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.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Missouri
The Waldorf Map lists 3 schools and 2 kindergartens and playgroups in Missouri, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Waldorf School of St. Louis, Saint Louis
- City Garden School, Columbia
- City of Fountains School, Kansas City
- Wild Roots Playschool, Oak Grove
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.
Questions about homeschooling in Missouri
What counts as 'Core Hours at Home'?
These are the 400 hours of core subjects (Math, Reading, etc.) that must happen at your primary residence. Field trips or co-ops count towards the *other* 600 hours.
Do I submit my records?
No. You keep them. The only time you'd show them is if you are charged with educational neglect.
Can I count bedtime reading?
If it's educational, yes, it counts towards the 1,000 hours (but maybe not 'Core at Home' if it's casual reading).
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
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.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MO homeschool law guide