Thinking about homeschooling in Missouri? That's great! Missouri is a really good place to homeschool because they don't have a lot of complicated rules and regulations. You don't have to ask for permission from the state or fill out tons of paperwork to get started.
But even though there's a lot of freedom, it's still important to understand the rules. This blog will explain everything you need to know about homeschooling in Missouri so you can make sure you're doing things correctly.
We'll cover things like:
When your child needs to start and finish school.
How many hours you need to teach each year.
What subjects you need to cover.
How to keep good records.
What to do when your child graduates.
If your child is currently in public school and you’re thinking about homeschooling, or if you’re just starting to plan their education, this blog is here to help. It covers everything you need to know about homeschooling in Missouri.
Before you start homeschooling in Missouri, it's essential to understand the state's unique laws.
Understanding Missouri Homeschool Laws & Requirements
Missouri is a great state for homeschooling! They have laws that give parents a lot of freedom to choose how they want to teach their children. This means you have a lot of flexibility to create a homeschooling experience that fits your child's needs and your family's style.
Here's what you need to know:
1. No Registration Needed
Easy to Start: You don't have to register with the state or your local school district to start homeschooling in Missouri. This makes it really easy to get started! You don't have to worry about filling out complicated forms or getting permission from anyone. You can simply start homeschooling whenever you're ready.
Less Paperwork: One of the great things about homeschooling in Missouri is that there's not a lot of paperwork involved. You don't have to submit forms to the state or get your curriculum approved by anyone. This gives you more time to focus on teaching your child and creating a fun and engaging learning environment.
2. Attendance Rules
When to Start: In Missouri, children are required to start their formal education by the time they turn seven years old. This means that if your child turns seven on September 1st, they need to be enrolled in school or officially start homeschooling by that date.
When to Finish: Children in Missouri are required to continue their education until they turn seventeen or until they graduate from high school. Graduating from high school usually means earning sixteen credits, which are like points you get for completing different courses.
Older Students: If your child is sixteen or older, Missouri makes things a little easier for you. You don't have to keep track of exactly how many hours they spend learning each day as long as they're still actively engaged in their education.
They still need to keep learning until they either turn seventeen or graduate from high school, whichever comes first.
3. Curriculum Freedom
Choose What You Teach: In Missouri, you get to decide what you teach your child! You can pick the subjects and the books, and you don't have to follow a specific curriculum if you don't want to. They don't tell you what subjects you have to teach or what curriculum you have to use.
You can choose the subjects and materials that you think are best for your child and their learning style. This allows you to create a truly personalized education that fits your child's needs and interests.
No Teacher Qualifications: You don't need to be a teacher with a special degree to homeschool your child in Missouri. You can teach them yourself, even if you don't have any teaching experience!
The state recognizes that parents are the best people to make decisions about their child's education. They trust you to provide your child with a quality learning experience.
Need help choosing a curriculum that fits your child's needs and interests?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique and engaging curriculum that can be tailored to your child's learning style. Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to spark curiosity and make learning an adventure.
Here's what makes TSHA special:
No Screens Needed! We believe kids learn best by doing things, not just staring at a computer. So, our lessons use real stuff, like books, games, and activities, to make learning fun and exciting.
Everything's Connected! We don't teach subjects like they're totally separate. We show how they all fit together so kids understand the big picture and get excited about learning more.
It Really Works! Kids who use our curriculum do really well on tests, which means they're learning a lot and getting a great education.
We're Here To Help! Homeschooling can be tricky, so we give you lots of support. We have videos that show you how to teach the lessons, plus worksheets and activities you can print out. You can even talk to our teachers if you need help! You'll also be part of a group of other homeschooling families who can share ideas and support each other.
Made For Every Child! Every kid learns differently, so our lessons can be changed to fit your child's needs and interests. You can go faster or slower, focus on what they love, and make learning special for them.
More Than Just Schoolwork! We also teach kids important things like how to be kind, how to be thankful, and how to be a good citizen. We want kids to be smart AND kind!
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4. Notifying the School District (Optional, but Helpful)
Preventing Problems: Even though you don't have to tell the school district that you're homeschooling, it's still a good idea to let them know. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or problems, especially if your child used to go to public school.
The school district might think your child is skipping school if they don't know you're homeschooling them.
How to Notify: You can usually notify the school district by sending them a simple letter or email stating your intent to homeschool your child. This lets them know that your child is receiving an education at home and helps avoid any potential truancy issues.
Missouri is a really good state for homeschooling because the laws give you a lot of flexibility. You get to decide how your child learns best!
Now that you’re familiar with Missouri’s homeschool laws, it’s time to dive into how you can meet these requirements.
Homeschooling in Missouri: Meeting the Requirements
Even though Missouri gives you a lot of freedom in how you homeschool, there are still a few rules and requirements you need to follow. Don't worry, they're not too complicated! Let's take a look at what you need to know to make sure your homeschool is following the law.
1. Instructional Hours
How Much Time? In Missouri, you need to teach your child for at least 1,000 hours each year. That might seem like a lot, but it's actually about the same amount of time that kids spend in a regular school.
Core Subjects: Out of those 1,000 hours, 600 of them need to be spent on the main subjects: reading, math, social studies, language arts (like writing and grammar), and science.
2. Learning Location
Regular Homeschool Location: You need to have a regular place where you do most of your homeschooling. This could be a dedicated room in your house, a specific table, or even a corner of your living room.
At least 400 of the 600 core subject hours need to be taught in this regular spot. This helps create a good learning environment for your child.
3. Flexibility and Record-Keeping
Choosing Your Curriculum: Even though there are rules about how much you need to teach, you still have a lot of freedom in Missouri! You get to choose the curriculum that works best for your child and decide how you want to teach them.
Creative Learning: You can even include fun activities like nature photography or baking as part of your homeschooling. These activities can count towards your teaching hours, as long as they're helping your child learn something.
Keeping Track: It's important to keep track of how many hours you're teaching and what subjects you're covering. You can write this down in a notebook, use a planner, or even use an app on your computer or phone. This helps you show that you're meeting the homeschooling requirements in Missouri.
Online Help: Many homeschooling parents share their experiences and tips for keeping records online. You can find lots of helpful advice and support from other homeschoolers.
When you understand these requirements and plan your homeschooling carefully, you can ensure your child receives a quality education. At the same time, they’ll still enjoy the flexibility and freedom that homeschooling provides.
Meeting state requirements is just one part of homeschooling in Missouri. Maintaining proper records is another crucial aspect.
How to Keep Good Records for Your Homeschool in Missouri?
Keeping good records is an important part of homeschooling in Missouri. It helps you show that your child is getting a proper education. It can also be really helpful if your child ever wants to go back to public school or apply for college.
1. Keep Track of Your Child's Work
What To Keep: Save examples of your child's work, like worksheets, projects, and even photos or videos of them learning. This shows how they're doing in subjects like reading, math, and science.
Why It's Important: This helps you see how much your child is learning and growing. It also shows that you're providing them with a good education.
2. Track Your Teaching Time
How Many Hours? Missouri requires homeschoolers to have at least 1,000 hours of instruction each year, with at least 600 of those hours focused on the main subjects (reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science).
How To Track: You can keep track of your teaching time in a notebook, a planner, or even a special app on your computer or phone. Write down how many hours you spend teaching each day, week, or month.
Why It's Important: This shows that you're meeting the homeschooling requirements in Missouri.
3. Keep Other Important Records
Plan Book Or Diary: It's also a good idea to keep a plan book or diary where you write down what subjects you're teaching and what activities you're doing. This helps you stay organized and shows what your child is learning.
Get Organized: You can keep your records in a folder, a binder, or even on your computer. The important thing is to keep them organized and easy to find.
Get Help: There are organizations, like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), that can give you tips and templates for keeping good homeschool records.
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Why Good Records Are Important
1. Avoid Problems: Keeping good records of your homeschooling can help you avoid any problems with the law or with people who might not understand homeschooling. Keep detailed records of your child's homeschooling journey. This way, you can easily show anyone what your child is learning and how they're doing.
2. Help Your Child: Looking back at your homeschooling records can help you see how your child is progressing in different subjects. You can see if they're struggling in any areas and provide extra help or support if needed. It's like having a map of their learning journey!
3. Show What Your Child Has Learned: If your child ever decides to go back to public school or apply for college, you'll need to show what they've learned in your homeschool. Good records can help you do this. You can use your records to create a transcript, which is like a summary of your child's education.
4. Include Everything: Remember that learning can happen anywhere, not just during formal lessons. Homeschooling happens everywhere! Everyday activities like museum trips, gardening, and even conversations can be valuable learning experiences!
Be sure to include those kinds of activities in your homeschooling records to show the full picture of your child's education.
If you're transitioning from public school to homeschooling, you might wonder how to make the switch smoothly.
How to Switch from Public School to Homeschooling in Missouri?
Thinking about switching your child from public school to homeschooling in Missouri? That's great! But it's important to do it the right way to avoid any problems. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Write a Withdrawal Letter
Official Notice: Even though Missouri doesn't require you to tell the school that your child is leaving, it's a good idea to send them a letter. This letter tells the school that your child will no longer be attending and that you're taking responsibility for their education.
Why It's Important: This helps prevent any misunderstandings. The school might think your child is skipping school if you don't tell them they're being homeschooled.
What To Include: In the letter, include your child's name, their birthday, their grade, and the date they'll be leaving the school.
Example: You can find a sample withdrawal letter on the Families for Home Education (FHE) website.
2. Follow Homeschooling Laws
Know The Rules: Make sure you understand the homeschooling laws in Missouri. You need to teach certain subjects and make sure your child is learning for the required amount of time.
Written statement: If your child used to go to a school in a big city, it's a good idea to write a statement that says you're following the homeschooling laws. This can help protect you if anyone ever questions your homeschooling.
3. Don't Sign Anything You Don't Understand
Be Informed: Some schools might ask you to sign papers when you withdraw your child. Make sure you understand what you're signing before you sign anything.
Get Advice: If you're not sure about something, you can always ask another homeschooling parent or a homeschooling organization for advice.
By following these steps, you can make the transition from public school to homeschooling smooth and easy.
Just as you can transition into homeschooling, there may come a time when you decide to return to public school.
How to Transition from Homeschooling to Public School in Missouri?
If you've been homeschooling your child in Missouri and are considering public school again, it's important to know that the process can vary. Each school district may have different steps for re-enrollment.
1. Contact Your School District
Different Rules: There's no one set of rules for the whole state, so you'll need to contact your local school district to find out what their specific requirements are.
What to Ask: You might need to fill out certain forms, attend a meeting, or talk to a school counselor. It's best to find out about these things early on to avoid any problems.
2. Grade Placement
Tests and Evaluations: Many schools will want to give your child some tests or assessments to see what grade they should be in. This is to make sure they're placed in the right classes with other students at their level.
Core Subjects: The tests might cover subjects like reading, math, and science.
3. Timeline
Important Dates: Schools often have specific times when they accept new students. Make sure you know those dates so you don't miss any deadlines. If you plan ahead, it will be easier to switch your child back to public school.
4. Meeting with School Staff
Guidance Counselors: It's a good idea to meet with a guidance counselor at the school. They can help you understand your child's academic needs and any special requirements they might have.
Teachers: Once your child is accepted into the school, it can be helpful for them to meet their teachers and get familiar with the school building and their classroom.
5. Extra Support
Special Needs or Language Help: If your child needs any extra help, like special education services or help with learning English, let the school know as soon as possible. This gives them time to make the necessary arrangements and provide the right support for your child.
As your child’s homeschool journey progresses, graduation will eventually come into view. But how does homeschool graduation work in Missouri?
Homeschool Graduation in Missouri: What You Need to Know
It's exciting to think about your child graduating from homeschooling! But you might be wondering how graduation works in a homeschool setting. In Missouri, it's actually pretty flexible and gives you a lot of control as a parent.
Let's take a look at what you need to know about homeschool graduation in Missouri.
1. You Decide When Your Child Graduates
No Rules From The State: In Missouri, there are no specific rules about when your child has to graduate from homeschooling. You, as the parent, get to decide when they're ready to receive their diploma.
Flexibility For Your Family: This means you can make your child's education special, just for them! You can teach them in the way they learn best and help them reach their goals.
If they want to go to college, you can make sure they learn the subjects that colleges look for. If they want to learn a trade or start a business, you can focus on those skills instead.
2. Getting Ready for College
Planning Ahead: If your child wants to go to college, it's a good idea to think about that when you're planning their homeschooling.
Transcript: You'll need to create a transcript, which is like a list of all the classes your child took and the grades they earned. Make sure the transcript shows that your child has learned the things that colleges expect.
Tests: Missouri doesn't require homeschoolers to take standardized tests, but taking some tests can help your child get ready for college entrance exams.
Extra Activities: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports. Colleges like to see that students are well-rounded.
3. Getting Ready for a Career
Vocational Training: If your child wants to learn a trade or start a business, you can include vocational training and hands-on experiences in their homeschooling. This could mean taking classes, doing apprenticeships, or even starting their own small business.
Portfolio: Help your child create a portfolio that shows off their skills and accomplishments. This could include photos of their work, letters of recommendation, or certificates they've earned.
4. Issuing the Diploma
Parent as Administrator: In Missouri, you, as the parent, are in charge of giving your child their homeschool diploma. You can easily find templates for homeschool diplomas online, or you can make your own if you want to!
Accurate Records: Make sure the diploma and transcript you create accurately reflect your child's learning and achievements. These documents are important proof of their education.
Remember: Homeschooling graduation in Missouri is flexible and puts you in control. You can tailor your child's education to their individual needs and goals. You also get to celebrate their achievements in a way that's meaningful for your family.
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be an isolated experience. Connecting with other homeschoolers can enrich your journey and provide valuable support.
How to Connect with Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Homeschooling is more fun and rewarding when you have a supportive community! Missouri has many homeschool groups that can help you connect with other families, find resources, and create a more enriching learning experience for your child.
1. Statewide Organizations
Families for Home Education (FHE): FHE is the biggest homeschooling organization in Missouri. They offer lots of support and resources for homeschooling families, including a magazine, a website with helpful information, and even events and conferences.
2. Regional and Local Groups
Finding Groups: Many areas in Missouri have local homeschool groups and co-ops. You can find these groups by searching online, checking with your local library or community center, or asking other homeschooling families in your area.
Examples:
The Mid-Missouri Co-op of Home Educators offers classes, field trips, and other activities for homeschoolers.
The St. Louis Area Secular Homeschoolers is a group for families who prefer a secular approach to homeschooling.
The Springfield MO Moms Homeschoolers is a group specifically for homeschooling moms.
3. Online Communities
Connecting Online: You can also find homeschooling groups and communities online. These can be a great way to connect with other families, ask questions, and share ideas.
Examples:
The Missouri Homeschoolers Facebook group is a popular online community for homeschoolers in Missouri.
You can also find homeschooling groups on other social media platforms, like Instagram and Twitter.
Want to connect with a supportive online community of homeschoolers?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a vibrant online community where you can connect with other families, share ideas, and find encouragement. We also have live Q&A sessions with teachers and experts, helpful podcasts, and regular newsletters to keep you informed and inspired on your homeschooling journey.
No matter where you live in Missouri, there are homeschooling communities waiting to welcome you and support you on your journey!
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling in Missouri is a fantastic option for families who want more control over their child's education. Missouri has some of the most homeschool-friendly laws in the country. That means you have a lot of freedom and flexibility to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child.
You don't have to worry about registering with the state or following a strict curriculum. You can choose the subjects you want to teach, the materials you want to use, and even the schedule you want to follow. This allows you to personalize your child's education and focus on their individual needs and interests.
Whether you're just starting to think about homeschooling or you're ready to make the switch from public school, understanding Missouri's homeschooling laws is essential. By following the rules and taking advantage of the flexibility that homeschooling offers, you can create a rewarding and successful educational experience for your child.
Want a curriculum that supports your homeschooling journey every step of the way?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a unique and engaging approach to learning that can be adapted to any homeschooling style. Our screen-free, interconnected curriculum develops a love of learning, critical thinking, and a strong moral compass.
With TSHA, you can:
Access our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC): Engage your child with lessons that connect across different subjects, making learning more meaningful and fun.
Utilize Transparent Classroom: Keep track of your homeschooling hours, subjects, and progress effortlessly with our easy-to-use online tool. It helps you organize records, create portfolios, and even generate reports to document your child’s progress.
Receive ongoing support: Get teaching resources, tips, and guidance from experienced homeschool educators. You’ll also become part of a community of like-minded families who can share advice and experiences.
Learn beyond academics: At TSHA, we go beyond traditional subjects and also focus on values like kindness, citizenship, and creativity, helping your child grow in all areas of life.
Ready to take the next step in your homeschooling journey?
Visit The School House Anywhere to explore our curriculum, access resources, and get started with our Transparent Classroom tool!
Let us be your trusted partner in providing an enriching and successful homeschool experience for your child.
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