Homeschooling in Missouri
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Missouri site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Missouri
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Missouri
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Missouri
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Missouri
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Missouri has to offer!
Resources
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Missouri
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Missouri.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Missouri, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Missouri
Whether you are new to homeschooling or an experienced home educator moving to the state, Missouri has numerous opportunities to meet other homeschool families in your area.
Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops exist to provide home educators with resources, help, and support throughout their homeschool journey.
Missouri has a statewide homeschool association called Families for Home Education (FHE). The organization advocates for home education to the MO legislature as well as resources, events, and HSLDA group discounts.
In addition to the FHE, Missouri is home to many support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups can come in various forms. For example, some may regularly meet in-person while others operate online. You can find support groups based on religious values, curriculum programs, and the region in which you live. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find a homeschool support group that can allow you to meet other homeschoolers in your area. Many homeschool groups have Facebook pages so that you can find one for you with a simple search query.
Homeschool cooperatives, or co-ops, are similar to support groups but are more focused on enhancing the children’s educations. Co-ops are a means for homeschoolers to participate in group learning environments and interact with peers. These groups are volunteer-based, and parents usually take turns teaching the group or hire tutors. Some co-ops focus on specific subjects, such as STEM, while others are general, covering a variety of subjects. All of these support networks are great ways for parents and students to meet homeschoolers and make friends in their area.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Get Started Homeschooling in Missouri
If you are considering homeschooling in Missouri for the first time, you are probably wondering how to get started with home education. First, you should become an expert on the homeschool requirements in your state and research homeschooling methods, curriculum programs, and resources.
Power Homeschool always encourages parents to officially withdraw students from their current school situation before starting to homeschool, whether state laws require it or not. Once you have all the legal duties check off your list, you will need to either create a homeschool curriculum or choose a program that aligns with your student’s needs.
Power Homeschool’s online curriculum is available to students between kindergarten and twelfth grade. We offer our homeschoolers numerous tools and resources to help achieve successful homeschool experiences.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips Missouri
Flexibility is one of the many benefits of homeschool. When students are not confined to the traditional classroom schedule, they have more time to participate in other things, including field trips. Museums, nature centers, historical sites, and any other field trip destination can enrich any lesson about history, science, literature, and so on.
KANSAS CITY METRO
- The Kansas City Zoo is an incredible experience for homeschooling families. Located in Swope Park, the zoo is home to a variety of animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, and more. With its lush and beautiful landscape, the Kansas City Zoo offers educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, the Kansas City Zoo is the perfect place to explore and learn about the amazing world of animals.
- Nielson-Atkins Museum of Art: Home to thousands of art pieces, this museum features some of the most renowned artists from around the globe. The Nelson-Atkins offers homeschool families unique program activities and other educational programs for students of all ages.
- National World War I Museum and Memorial: Visitors can tour the Main Gallery that shows a journey through the Great War through artifacts, first-hands accounts, and informative films. This museum is sure to enhance any United States history lesson.
- Kaleidoscope: Children and their families are welcome at Kaleidoscope at no cost. Provided by Hallmark, this field trip allows children to explore their creativity and artistic talents.
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site: Located in Independence, MO, the longtime home of Harry Truman pays tribute to his personal life and family. Homeschoolers of all ages can learn something new about the 33rd President of the U.S. through guided tours and outdoor activities.
CENTRAL MISSOURI
- Missouri’s State Capital is a great destination for families. It offers a variety of attractions and activities, from the majestic Missouri State Capitol building to the interactive St. Louis Science Center. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, including the iconic Gateway Arch. With its charming architecture, vibrant culture, and easy access to nature, Missouri’s state capital is the perfect place to explore and create memories with the whole family.
- Museum of Art and Archaeology in Columbia: On the University of Missouri campus, visitors can tour various exhibitions, showcasing art and artifacts dating back to ancient civilizations.
- Missouri State Museum in Jefferson City: This museum is located in the State Capitol and features exhibits that portray the state’s natural and cultural history. Free guided tours are available all year.
- Missouri Institute of Natural Science in Springfield: With guided tours, nature walks, and fossil hunts, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about thousands of animal and plant species, including dinosaurs.
ST. LOUIS AREA
- Saint Louis Zoo: Home to more than 16,000 wild animals, this zoo provides plenty of learning opportunities, including workshops, summer camps, family animal encounters, and so much more!
- Missouri History Museum: From the Louisiana Purchase to first Stanley Cup, this museum showcases Missouri’s rich history with long-term and short-term exhibits. The Missouri History Museum is a great way for homeschoolers to learn about their state’s history.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In:
The Benefits of Ongoing STEM Education
It's no secret that education is the stepping stone to a long and enriching career. However, offering your child a well-rounded education opens the door to a world of opportunities even beyond their future jobs — with the right knowledge, kids can grow into capable...
Why Video-Based Instruction is Effective for Homeschool
Whether you are a parent currently homeschooling a pre-K-12 student or someone considering an online homeschool program, you must decide what tools to incorporate into your student's instruction. To help, we break down what a homeschool curriculum with video...
Top Reasons Parents Switch to Homeschool
Are you considering switching your child from public school to homeschool? Homeschooling, once seen as unconventional, has come into the spotlight as more parents choose to take charge of their children's education. From higher-quality lessons to one-on-one attention,...
5 Ways Homeschooling Can Help Children with Disabilities to Excel
Children with disabilities might have a hard time in traditional schools. Even with regulations in place to help these children, schools might fail to adequately meet the needs of each individual student; and that doesn’t even take into account social problems that...