This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
In Missouri, your only legal option for home schooling is to establish and operate a home school. Under Missouri state law, a home school is defined as: a place that has as its primary purpose to educate students, has students who are between the ages of 7 and 17; where no more than 4 are unrelated, and does not charge or receive tuition. Note the part about unrelated students: this means that in Missouri you CAN home school children who are not your own as long as there are no more than 4 being home schooled.
Although there is no requirement to actually submit these records, the law says that the following records must be maintained:
A plan book, diary or other record of what was taught and activities that were engaged in.
A portfolio of samples of the child’s work.
A record of evaluations of the child’s progress.
Or “other written credible evidence” of the child’s home school program.
It’s also interesting to note that in the state of Missouri, filing intent is optional. The law also expressly states that if the parents keep a daily log showing what was taught, this is sufficient evidence should the parents be pursued for educational neglect.
Compulsory Age: The child must be between the ages of 7 and 16.
Required Days of Instruction: 1,000 hours of instruction are required. At least 600 of the 1,000 hours must be in the required subjects (stated below). At least 400 of those 600 must occur at the regular home instruction site.
Required Subjects: Reading, Math, Language Arts, and Science.
There are no requirements for teacher certification nor are there any requirements for standardized testing.
Resources:
State Support:
Christian Home Educators Fellowship