment. Parents must maintain academic evaluation records but need not submit them to any authority.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
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.
Source: treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars/EAOs. Checked July 26, 2026. Eligibility and application dates are set by the program — the official page is always the last word.
Is homeschooling legal in Missouri?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Missouri. Missouri has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can track your compliance automatically.
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 (at least 600 of 1,000 required hours must be in core academic subjects).
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?
Yes. Missouri has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Missouri allows nonpublic school students, including homeschoolers, to participate in public school extracurricular activities including sports. All nonpublic school students have access to extracurricular activities and courses at the public school serving their residence. A 2024 MOScholars bill further expanded access for qualifying students.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
Missouri requires 1,000 instruction hours annually (600 in core subjects, 400 at the regular home location), plus recordkeeping including a plan book or diary, samples of student work, and academic evaluations. These records must be maintained but are not submitted to authorities. No notice, no testing submission. Once a student turns 16, the hours and recordkeeping requirements no longer apply.
Source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) — dese.mo.gov/elementary-secondary-education/school-data/nonpublic-schools. Checked March 2026.
Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Missouri's requirements and ignore the rest.
This page was written from Missouri's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This is information for families, not legal advice.