MO State Homeschool Organization
Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes (MATCH)
MATCH provides service and support to home educators and support groups within Missouri.
MO Homeschool Law
Homeschool students must be homeschooled between the ages of 7-17. Parents may begin homeschooling earlier but do not have to formally do so until the school year that a child turns 7. Missouri parents are required to keep a plan book, portfolio, and a record of evaluations. More information can be found at the Missouri Department of Education, Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes, and Home School Legal Defense Association.
MO Homeschool Events and Field Trip Destinations
The Butterfly School at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers a range of programs, including facilitated programs, guided tours, and self-guided tours. You’ll love the hands-on, student-driven investigations that connect them with the world of butterflies and other insects. Use living insects and real specimens, not easily obtained for classroom use.
Self-guided groups experience the wonder of the Tropical Conservatory, the outdoor Native Habitat Garden with its interactive Nature TREK trail, and the many indoor exhibits.
The elephant-shaped boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park are the stars of this unusual park in southeast Missouri.
An easy way to see the rocks is from the Braille Trail, which was especially designed for people with visual and physical disabilities. The trail winds through the main area of rocks. An extension off the trail leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine house, a remnant of the area’s quarrying and railroad history.
The Museum currently holds approximately 6 million specimens of insects, arachnids, and fossils.
George Washington Carver National Monument
The center honors the distinguished African-American educator, scientist, researcher, humanitarian, and artist who epitomizes the value he placed on education.
Enjoy curriculum-based education programs and other educational opportunities.
Take a walk through ancient history and enjoy artifacts of people who occupied the cave 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Walk in the footsteps of the hunter-gatherers who lived in the area’s caves during the ancient Dalton and Archaic periods. Interpretive exhibits throughout the park explain the cultural and natural significance of the site.
Kansas City’s most celebrated destination boasts over 100 years of iconic history and year-round attractions for all ages.
Visit the internationally awarded Science City, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, or current exhibitions. There’s always something new to see and do at this family-friendly favorite!
Enjoy discounted tickets during Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s Homeschool Days. Learn from animal experts at animal chats and experience zones. It’s a roaring good time! Also offers other educational programs.
Kansas’ largest collection of firefighting memorabilia. Trucks, hats, uniforms, photos, and one of the very first fire dispatch systems ever created. Group tours are available.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Pass on appreciation of the life and works of Mark Twain and the relevance of his stories and ideas to citizens of the world. Seventh-grade students can enter the Tom & Becky Program contest!
Visitor center has displays showcasing the historic road. The park also offers a quick getaway to nature. More than 40 types of birds have been identified in the park, and picnic sites and trails are sprinkled throughout.
This 1880s-style theme park features over 40 thrilling rides & attractions, live shows & concerts, 100 resident craftsmen demonstrating America’s heritage crafts. Learning has never been as much fun as in these giant outdoor classrooms. Also offers student performance opportunities.
The whole family will enjoy the Exotic Butterfly Aviary, Living Rainforest Science Center, Banyan Tree Bungee Adventure, and Emerald Forest Mirror Maze! Watch for details on their next Homeschool Days event.
In addition to history, the park features shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish in both the Mississippi River and Lake Boutin, and majestic views of the Mississippi River and beyond.
Is homeschooling for you?
The community of homeschool families is diverse. One study reports that 41% of homeschool students are Hispanic, Black, Asian, or other non-White/non-Hispanic groups (2). Homeschoolers come from all faiths – Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, atheists. Teaching parents have a range of formal education, from high school diplomas to graduate degrees, and cover the array of household incomes.
How do you homeschool?
While laws regulating home education vary from state to state, homeschooling IS legal in all 50 states. Many states offer more than one option. One of the first steps in your family’s homeschool journey is to become familiar with the laws in your state. Then the fun begins!
Click on your state below for resources on homeschool regulations, state homeschool organizations, homeschool conventions in your area (here’s why these are amazing for new and experienced homeschool parents), as well as other homeschool perks in your state.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the information on this page is provided for your convenience as a research tool and resource as to where to find the information you need to homeschool in your state. The team at 3 Moms Blog are not attorneys. This content has not been reviewed by an attorney. It is not legal advice.
Brian D. Ray. (2017) A systematic review of the empirical research on selected aspects of homeschooling as a school choice, Journal of School Choice, 11:4, 604-621, accessed April 7, 2023 at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15582159.2017.1395638
US Department of Education. (2019) Homeschooling in the United States: Results from the 2012 and 2016 Parent and Family Involvement Survey (PFINHES: 2012 and 2016). Accessed 4/7/2023 at https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2020/2020001.pdf