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Home Schooling Topics and Resources

These resources are provided as a convenience and a service for those seeking information about home schooling.  References to agencies or organizations outside the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DO NOT constitute our endorsement.

 

Accreditation

The Missouri State Board of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education do not have authority to regulate private or home schools.  There is no program for the inspection, approval, or accreditation of home schools in Missouri.

 

Assessment/Testing

Missouri does not have an annual testing requirement for home schooled students.  School districts may allow home schooled students to take the annual Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test, offered every spring in public schools.  Honoring a parental request for a home-schooled student to be included in the MAP testing is a local district decision; the district may request reimbursement for the cost involved. The MAP testing of home-schooled students must take place in one of the district buildings. The district may obtain a special home-school packet to ensure that the student's score is not reported in the building or district group results. This packet may be obtained by contacting CTB McGraw-Hill at (800) 544-9868.

 

Curriculum/Textbooks

Missouri does not have a statewide-adopted school curriculum nor is there a state-approved textbook listing.  The selection of instructional materials is the responsibility of parents who home school their children.  Missouri public, private and home school students have the option to take online courses through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Virtual Instruction Program (MOVIP).

 

Diplomas

There is no state recognized high school diploma for home schooled students.  Home schooled students may take the high school equivalency examination to obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.  Most employers, colleges and universities, and the military accept the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma.  

 

Transfer Credit

Public School districts should have a written board adopted "assignment to grade level" policy which addresses the transfer of students from one school to another.  This policy should address the transfer of grades and credit requirements for that district.  The Department recommends requesting the policy from the enrolling district for more information regarding that district's transfer policy.  Many school district policy manuals are available on that district's website.