How to start homeschooling in Missouri

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in Missouri, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

Missouri requires no notification or testing. Families maintain records on their own.

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 2

Plan a curriculum that covers the five required subject areas.

Step 3

Track 1,000 total hours, with at least 600 in core subjects.

Step 4

Optionally file a Declaration of Enrollment with your county recorder.

Step 5

Maintain a portfolio of records.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known Missouri homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full Missouri homeschool law summary →

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