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Homeschool laws · Missouri

How to homeschool in Missouri

Missouri counts hours, not days, so a daily log matters.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Missouri. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Missouri requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

No. None.

Minimum school time

1,000 hours a school year, including 600 hours in reading, math, social studies, language arts and science (400 of them at your regular homeschool location).

Required subjects

Reading, math, social studies, language arts and science (the 600 core hours).

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None submitted. For children under 16 you keep academic evaluations, which can be regular tests.

Records to keep

For children under 16: a plan book, diary or daily log, work samples and evaluations.

Compulsory school ages

7–17

Legal ways to homeschool in Missouri

  • Homeschool statute

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    Plan your school year

    1,000 hours a school year, including 600 hours in reading, math, social studies, language arts and science (400 of them at your regular homeschool location). A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  2. 02

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Missouri asks for: for children under 16: a plan book, diary or daily log, work samples and evaluations. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  3. 03

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Missouri homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Missouri?

None.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Missouri?

1,000 hours a school year, including 600 hours in reading, math, social studies, language arts and science (400 of them at your regular homeschool location).

What subjects are required in Missouri?

Reading, math, social studies, language arts and science (the 600 core hours).

Does Missouri require testing for homeschoolers?

None submitted. For children under 16 you keep academic evaluations, which can be regular tests.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Missouri?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Missouri and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states