It is evident that homeschooling has become a popular educational choice in some states, including Missouri. However, making the decision to homeschool your child in Missouri isn’t as easy as it may sound. There are several things you must take into consideration and know about before you can make this big decision.
Below, you will find 15 questions and answers to help guide you if you have been considering homeschooling your child in Missouri.
What is Missouri’s Law on Homeschooling?
Missouri has a few regulations in place for those families that choose to homeschool. According to the Missouri Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), there are a few requirements for families to legally homeschool in the state including the following:
Homeschool families must register with the state every year.
The parent or guardian must possess a high school diploma or GED. Each student must receive 1050 hours of instruction each year.
All students must participate in an annual assessment in core subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts.
What Are the Different Types of Homeschool Options in Missouri?
Families considering homeschooling in Missouri have several options. There are several different education programs, organizations, and methods available to families so they can find the one that best fits their needs. Here are a few of the most popular homeschool options in the state of Missouri:
Public School at Home. This option is also referred to as virtual or online homeschooling.
In this form of homeschooling, students access curriculum and instruction either through an online platform or in the home with a teacher. Traditional Homeschool.
This form of homeschooling is typically done in the home, with the parent playing the role of the teacher. Curriculum, textbooks, and online resources are all used.
Depending on the family’s preference, there can be one-on-one instruction, or lessons taught in a group setting. Homeschool Co-ops.
Another popular form of homeschooling, co-ops typically meet once or twice a week and involve students in a specific educational program, such as a Montessori or Waldorf style.
Unschooling. A more laid-back approach to homeschooling, unschooling uses a child-directed approach to education. Parents provide resources, such as library books, field trips, and activities, and children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace.
What Resources Are Available for Homeschooling Families in Missouri?
Homeschooling families in Missouri have access to a wide variety of resources for both curriculum and emotional support. Below are a few of the most popular organizations and additional resources available in the state of Missouri.
Missouri Homeschool Family Network (MOFHN). MOFHN is a statewide organization that is dedicated to providing support, encouragement, and resources to homeschooling families.
MOFHN offers an online network, newsletters, conferences, and various other activities. Missouri Baptist Homeschool Network (MBHN).
Another organization dedicated to providing support to homeschooling families, MBHN offers resources, materials, and networking opportunities.
Homeschooling in Missouri. Another website, which provides an overview of homeschooling in Missouri. The website provides legal information, resources, support, and other helpful information.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).
HSLDA is a national organization that provides legal advice and support to homeschooling families.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling in Missouri?
Homeschooling has many benefits for both the student and the parents. Some of the major benefits to homeschooling in Missouri include the following:
Flexible Schedule. Homeschooling allows families to create their own flexible schedule that works best for their family. Parents can create lesson plans and teachings based on their student’s pace and interests.
Tailored Curriculum.
Homeschooling in Missouri allows parents to tailor their curriculum to meet the needs of their student. For example, parents can choose to use a modern curriculum or a curriculum that focuses on their student’s interests or hobbies.
Socialization Opportunities. Homeschooling in Missouri also offers opportunities for socialization. There are several organizations and resources available to help homeschooling families discover activities and meet other families that are also homeschooling.
What Are the Challenges of Homeschooling in Missouri?
While homeschooling in Missouri does have many benefits, it also comes with a few challenges that parents should be aware of.
Time Commitment. Homeschooling requires a significant amount of time and dedication from parents. Parents must be willing to commit to teaching their children, providing lesson plans, and finding resources to supplement the curriculum.
Cost.
Homeschooling in Missouri can also be expensive. In addition to the purchase of educational materials, such as textbooks and supplies, families must also attend conferences, workshops, and other activities.
Socialization. Although homeschooling in Missouri provides many opportunities for socialization, some homeschooling families may find it difficult to find social opportunities outside of their homeschool network.
Are There Any Alternatives to Homeschooling in Missouri?
For families who are looking for alternatives to homeschooling in Missouri, there are several options available. Some of these options include attending a private or parochial school, attending an online school, or enrolling in a public school.
Private School. Private schools generally provide a higher quality of education than public schools and offer smaller classes, which give students more individualized attention.
Private schools are also more likely to provide religious instruction. Public School.
While public schools in Missouri may not be able to offer the same level of flexibility and customization as homeschooling programs, they do have the benefit of providing access to a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Online School. Students are able to attend virtual classes and access course material on their own schedule with an online school. This is a great option for those families who don’t have the time to commit to in-classroom learning but still want their children to get a quality education.
What Are the Advantages of Homeschooling vs. Public or Private School?
Homeschooling has many advantages that public and private schools cannot provide. Homeschooling offers a more personalized learning experience and allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Public or private schools do not have the same flexibility when it comes to individualized instruction. Homeschooling also offers more flexibility and convenience. Families are able to create the schedule that works best for them and can adjust it as needed.
For example, if a family needs to take a vacation, they are able to do so without having to worry about making up missed classes. Finally, homeschooling allows for fewer distractions. Since homeschooling is conducted in the family home, it eliminates the need for children to deal with the peer pressures that can exist in a traditional school setting.
How Do I Choose a Homeschool Curriculum in Missouri?
Choosing the right homeschool curriculum can be overwhelming. There are so many options available and it can be difficult to determine which one will be the best fit for your child.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision. Know Your State Requirements.
Different states have different requirements for homeschool programs, so it is important to make sure you know the specific requirements for your state. This will help you make sure the curriculum you choose meets all of the necessary educational needs.
Research Different Curriculum Options. Take the time to research different curriculum options and determine which one has the most up-to-date material and best meets your child’s individual needs.
Consider a few different options and compare their features and benefits before making a final decision. Consider Your Child’s Interests.
When choosing a curriculum, make sure you consider your child’s interests. If a curriculum does not take into account your child’s interests, it is likely he or she will not be engaged in the lessons and be less likely to retain the information.
Consult With Professional Experiences. If you are unsure which curriculum to select, it is a good idea to consult with homeschool professional, such as a local homeschooling co-op leader, to get an experienced opinion on the right choice for your child.
Where Can Parents Find Homeschool Curriculum in Missouri?
There are many places to find homeschool curriculum and homeschool materials in Missouri. Below is a list of the most popular sources.
Educational Bookstores. There are several educational bookstores throughout the state of Missouri that sell homeschool curriculum, textbooks, and supplemental materials.
Online Retailers. Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Christianbook.
com have a wide selection of homeschool curriculum and textbooks available.
Library and Used Books. Homeschool parents can save money by visiting their local library for materials and by looking for used textbooks and curriculum books.
Homeschool Distributors. There are several homeschool distributors in Missouri that offer a variety of materials, such as textbooks, activity books, workbooks, and more.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling in Missouri?
Homeschooling in Missouri has both pros and cons. It is important to consider both of these factors before deciding if it is the right choice for your family. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of homeschooling in Missouri.
Pros: Flexible Schedule
Tailored Curriculum Socialization Opportunities
Personalized Education Cons: Time Commitment Cost
Socialization Difficulties
Conclusion
Making the decision to homeschool your child in Missouri is a big one, and it is important to make an informed decision. Before making this decision, make sure to consider all of the factors and resources available to you. There is a lot of information and resources available to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to homeschooling in Missouri, so be sure to take the time to research and explore all of your options.