Eleanor Finch
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state, and in Missouri, homeschooled students are not required to take state tests unless they are enrolled in a virtual school or other publicly-funded school. However, homeschooled students in Missouri are still required to meet the same standards as their public-school counterparts, and the state mandates a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction per year, consisting of 600 core and 400 non-core hours. Additionally, all students graduating from a Missouri public or private institution must pass an examination covering the provisions and principles of the US and Missouri Constitutions, as well as American History and American Institutions. This is in accordance with Section 170.011 RSMo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Homeschooling in Missouri | Not required to follow the public school curriculum but must be equivalent to it in terms of instructional quality |
| State Testing | Not required unless using a virtual school or other publicly-funded school |
| Standardized Testing | Not required but recommended to take advantage of opportunities available |
| Special Education | Entitled to the same level of access as public schools |
| Graduation Requirements | Must pass an examination covering the Missouri Constitution, US Constitution, American History, and American Institutions |
| Curriculum and Hours | Required to complete 600 core and 400 non-core hours, with sample work and documented hours available for reference |
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What You'll Learn
- Homeschoolers in Missouri are not required to take state tests unless using a virtual school
- Homeschooled students in Missouri have been shown to outperform public school students in standardized testing
- To graduate from a Missouri public school, students must pass the Missouri Constitution Test
- Missouri homeschool laws apply to every child equally, regardless of their learning abilities
- Homeschool curriculum in Missouri must be equivalent to public school curriculum
Homeschoolers in Missouri are not required to take state tests unless using a virtual school
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state in the US. In the state of Missouri, homeschoolers are not required to take state tests, including the Missouri Constitution Test, unless they are using a virtual school or other publicly-funded school. In this case, they are considered part of the public school system and are subject to its requirements.
The Missouri Constitution Test is mandated for students graduating from Missouri public or charter schools. This test assesses proficiency on the principles and provisions of the Missouri and US Constitutions. It is typically taken during high school and can be retaken as many times as needed to pass. However, this requirement does not extend to homeschoolers unless they are part of a public school program.
It is worth noting that while Missouri does not require state testing for homeschoolers, they are entitled to the same level of special education access as public schools. Homeschool students in Missouri must also meet certain requirements, such as completing a minimum number of hours of instruction and maintaining documentation of their work.
Additionally, homeschooled students in Missouri have access to extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, clubs, and classes offered by universities and local businesses. Overall, Missouri homeschool laws aim to provide flexibility and equality for families choosing to educate their children at home.
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Homeschooled students in Missouri have been shown to outperform public school students in standardized testing
Homeschooled students in Missouri are not required to take state-mandated tests unless they are enrolled in a virtual school or other publicly-funded school system. In such cases, they are considered part of the public school system and are subject to the same testing requirements as their peers. However, homeschooled students in Missouri have historically outperformed their public-school counterparts on standardized tests, achieving scores that are 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students. This trend holds regardless of the parents' level of education or household income.
A 2015 study by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) found that homeschooled boys and girls scored equally well, with scores in the 87th and 88th percentiles, respectively. Furthermore, the study showed that even when parents did not have college degrees, their homeschooled children scored in the 83rd percentile, significantly above the national average for public school students. The study also revealed that Black homeschool students scored 23 to 42 percentile points higher than Black public school students, indicating that homeschooling may help narrow racial achievement gaps.
Homeschooled students in Missouri also tend to excel in academic contests, such as spelling bees and geography bees, where they are significantly overrepresented among the finalists. This further highlights the academic achievements of homeschooled students and suggests that homeschooling can be a successful and effective educational approach.
While critics argue that demographic factors, such as higher incomes and educated parents, may contribute to the higher scores of homeschoolers, it is important to note that the degree of state control and regulation of homeschooling does not appear to be related to academic achievement. Homeschooled students consistently score above average on the SAT and ACT tests, which are crucial for college admissions, and are actively recruited by colleges and universities.
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To graduate from a Missouri public school, students must pass the Missouri Constitution Test
Homeschooling laws vary from state to state in the United States. In Missouri, homeschooled students are not required to take state tests unless they are enrolled in a virtual school or another publicly-funded school. In such cases, they are considered part of the public school system rather than homeschoolers. However, it is recommended that homeschoolers in Missouri take advantage of standardized testing opportunities available to them, such as the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and the PSAT/NMSQT test, which can help them qualify for national merit scholarships.
For students graduating from a Missouri public or charter school, passing the Missouri Constitution Test, along with the US Constitution Test and the Missouri Civics Initiative Test, is a requirement mandated by state statute. These tests assess proficiency on the provisions and principles of the Missouri and US constitutions and can be taken at any time during high school. While the tests are not legally tied to any specific Social Studies course, they are required for graduation and can be retaken as many times as needed to pass.
The Missouri Constitution Test is also a requirement for students at some private Missouri institutions, such as Lincoln University of Missouri, where it is necessary to obtain credit for knowledge of the Missouri Constitution. Homeschooled students in Missouri do not typically fall under the same requirements as those in public or private schools and are generally not required to take the Missouri Constitution Test unless they are enrolled in a virtual or publicly-funded school program.
It is important to note that Missouri homeschool laws apply equally to all children, regardless of their learning abilities or special needs. Homeschoolers in Missouri are also entitled to the same level of special education access as public school students, as outlined in Missouri Section 162.996. Additionally, Missouri requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction per year for homeschoolers, consisting of 600 core hours and 400 non-core hours. Proper documentation of these hours, along with samples of the student's work, should be maintained and provided if needed. Recent updates to Missouri homeschool laws took effect on August 28, and it is essential for homeschoolers to stay informed about any changes to comply with legal requirements.
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Missouri homeschool laws apply to every child equally, regardless of their learning abilities
Homeschooling laws in Missouri apply uniformly to all children, irrespective of their learning capabilities. Missouri is one of the few states that allows homeschooling without any filing requirements. Homeschooling parents are not mandated to register as a private school or maintain any specific records. However, it is recommended to understand the requirements for homeschooling in the state before beginning. While the Missouri Department of Education does not regulate or monitor home education, there are certain guidelines and considerations to keep in mind.
One important aspect is instructional hours. Missouri law requires homeschoolers to complete 1,000 hours of instruction, with 600 of those hours dedicated to core subjects such as math, reading, language arts, social studies, and science. Of these 600 hours, 400 must take place "at the regular home school location." Homeschooling families have the flexibility to choose how they record their instructional time, whether it be through daily, weekly, or even monthly logs.
Standardized testing is not required for homeschoolers in Missouri unless they are enrolled in a virtual school or other publicly funded school. However, homeschooled students have historically outperformed their public-school peers on standardized tests. Additionally, homeschooled students tend to score above average on the SAT and ACT tests, which are crucial for college admissions. While not mandatory, homeschooled students can benefit from taking advantage of standardized testing opportunities, such as the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and the PSAT/NMSQT test, which can help qualify them for national merit scholarships.
Missouri's homeschool laws emphasize equality and accessibility for all learners. For instance, children with learning difficulties, regardless of diagnosis, are entitled to the same level of special education access as public school students, as outlined in Missouri section 162.996. This means that if special education services are desired, homeschoolers have the right to access them through the public school system.
In terms of graduation requirements, Missouri does not have specific laws or guidelines for homeschoolers. Instead, it is up to the homeschooling parents to determine when their high schooler is ready to receive a diploma. However, students graduating from Missouri public or charter schools are required to take and pass a US Constitution Test, a Missouri Constitution Test, and a Missouri Civics Initiative Test. These tests are not tied to any specific Social Studies course and can be taken at any time during high school.
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Homeschool curriculum in Missouri must be equivalent to public school curriculum
Homeschooling is a popular option for many families in Missouri, and the state has outlined specific requirements that parents must meet to ensure their children receive an education equivalent to that of public schools. While there is flexibility in the specific curriculum content, parents who choose to homeschool their children in Missouri must adhere to certain guidelines and standards to ensure their children's education is comprehensive and meets the state's compulsory education laws.
Firstly, Missouri law requires that homeschooled students receive a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction per school year. This mandate applies to all homeschooled children between the ages of 7 and 17, which are the compulsory attendance ages in the state. Of these 1,000 hours, at least 600 hours must be dedicated to teaching five core subjects: reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science. This requirement ensures that homeschooled students receive a well-rounded education that covers the fundamental academic areas.
To further guarantee the quality and consistency of the homeschool curriculum, Missouri law stipulates that at least 400 of the 600 hours dedicated to core subjects must occur at the regular homeschool location. This provision ensures that students receive a significant portion of their education directly from their parents or guardians, promoting continuity and depth in their learning.
In addition to the core subjects, Missouri also encourages homeschool parents to include other areas of interest in their curriculum. These can include subjects such as government, fine arts, literature, or career exploration. This flexibility allows parents to tailor the educational experience to their child's interests and needs, fostering a more engaging and personalized learning environment.
While Missouri does not require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing, parents are still responsible for maintaining academic records. These records should include samples of the child's work, periodic assessments, and evaluations of their academic progress. Proper record-keeping helps parents track their child's development and can also be useful if the child eventually transitions back to public school or applies to colleges.
To summarize, homeschool curriculum in Missouri must be equivalent to public school curriculum in terms of instructional time and coverage of core subjects. Parents have the flexibility to include additional subjects and tailor the curriculum to their child's interests, but the foundational requirements ensure a solid educational base. By following these guidelines, homeschool parents in Missouri can provide their children with a robust and well-rounded education that meets or exceeds the standards of public schools.
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Frequently asked questions
In Missouri, students graduating from a public or private institution must pass an exam covering the provisions and principles of the US and Missouri Constitutions. Homeschoolers are not exempt from this rule, but they are also not required to take state tests unless they are using a virtual school or other publicly funded school.
The Missouri Constitution Test is a locally administered examination that assesses proficiency on the principles and provisions of the Missouri Constitution.
To register for the Missouri Constitution Test, you must email Dr. Amy Gossett at Lincoln University of Missouri with your full name and student ID number.
In addition to the Missouri Constitution Test, students graduating from a Missouri public school must also pass a US Constitution Test and a Missouri Civics Initiative Test. These tests are not legally tied to any specific Social Studies course and can be taken at any time during high school.
