Yes, homeschooling is legal in Missouri under state law, provided families comply with specific oversight requirements. Missouri Revised Statutes §167.031 permits homeschooling as an alternative to public or private education, but mandates annual notification to the local school district superintendent and submission of annual assessment results by September 1. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) does not directly regulate homeschool curricula but requires proof of instruction in required subjects. Local districts may request documentation, and non-compliance risks re-enrollment mandates.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Missouri
- Annual Notification Requirement: Families must submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to the local superintendent by September 1 of each school year, including the student’s name, age, and address.
- Subject Instruction Mandates: Homeschools must provide instruction in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, and physical education, aligning with Missouri’s minimum standards.
- Assessment Compliance: By September 1, homeschooling parents must submit standardized test scores or a professional evaluation confirming the student’s academic progress, as outlined in DESE’s 2024 guidance.
Local school boards retain limited oversight, including the authority to request additional records or conduct home visits under §167.031(3). Recent legislative discussions in 2026 propose expanding DESE’s role in tracking homeschool enrollment trends, though no new regulations have been enacted. Failure to meet notification or assessment deadlines may trigger district interventions, including compulsory attendance orders. Consult DESE’s Homeschooling Portal for updated forms and compliance checklists.