Missouri homeschool laws
Low regulation State Rank 24 of 56 (1 = easiest)
Confidence: High · Last verified:
Current regulations
Notification & registration None in scored pathway
None required to the state or district.
Parent / instructor qualifications None in scored pathway
None.
Required subjects Requirement exists
Home school definition (RSMo 167.012(1)): private or religious-based purpose; ages 7 to the compulsory attendance age; no more than four unrelated children; no tuition; not an FPE school. Instruction: at least 1,000 hours, at least 600 in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science or related academic courses, and at least 400 of those 600 at the regular home school location (167.012(2)).
Testing & assessment None in scored pathway
None required; the record of evaluations of academic progress is part of the records below.
Records, days & reporting Requirement exists
1,000 hours per year (see above). Records, not submitted: a plan book/diary/written record of subjects and activities, a portfolio of work samples and a record of evaluations of academic progress, or equivalent written or credible evidence; these do not apply to a pupil 16 or older (167.012(2)-(3)). A daily log is a defense to truancy prosecution and educational-neglect charges, and enforcement and records are reviewed only by the local prosecuting attorney (167.012(4)).
Oversight Requirement exists
None routinely; records subject to review only by the local prosecuting attorney.
Immunization & other requirements None in scored pathway
None stated.
Legal pathways
- Homeschool statute (RSMo 167.031)
Scored pathway: Homeschool statute. The score uses the least-burdensome parent-led pathway defined in law (see methodology).
Who to notify & where to start
None required to the state or district.
Official agency / statute links:
Recent changes
The home-school definition and requirements moved from RSMo 167.031 to new section 167.012 (L. 2024 HB 2287 merged with SB 727; amended by 2025 SB 63; version effective Aug 28, 2025). HSLDA lists Missouri HB 2426 among 2026 bills (outcome not verified).
Also see Law watch.
How the score breaks down
Regulation burden 13.8 / 100 → freedom score 86.3. Bars show burden points per criterion (longer = more burdensome). HSLDA's own map tier for comparison: No notice (summary dated 2025-03-27).
Data notes
- Earlier draft said 'at least 2 years' records on hand'; that wording is not in the current statute text (167.012) and was removed.
Sources
Primary / official
- RSMo 167.031 — Content checked
- RSMo 167.012 Home school defined; regular instruction requirements; daily log — Content checked
Last verified . Spot an error or an update? See how to report a correction or email support@homeschoollawmap.com.
Helpful resources for Missouri families
Types of services families in this jurisdiction commonly look for, based on the requirements above. These are categories, not endorsements.
Curriculum and course providers
Complete curricula, single-subject courses, and online programs, including options organized around required subjects.
Why shown: Missouri lists required subjects or curriculum expectations.
Partner links coming soon.
Record-keeping and planning tools
Attendance logs, lesson planners, transcript and portfolio organizers for keeping the records your jurisdiction may ask for.
Why shown: Missouri asks for notices, records, attendance, or instruction time in the scored pathway.
Partner links coming soon.
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