Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and the number of families choosing to homeschool has increased significantly. Missouri is no exception, with parents opting to provide their children with an education at home. Homeschooling can be a daunting prospect and many parents have questions over how much they have to homeschool under Missouri law.
In this article, we’ll answer 15 common questions about homeschooling in Missouri to provide a more comprehensive look at homeschooling in the state.
1. What are the Requirements for Homeschooling in Missouri?
Under Missouri law, the parent or guardian who will be the main instructor for the student’s homeschool curriculum must obtain a notarized affidavit from the local school district office. The parent or guardian must show proof of state residency, the name and age of the student, and the names of any other students residing in the household who will be homeschooled. The affidavit also includes a statement that the parent is “taking full responsibility” for the student’s education.
The local school district will forward the affidavit to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Once the affidavit is filed, the parent or guardian must ensure that the student receives daily instruction in the areas of communication arts, math, science, social studies and physical education.
The student must also have the option to receive instruction in other areas, such as art and music. Finally, the parent must keep records of the child’s academic progress, including attendance and grades, though these records do not need to be submitted to the school district.
2. What is the Homeschool Registration Process in Missouri?
Once the notarized affidavit has been filed with the local school district, the process of registering for homeschool in Missouri is fairly straightforward. The parent or guardian must then register his or her homeschool with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
This process can be done online and requires the parent to fill out a short registration form. Once the form has been completed and submitted, DESE will send a letter of acknowledgement to the parent or guardian. This letter will include reporting instructions and reminders about what information must be filed each year.
After the initial registration is completed, parents must file annual reports with DESE to comply with the homeschool requirements mandated by the state of Missouri.
3. What is included in the Annual Report for Missouri Homeschoolers?
The annual report that homeschoolers must file with the State of Missouri includes a form which must be notarized. This form must include the name and address of the homeschool, the name of the parent or guardian who will be the main instructor for the student, and the number of students in the homeschool.
The form must also include a declaration that the parent is responsible for the health, safety and education of the student, and that any changes to the student’s curriculum will be reported to DESE. When filing the annual report, homeschoolers must also provide evidence of the student’s academic progress. This can include copies of the student’s report cards, copies of test results and any other documents which demonstrate the progress being made by the student.
Parents are also required to include information on the student’s attendance to ensure that the student is receiving instruction for the required minimum of an 900 hours each year.
4. How Many Hours of Instruction are Required for Missouri Homeschoolers?
Under Missouri law, homeschoolers must keep records of the student’s attendance and must provide instruction in the areas of communication arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education for at least 900 hours each year. This amount of instruction must be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the year, though parents may make slight adjustments as needed to accommodate holidays, vacations and other events. The 900 hours of instruction is divided into the various subject areas based on the student’s grade level.
For example, 4th graders must have at least 75 hours of instruction in math, 110 hours of communication arts, 90 hours of science, 75 hours of social studies and 15 hours of physical education. The parent must use a curriculum or method of instruction which is consistent with the core educational goals and standards of the state.
5. What Types of Curricula are Available for Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Parents who decide to homeschool their children in Missouri have several options when it comes to choosing a curriculum to use. Missouri does not require homeschoolers to use any specific curriculum, so parents can choose from a range of educational materials, textbooks and teaching tools, such as textbooks published by major publishers, workbooks and worksheets, online course materials, unit studies, and computer programs. Parents are also free to design their own curriculum, but must ensure that it aligns with the state’s educational standards and goals.
Missouri does provide a list of approved curriculum materials that parents can use, so it is worth taking a look at this list to see if any of the options are suitable for your student’s needs.
6. Are Classes or Tutoring Available for Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Many families who choose to homeschool in Missouri decide to supplement their own efforts with occasional classes or tutoring. There are several ways to access classes and tutoring in the state, depending on the availability of resources in the area. For example, homeschooling parents may be able to find classes or tutors through their local school boards or district offices.
Local churches may also offer classes or tutoring in various subjects. Additionally, many homeschooling cooperatives in Missouri offer classes and tutoring for homeschoolers in the state.
Finally, homeschoolers can also find classes and tutors listed on websites devoted to homeschooling in Missouri.
7. Are Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities Available for Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Homeschoolers in Missouri usually have access to a range of field trips and extracurricular activities. Many homeschool co-ops in the state offer field trips and other activities for members of the group, and there are often educational field trips available for homeschoolers in the area. Additionally, many homeschooling parents choose to organize their own field trips and activities, either as part of a homeschooling group or on their own.
In addition to field trips and activities offered by the co-ops or organized by homeschooling groups, there are also many organizations in Missouri which offer classes, sports and other activities specifically for homeschoolers. Some of these activities may be free, while others require payment of a registration fee or tuition.
Additionally, some public and private schools may also allow homeschoolers to participate in certain activities, such as sports teams or clubs.
8. Do Homeschooled Students in Missouri Receive Grades or Diplomas?
Homeschoolers in Missouri do not receive grades or diplomas from their local school district. However, parents who homeschool their children can choose to give their children grades or diplomas for their work, depending on how they choose to evaluate their student’s progress.
Alternatively, homeschoolers can also pursue a GED certificate or a National External Diploma Program (NEDP) certificate if they wish to pursue a career or higher education.
9. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in Standardized Testing in Missouri?
Homeschoolers in Missouri are not required to take the same standardized tests as public school students. However, some parents choose to have their children take standardized tests or assessments to assess their progress. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides resources for parents who choose to have their children participate in standardized tests or assessments.
Additionally, many homeschooling cooperatives and organizations in the state also offer assistance with preparing for and taking standardized tests.
10. Are Any Special Resources Available for Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Homeschoolers in Missouri have access to a range of resources that can help make homeschooling more effective. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides a list of homeschooling organizations and resources that parents can use to find support and information about homeschooling. Additionally, many homeschooling parents choose to join homeschooling cooperatives or organizations in the state, which can provide support and access to a range of resources.
11. Are there Any Special Programs Available for Homeschoolers in Missouri?
In addition to the resources and organizations available to homeschoolers in Missouri, there are also a range of special programs and initiatives offered by the state. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers a variety of programs designed to support and encourage homeschoolers, such as the Home Educated Student Participation (HESP) program.
This initiative allows homeschoolers to participate in academic competitions, such as the Academic Competition Series, Talent Search and Academic Bowl. There are also several organizations in the state that offer special programs and activities for homeschoolers, such as clubs, sports, field trips, graduation ceremonies and other events. Additionally, parents may be able to access support services, such as counseling and guidance, through local schools or through organizations that support homeschooling.
12. Is It Legal to Homeschool in Missouri?
Yes, it is legal to homeschool in Missouri. State law mandates that parents who decide to educate their children at home must file a notarized affidavit and register with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Parents must also provide their children with 900 hours of instruction each year and must keep records of the student’s progress.
13. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Access Public School Resources in Missouri?
In general, homeschoolers in Missouri are not allowed to access public school resources, such as textbooks, facilities or other services. However, parents may be able to arrange for their children to take part in certain activities, such as sports teams or clubs, at public schools in their area.
Additionally, some public schools may allow homeschoolers to use their resources on a limited basis, such as for taking tests or participating in special educational programs.
14. What is the Homeschool Community Like in Missouri?
The homeschooling community in Missouri is vibrant and growing. Through homeschooling cooperatives and other organizations, parents have access to a range of support services and educational resources. Parents also have the opportunity to meet with other homeschooling families in the state to exchange ideas and discuss their experiences.
Additionally, there are also many online communities that parents can join to ask questions and access resources and advice.
15. Are There Any Local Events That Support Homeschoolers in Missouri?
Yes, there are a variety of local events that support and encourage homeschoolers in Missouri. These events include conferences, fairs, workshops and other types of gatherings which help connect homeschoolers to resources and support.
These events can help provide parents with the resources and information they need to be successful homeschoolers, as well as a chance to connect with other homeschoolers in the area. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides a list of events for homeschoolers, and many homeschooling organizations and cooperatives in the state also hold their own events.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Missouri is an exciting and rewarding experience for many families. With the right resources, information and support, homeschoolers can provide their children with a quality education while also gaining valuable skills and connections as they explore the state’s resources and communities. By knowing the basic requirements, understanding the registration process, utilizing available curricula and resources, and taking advantage of programs and events, homeschoolers in Missouri can have a rewarding and successful homeschooling experience.