Homeschool Basics
What you need to know & how to get started
Let’s Start With The Bad News First…
While we are working hard to reform our public schools… We have a long way to go. If it’s possible for you to remove your child from public schools, we strongly recommend you getting them out as quickly as possible. We get it – the word ‘homeschool’ has a way of triggering an instant panic attack.
Now, For The Good News!
We promise, it’s easier than you think! There are tons of resources available, whether it be support groups, co-ops, or online curriculum options, you don’t have to go at this alone.
Here’s a shortlist of homeschooling perks:
Missouri Homeschool Teaching Standards
Instruction Hours & Location – What’s the Breakdown?
More Good News – Missouri is a Low Regulation State
Missouri Statute is relatively more laxed than most states. Under Missouri law, a homeschool is a school that:
Has the primary purpose of providing private or religious-based instruction.
Enrolls pupils between the ages of 7 and 16 years.
(No more than four students can be unrelated.)
Does not charge or receive tuition, fees, or other remuneration.
Core Subjects
Instruction Hours & Location
Elected Subjects
Instruction Hours & Location
Requirements To Homeschool Under This Statute:
1. Instruction Time, Location, and Subjects
Teach the required subjects for the required period of time.
You must provide your child with at least 1,000 hours of instruction every school term.
Six hundred of the 1,000 hours of instruction must be among one or more of the following core subjects – reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. These subjects must be taught consonantly with the child’s age and ability. Of those 600 hours, among the core subjects, 400 must occur at the “regular” homeschool location, which is not defined in law.
2. Time Logging & Records
Maintain records for all children under age 16.
If you are homeschooling a child who is younger than 16, you must maintain (but do not need to submit) the following records for the child:
A plan book, diary, or other record to log subjects taught & Activities
This requirement can be satisfied by keeping a daily log of hours of instruction.
Samples of your child’s work.
Academic Evaluations.
(These could be regular tests in the various subjects, annual standardized tests, etc.)
Alternatively, you can maintain “other written, credible evidence” that is equivalent to the three types of records listed above. Always have on hand at least two full years’ worth of records (unless you are just starting out). During a child’s elementary and middle school years, you should always have on hand at least two full years’ worth of records. For a high school student, the records (for all 4 years) should be kept indefinitely.
Homeschool Basics
What To Know & How To Get Started
Let’s Start With The Bad News First…
While we are working hard to reform our public schools… We have a long way to go. If it’s possible for you to remove your child from public schools, we strongly recommend you getting them out as quickly as possible. We get it – the word ‘homeschool’ has a way of triggering an instant panic attack.
Now, For The Good News!
We promise, it’s easier than you think! There are tons of resources available, whether it be support groups, co-ops, or online curriculum options, you are not alone.
Here’s a shortlist of homeschooling perks:
MO Homeschool Teaching Standards
Instruction Hours & Location
More Good News – MO is a Low Regulation State
Missouri Statute is relatively more laxed than most states. Under Missouri law, a homeschool is a school that:
Has the primary purpose of providing private or religious-based instruction.
Enrolls pupils between the ages of 7-16 yrs.
(No more than four students can be unrelated.)
Does not charge or receive tuition, fees, or other remuneration.
Core Subjects
Instruction Hours & Location
Elected Subjects
MO Homeschool Statute Requirements
1. Instruction Time, Location, and Subjects
Teach the required subjects for the required period of time. You must provide your child with at least 1,000 hours of instruction every school term.
Six hundred of the 1,000 hours of instruction must be among one or more of the following core subjects – reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. These subjects must be taught consonantly with the child’s age and ability. Of those 600 hours, among the core subjects, 400 must occur at the “regular” homeschool location, which is not defined in law.
2. Time Logging & Records
Maintain records for all children under age 16.
If you are homeschooling a child who is younger than 16, you must maintain (but do not need to submit) the following records for the child:
A plan book, diary, or other record to log subjects taught & Activities
Can be satisfied by keeping a daily log of hours of instruction.
Samples of your child’s work.
Academic Evaluations
(These could be regular tests in the various subjects, annual standardized tests, etc.)
Alternatively, you can maintain “other written, credible evidence” that is equivalent to the three types of records listed above. Always have on hand at least two full years’ worth of records (unless you are just starting out). During a child’s elementary and middle school years, you should always have on hand at least two full years’ worth of records. For a high school student, the records (for all 4 years) should be kept indefinitely.