Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in Missouri
What to know in Missouri
Applies to families providing primarily private or religious instruction without tuition or MOScholars participation, enrolling no more than four unrelated children within the third degree.
Compulsory attendance ages 7 to 17
This is part of your state's rules.
Read the explanation
Compulsory attendance begins at age 7 and generally ends at age 17 or upon completing 16 high school credits, where each credit represents at least 100 course hours. Public school enrollment at ages 5 to 7 also triggers attendance duties.
Public school withdrawal notice
This applies only in certain situations.
When this applies: When withdrawing a child from public school
Read the explanation
Parents must submit written notice of the intended alternative educational option and request removal from the rolls, retaining the notice and receipt. Effective August 28, 2025, Section 167.042 mandates prompt removal and does not contain the former annual October 1 declaration provision.
1,000 instructional hours
This is part of your state's rules.
When this applies: Pupils under 16 years of age
Read the explanation
Instruction must total at least 1,000 hours during the school year (July 1 through June 30). At least 600 hours must be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, or related academic courses, with at least 400 of those 600 hours occurring at the regular home school location.
Academic recordkeeping
This is part of your state's rules.
When this applies: Pupils under 16 years of age
Read the explanation
Parents must maintain a record of subjects and activities, a portfolio of student work samples, and progress evaluations, or equivalent credible evidence. Enforcement and statutory records reviews are under the authority of the local prosecutor.
Exemption from hours and records at age 16
This applies only in certain situations.
When this applies: Pupils age 16 or older
Read the explanation
Pupils 16 or older are exempt from statutory instructional hours and recordkeeping requirements, though this exemption does not in itself end compulsory attendance.