Homeschooling in Missouri
The 1,000 Hour Rule
Missouri does not require you to register with the state. Instead, you must maintain a plan book, a log of hours, and a portfolio. The key rule is providing 1,000 hours of instruction, with at least 600 in core subjects.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Provide 1,000 hours of instruction per school term
- At least 600 hours must be in core subjects (Reading, Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Science)
- At least 400 of those core hours must be at the 'regular home school location'
- Maintain records (Plan Book, Diary, Portfolio)
Legal Framework
Missouri Revised Statute § 167.031 and § 167.042 define the rights and requirements for home schooling.
Required Subjects
Core subjects tracked closely.
Reading
Math
Social Studies
Language Arts
Science
Filing Requirements
**NO notification required**. Optional: File Declaration of Enrollment with Recorder of Deeds (not mandatory). CRITICAL: Must log 1,000 hours total (600 in core subjects, 400 of core at home location). MUST maintain: plan book/log, portfolio of samples, and record of evaluations. Sports: MSHSAA requires part-time enrollment (~2 credit hours).
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No state testing mandated.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from School (If Applicable)
If your child is currently enrolled, formally withdraw them.
- •Send a withdrawal letter to the principal
- •State that you are homeschooling pursuant to RSMo 167.031
Tip: You technically don't HAVE to notify them if you never enrolled, but withdrawal is necessary to stop truancy calls.Immediately upon stopping attendance
- 2
Begin Keeping Records
Start your plan book and hours log immediately.
- •Create a log for tracking 1000 hours
- •Set up a portfolio binder
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No government registration
- ✓Flexible schedule (as long as you hit hours)
- ✓No testing submitted
Cons
- •Logging 1,000 hours is tedious
- •Specific 'core hours at home' rule is strict
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary / Pending**. Currently, MSHSAA allows access if you enroll **part-time** (usually 2 credit hours). A "Homeschoolers Sports Act" (SB 63) is pending for 2025 to potentially mandated access.
Keep your Missouri records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Missouri tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MO homeschool law guide