Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Missouri?

No (for home school, the option most families use). Missouri doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.

What subjects do I have to teach in Missouri?

Missouri requires: Reading; Language arts; Mathematics; Social studies; Science; (600 core hours may also include academic courses related to these subjects).

How many days or hours of homeschool does Missouri require?

At least 1,000 hours per school year (July 1 to June 30), with at least 600 hours in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related academic courses; at least 400 of those 600 hours at the regular home school location. Does not apply to children 16 and older.

Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Missouri?

None required (you must keep a record of your own evaluations of your child's progress).

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Missouri?

A plan book, diary, or other written record of subjects taught and activities; A portfolio of samples of your child's academic work; A record of evaluations of your child's academic progress; (Or other written or credible evidence equivalent to the three items above); A daily log of instruction (a daily log showing you meet the requirements is a legal defense against truancy or educational-neglect charges).

How to homeschool in Missouri

No notice requiredChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

Missouri doesn't require you to notify anyone or test your child. You do have to give at least 1,000 hours of instruction a year (600 in core subjects, 400 of those at home) and keep records: a plan book or log, samples of your child's work, and a record of evaluations. Since 2024, families who take a MOScholars scholarship homeschool as an 'FPE school' instead of a 'home school', with the same hour and record rules.

Homeschooling in Missouri at a glance: no notice of intent required; instruction time: at least 1,000 hours per school year (July 1 to June 30), with at least 600 hours in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related academic courses; at least 400 of those 600 hours at the…

Option 1: Home school

The option most families use.

Home school · RSMo §§ 167.031, 167.012

A parent teaches their own children (and up to four unrelated children) at home without charging tuition. No notice, approval, or testing is required, but you must meet the hour requirement and keep records as evidence of regular instruction. A home school may not enroll children who use the MOScholars scholarship program; those families use the FPE school option instead.

Notice: Not required.
Instruction time: At least 1,000 hours per school year (July 1 to June 30), with at least 600 hours in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related academic courses; at least 400 of those 600 hours at the regular home school location. Does not apply to children 16 and older.
Required subjects: Reading.
Language arts.
Mathematics.
Social studies.
Science.
(600 core hours may also include academic courses related to these subjects).
Records to keep: A plan book, diary, or other written record of subjects taught and activities.
A portfolio of samples of your child's academic work.
A record of evaluations of your child's academic progress.
(Or other written or credible evidence equivalent to the three items above).
A daily log of instruction (a daily log showing you meet the requirements is a legal defense against truancy or educational-neglect charges).
Testing / evaluation: None required (you must keep a record of your own evaluations of your child's progress).
Parent qualifications: None.
Also: Applies to children from age 7 until the compulsory attendance age (17, or completion of 16 high school credits).
Hour and record requirements do not apply to students 16 or older.
No more than four enrolled children may be unrelated to the family (within the third degree), and no tuition or fees may be charged.
Cannot enroll children who participate in MOScholars (RSMo 135.712-135.719 and 166.700-166.720).
The state may not dictate a curriculum, and you are not required to teach content that conflicts with your religious beliefs.
For high school credit, one credit means 100 or more hours of instruction in a course.

Checklist

Optional: send your school district written notice that you're homeschooling and ask that your child be removed from the rolls: when you withdraw your child.
Keep a daily log or plan book of subjects and hours (track toward 1,000 hours, 600 core, 400 core at home): ongoing, each school year (July 1 - June 30).
Keep a portfolio of work samples and a record of your evaluations of your child's progress: ongoing.

Option 2: Family Paced Education (FPE) school

Family Paced Education (FPE) school · RSMo §§ 167.031, 167.013

Created in 2024, an FPE school is a home-based school with the same hour and record rules as a home school, but it may enroll children who participate in the MOScholars scholarship program. Families using MOScholars funds for home education fall under this category rather than 'home school'.

Notice: Not required.
Instruction time: At least 1,000 hours per school year, with at least 600 hours in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related academic courses; at least 400 of those 600 hours at the regular FPE school location. Does not apply to children 16 and older.
Required subjects: Reading, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, Science.
Records to keep: A plan book, diary, or other written record of subjects taught and activities.
A portfolio of samples of your child's academic work.
A record of evaluations of your child's academic progress.
A daily log of instruction (a legal defense against truancy or educational-neglect charges).
Testing / evaluation: None required by the FPE statute (check MOScholars program rules for any scholarship-related requirements).
Parent qualifications: None.
Also: No more than four enrolled children may be unrelated to the family (within the third degree), and no tuition or fees may be charged.
May enroll MOScholars participants without the operator being required to submit to a background check.

Checklist

Apply for MOScholars through an approved educational assistance organization (if using the scholarship): per the program's application window.
Keep a daily log toward 1,000 hours (600 core, 400 core at home): ongoing, each school year (July 1 - June 30).
Keep a portfolio of work samples and a record of evaluations: ongoing.

Leaving a public school

Not required, but you may give the public school district written notice that you're pursuing another educational option and ask that your child be dropped from the rolls; the district must remove the child promptly (RSMo § 167.042, as amended in 2025).

Common questions about homeschooling in Missouri

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Missouri?: No (for home school, the option most families use). Missouri doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.
What subjects do I have to teach in Missouri?: Missouri requires: Reading; Language arts; Mathematics; Social studies; Science; (600 core hours may also include academic courses related to these subjects).
How many days or hours of homeschool does Missouri require?: At least 1,000 hours per school year (July 1 to June 30), with at least 600 hours in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related academic courses; at least 400 of those 600 hours at the regular home school location. Does not apply to children 16 and older.
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Missouri?: None required (you must keep a record of your own evaluations of your child's progress).
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Missouri?: None.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Missouri?: A plan book, diary, or other written record of subjects taught and activities; A portfolio of samples of your child's academic work; A record of evaluations of your child's academic progress; (Or other written or credible evidence equivalent to the three items above); A daily log of instruction (a daily log showing you meet the requirements is a legal defense against truancy or educational-neglect charges).

Worth double-checking

Recent changes: SB 727 (2024) moved the home school definition into RSMo 167.012, created the FPE school category (167.013) for families using MOScholars, and added FPE schools to the compulsory attendance law. SB 63 (2025) amended 167.012, 167.013, and 167.042 (withdrawal notification).
Older guides describe an optional 'declaration of enrollment' filed with the county recorder of deeds or school superintendent; the current RSMo 167.042 (effective August 28, 2025) instead describes an optional written notice to the school district asking that the child be dropped from the rolls.
News reports say 2025 legislation (SB 63) lets homeschooled students take part in activities at their assigned public school district; we did not verify those participation rules, so check with your district.
Enforcement of homeschool compliance is reviewed only by the local prosecuting attorney, not the school district or DESE.

Sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.