Homeschooling in Missouri? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Missouri operates under Section 167.031, which requires 1,000 hours of instruction per year — at least 600 in five core subjects (reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science), with at least 400 of those hours at your home. You maintain a plan book or daily log, a portfolio of student work, and a record of academic progress, but you never submit any of it to anyone. No testing is required. No one reviews your curriculum. The school year runs July 1 to June 30, and you have complete flexibility in how you distribute your hours.

Missouri also has a strong umbrella school tradition. If you want the structure of a formal school name on records, formal transcripts, or administrative support, you can enroll in a private umbrella (cover) school while still teaching at home. This second pathway is especially popular among families planning for college applications or who want a more traditional paper trail.

The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MOScholars) provides financial support to eligible families — roughly $6,375 to $7,145 per student, with up to 175% for students with disabilities. The program was expanded statewide by SB 727 in 2024 and is managed through the ClassWallet platform. Eligibility is income-based or available to students with an IEP.

Most Missouri families homeschool under Section 167.031 directly — it requires no notification, no approval, and no outside oversight. The umbrella school pathway is identical in terms of instructional hours and subject requirements, but the umbrella school handles recordkeeping, provides transcripts, and puts a school name on your child's records. If you plan to apply to competitive colleges or want administrative help, an umbrella school may be worth considering. If you value maximum independence and privacy, the direct home school pathway is simpler.

No notification required. Missouri does not require you to notify your school district, the state, or anyone else. Some Kansas City and St. Louis City districts have historically requested notification, but they have no legal authority to require it under Section 167.042.

Withdrawal letter. While not legally mandated, sending a withdrawal letter to your child's school prevents truancy proceedings. Cite Section 167.031, send it by certified mail, and request copies of academic and immunization records.

Sports and extracurriculars. Missouri law (Section 167.031.5) allows homeschooled students to participate in MSHSAA activities, including sports. Students must meet the same conduct, academic, and age standards as enrolled students.

MOScholars ESA. Applications for the Empowerment Scholarship run from October 1 through April 3 each year. Homeschool families apply under the "Family Paced Education" category through the State Treasurer's office.

IEP considerations. Your child's IEP ends when you withdraw, but Missouri districts must still evaluate your child through Child Find. Speech therapy is the most commonly available equitable service. MOScholars may also help fund additional therapies for eligible families.

Driver's education. Homeschooled students can obtain a learner's permit and driver's license. The parent may need to provide a letter verifying the student's educational status for the Department of Revenue.

High school transcripts. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized. Missouri public universities generally accept homeschool transcripts along with ACT/SAT scores. Umbrella schools can provide formal transcripts if you prefer.