Homeschooling in the United States has become increasingly popular in recent years. As laws around homeschooling and requirements vary based on the state, there are plenty of questions people have when it comes to homeschooling in Missouri.
If you are considering homeschooling for your child, whether it be for privacy, religious beliefs, work schedule, or special needs, you need an understanding of the cost of homeschooling in Missouri. Keep reading to learn the answers to 15 questions about homeschooling in Missouri.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in Missouri?
Homeschooling is legal in the state of Missouri and is covered under the Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law. The state of Missouri does not require mandatory accreditation or state testing for homeschooling families.
Parents in the state of Missouri do need to adhere to the state laws however, which dictates that all students must be taught basic academic subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies until they turn 16 years old.
2. Who Can Homeschool in Missouri?
According to Missouri homeschooling laws, any parent or legal guardian of a child can homeschool them. Parents do not need to have any specific educational qualifications but they must provide the necessary homeschooling education to their children under 16 years old.
Normal homeschooling qualifications such as a degree in education or bachelors are not required to homeschool in the state of Missouri.
3. Do Parents in Missouri Need to Report to the State If They’re Homeschooling?
Yes, parents do need to report to the state of Missouri if they are homeschooling their child. The law in Missouri dictates that all of parents of homeschoolers should report to the state department of education that their child is being homeschooled.
This reporting should be done within five days of beginning the homeschooling program. Parents should provide their local school district a letter which states that their child has been withdrawn from the public school system and is being provided a homeschooling education. This letter should state the name of the student, the date they withdrew from public school, name of parent/legal guardian, and address.
4. What Resources and Programs are Available to Parents Who Homeschool in Missouri?
Missouri homeschoolers are not required to use a state-approved program and their curriculum can be set and determined by the parents. There are however plenty of programs and resources available to parents who decide to homeschool in Missouri, including online programs, learning packets, textbooks, and curriculum guides. The Missouri Homeschoolers’ Support and Informational Network has both an online program, as well as a directory of area homeschooling parents, community events, and news resources.
The Haywood Home Education Resource Center also provides resources, such as textbooks and curriculum guides, to Missouri homeschoolers.
5. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs in the public school systems and local private schools. The Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law states that homeschoolers can choose to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, performances, and tournaments in the public school system and not be counted as part of the enrollment numbers.
6. Are There Any Exemptions from Attending School in Missouri?
Yes, there are certain exemptions from attending school in the state of Missouri. These include medical exemptions, religious reasons, and family reasons. For example, students with significant medical issues can apply for an exemption and parents have the right to provide their children a religious education under the Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law.
Parents also don’t need to submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool if their child is transferring from a private school, is taking a part-time enrollment in public school, or is transferring back to public school after being homeschooled.
7. Are There Any Requirements to Homeschool in Missouri?
Yes, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to homeschool parent in the state of Missouri. These include keeping records of instruction and providing an annual assessment of the child’s educational progress, which must be signed by the instructor.
Parents should also provide their children with 900 hours of instruction per year with 180 days of attendance. Homeschoolers in Missouri should also provide at least three hours of instructional time per day for elementary students and four hours of instructional time for students in grades 7-1
8. How Much Does it Cost to Homeschool in Missouri?
The cost of homeschooling in Missouri varies and depends on many factors, such as the materials and curriculum used, the size of the family, any extracurricular activities, and any special needs. On average, parents can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $300 a year on homeschooling materials and programs.
9. Is There Financial Assistance Available for Homeschooling Parents in Missouri?
Yes, there is financial assistance available for homeschooling parents in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offers a variety of financial assistance programs, such as the Foster Parent Scholarship, which helps defray the cost of homeschooling for children in the foster care system.
The DESE also offers the Working Parent Benefit to help working parents with the cost of homeschooling materials, classes, and other educational expenses.
10. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Take Standardized Tests in Missouri?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are allowed to take standardized tests. Missouri does not require students to take standardized tests for accountability but some parents may choose to do so as it provides a way to gauge their child’s academic progress.
In Missouri, standardized tests can be administered by certified teachers in the public schools, private schools, or by a certified homeschool teacher.
11. Is Homeschooling Free in Missouri?
No, homeschooling is not free in the state of Missouri. Parents in Missouri need to provide their children with an approved education program and need to purchase materials such as textbooks and curriculum guides. There are also fees associated with standardized tests and extracurricular activities.
12. Are Homeschoolers in Missouri Able to Receive a Standard High School Diploma?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are able to receive a standard high school diploma. In order to receive their diploma, students must meet the graduation requirements of their local school district.
In addition, homeschoolers in the state of Missouri must also meet the federal and state school requirements in terms of credits earned and coursework completed.
13. Are Homeschoolers in Missouri Allowed to Attend College?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are allowed to attend college. In order to be accepted into college, students must meet all of the college’s entrance requirements.
Homeschoolers should note that colleges have the right to request a portfolio of the student’s academic work in order to assess their academic level.
14. Are Homeschoolers in Missouri Allowed to Receive Financial Aid?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are allowed to receive financial aid. The state of Missouri does not require homeschoolers to submit standardized test scores in order to receive financial aid.
However, colleges may require students to submit their SAT or ACT scores in order to be considered for financial aid, so students should check with the college for their specific requirements.
15. Are Homeschoolers in Missouri Allowed to Participate in College Athletics?
Yes, homeschoolers in Missouri are allowed to participate in college athletics. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets the standards for college athletic eligibility.
There are specific requirements that homeschoolers must meet in order to be eligible, such as taking a certain number of core courses, earning a minimum GPA, and passing an SAT or ACT test.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be a great option for parents who want to provide their children with a personalized education experience. Knowing the cost and process for homeschooling in Missouri can help parents make an informed decision. We hope this article has helped answer the common questions about homeschooling in Missouri and that you feel more prepared to make the best decision for your family.