Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Missouri

Here is exactly what Missouri requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Not required
Instructional days
1000 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Missouri homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Missouri does not require any notice of intent - you can begin homeschooling without filing with the state.
  • Required subjects: Cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

No state filingMissouri requires no notice of intent to begin homeschooling.

Getting started in Missouri

  1. No notification is required - you can begin homeschooling right away.
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Missouri

Missouri does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Missouri?
No - Missouri does not require a notice of intent.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Missouri does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Missouri?
Not at present. Missouri has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Missouri?
Missouri requires you to cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Missouri require?
Missouri expects about 1000 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Missouri instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Missouri department of education or county superintendent.