Making the decision to homeschool is a meaningful first step—and it’s not always easy. More families than ever are choosing to educate their children at home; often for the first time. But homeschooling isn’t just an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle shift that affects your routines, relationships, and life-long goals.

Before diving in, take time to reflect on what matters most to your family. What are your priorities? What kind of learning envriornment do you want to create? What support systems do you have—or need—to make this work?

Ask questions. Explore different approaches. Talk to other families. ANd most importantly, do your research. The resources below are designed to help you get started with confidence, offering practical guidance for those new to homeschooling.

New to Homeschooling?

We have a list of helpful Links for Beginners:

• Homeschooling: What do We Know and What do We Need to Learn?
• Homeschool FAQ
• “Should I Homeschool My Child?” Here’s What You Need to Know
• I Want to Homeschool, But I Don’t Want the Responsibility
• Independent Learning—Teaching Kids to Homeschool Themselves
• Homeschooling for Beginners—Things that I Wish I’d Known
• How to Start Homeschooling: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for Beginners
• 7 Homeschool Regrets: What to Change & Why
• Deschooling: Starting Out Right at Home
• Starting Strong: Charting a Path to Successful Homeschooling
• Negotiating Your Child’s Resistance to Homeschool”
• Homeschooling Kids Who Learn & Think Differently

Homeschooling laws and requirements vary by state and are subject to change. The information and links provided here are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Families are encouraged to consult their state department of education or other official sources for the most current requirements.

Links may include both governmental and non-governmental organizations and are provided for informational purposes only.
Some states have little to no regulations; other states, like Missouri, require a portfolio of records and documentation of progress for each child.
How to Comply with Missouri’s Homeschool Law, from HSLDA:
Under Missouri Law, a homeschool is a school that:

1. Has the primary purpose of providing private or religious-based instruction
2. Enrolls pupils between the ages of 7 and 16 years (No more than four students can be unrelated.)
3. Does not charge or receive tuition, fees, or other renumeration

To homeschool under this statute, you’ll need to follow these requirements:

Legal Requirements

• Teach the required subjects for the required period of time

• You must provide your child with at least 1,000 hours of instruction every school term
• Six hundred of the 1,000 hours of instruction must be among one or more of the following core subjects:
• reading
• math
• social studies
• language arts
• science
• Of those 600 hours among the core subjects, 400 must occure at the “regular” homeschool location, which is not deifned by law

• Maintain records for all children under the age 16

• If you are homeschooling a child who is younger than 16, you must maintain (but do not need to submit) the following records for the child:
• A plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and educational activities engaged in. This requirement can be satisfied by keeping a daily log of hours of instruction.
• Samples of your child’s work.
• Academic evaluations (These could be regular test in the various subjects, annual standardized tests, etc.).
• During a child’s elementary and middle school years, you should always have on hand at least one full year’s worth of records.
• For a high school student, the records (for all four years) should be kept indefinitely.

Helpful Links

• Home School Legal Defense Association: Missouri Homeschool Law at a Glance
• How to Comply with Missouri Homeschool Law
• Missouri Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Resources for Recordkeeping

• Missouri Homeschool Recordkeeping and Graduation Requirements
• Recordkeeping Guidelines and Free Logs
• Logging Homeschol Hours Q&A

State Standards

Here you’ll find information about state education standards and standardized testing for homeschoolers.

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) Resources

• Resources for Remote Teaching and Learning
• How to Support Student Learning at Home
• State Learning Standards by Gradel-Level and Subject

U.S. Department of Education

• Common Core Standards
• Homework Tips for Parents

Standardized Testing for Homeschoolers

• Is State Testing Required?
• Testing & Evaluation for Homeschoolers
• Intro to Standardized Testing
• Choosing a Standardized Test and Setting
• Missouri Standardized Test Prep (Time4You)
• Guide to Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) from Missouri DESE

A homeschool curriculum is the set of materials, lessons, and activities you use to guide your child’s learning. Some families follow a structured program, while others mix and match resources based on their child’s interests and needs.

Types of Curriculum Styles

• Classical: focuses on locic, language, and historical texts
• Charlotte Mason: Literature-rich with nature study and habit training
• Unit Studies: integrates subject around a central theme
• Unschooling: Child-led, interest-based learning
• Online/Virtual: Structured programs delivered digitally
• Eclectic: Mix-and-match approach tailored to your child

Ready to explore? Visit the Curricula Support section to compare styles and find resources that fit your family.

There’s no-one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling. From structued programs to flexible, interest-led learning, each method offers something different. The key is finding what aligns with your child’s needs, your family’s values, and your daily rhythm.

Start Here:

• Explore popular homeschool styles (like Classical, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Montessori, and more)
• Mix and match—many families blend approaches over time
• Think about your goals, schedule, and how your child learns best
• Set milestones to track progress and adjust as needed

Ready to Build Your Plan?

Find tools for lesson planning, goal setting, and customizing your homeschool journey.

You’re Not Alone

Homeschooling doesn’t mean going it alone. Many families connect through local co-ops, virtual meet-ups, and shared learning experiences. Whether you’re looking for support, social time, or collaborative projects, there’s a community waiting for you.

Visit our Events and Meetups page to explore upcoming gatherings and find groups near you.

Your Library is Here to Help

From curriculum to digital learning tools, your library offeres free resources to support your homeschool journey. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next unit, we’ve got materials and support to guide you.

What You’ll Find

• Curriculum support materials (books, guides, and manipulatives)
• Online learning platforms and online research resources
• Homeschool kits and themed activity packs
• Planning tools and progress trackers
• Access to local co-ops and community events

Explore All Resources: Visit our Learning Resources pages to browse materials today!