What You Need to Know

Missouri is known for its supportive homeschooling laws, making it a great place to begin or continue your homeschool journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your approach, this guide will help you understand Missouri’s homeschool requirements and how to get started confidently.

Missouri Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Homeschooling in Missouri is legally recognized and highly flexible. Families are not required to register with the state or seek approval to homeschool, but they must meet a few basic requirements to comply with state law.

Parents must provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction during each school term, with 600 of those hours in core subjects such as reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. Of those 600 hours, at least 400 must occur at the homeschool location. Families are also expected to keep a portfolio that includes a log of hours, samples of student work, and academic evaluations or tests.

There is no mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers in Missouri, and families are free to choose or create their own curriculum.

For detailed information on Missouri's homeschooling laws, visit the HSLDA Missouri Homeschool Laws page.

How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri

Getting started in Missouri is straightforward and empowering. Since no notice of intent is required, families can begin homeschooling at any time.

The first step is deciding on the curriculum and structure that best fits your family’s needs. Then, begin keeping daily logs of instructional hours and collect samples of student work and evaluations for your portfolio. These records are not submitted unless requested by a court, but they should be maintained each year.

Because Missouri law gives you full authority over curriculum, teaching methods, and schedule, many families appreciate the freedom to create a truly customized learning experience.

For a comprehensive guide on starting homeschooling in Missouri, visit How to Homeschool in Missouri and Free Hours Tracker.

Missouri Homeschool Groups

Missouri is home to a large and connected homeschool community. Across the state, you’ll find support groups, enrichment classes, field trip collectives, and co-ops that offer opportunities for shared learning and social connection. These groups can be especially helpful for new homeschoolers and for families looking to expand their learning through community.

To find local homeschool groups and support in Missouri, visit The Homeschool Mom: Missouri Homeschool Organizations & Support Groups.

Missouri Homeschool Funding

Missouri does not offer direct state funding specifically for homeschooling families. However, families may benefit from school-choice funding through tax-credit Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) via the Missouri MO Scholars program and can also use 529 savings plans for educational costs.

The MO Scholars ESA program allows eligible families—especially those with students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), are from low-income households, or are part of military families—to access scholarship funds. These ESAs are funded by private donations and distributed through approved Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). Funds may be used for a variety of educational expenses, potentially including homeschool curriculum, tutoring, therapy, and extracurricular programs. Eligibility varies by region and family circumstances.

Missouri’s MOST 529 plan also allows participants to withdraw up to $10,000 per child per year for K–12 tuition, including certain homeschool-related expenses such as co-op tuition or virtual classes. Contributions to a MOST 529 may also offer a state income tax deduction, providing additional financial benefit to homeschooling families.

Beautiful Feet Books is an approved vendor for MO Scholars ESAs and aligns well with 529-qualified K–12 expenses. Families can use scholarship or 529 funds to purchase our open-and-go, literature-rich curriculum—supporting a meaningful and flexible education without added financial stress.

For more information on the MO Scholars program, visit MOScholars: Parents and Students.

For details on Missouri’s 529 plan, visit MOST—Missouri's 529 Education Plan.

Homeschool Curriculum Options for Missouri Families

Missouri homeschoolers enjoy complete freedom when choosing curriculum. You can follow a traditional path or embrace a more flexible, literature-rich approach.

At Beautiful Feet Books, we specialize in literature-based homeschool curriculum that brings history, science, geography, and literature to life through rich stories. Our programs are ideal for Missouri families who want to cultivate critical thinking, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning in their children.

We invite you to explore our complete K–12 curriculum options and see how easy and rewarding homeschooling in Missouri can be.

Explore Our Homeschool Curriculum.