Catholic Homeschooling in Missouri
How to Homeschool in Missouri
There are actually few requirements to homeschool in Missouri, making it one of the easier states in the U.S. Follow these guidelines:
1. Provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction each school term, with 600 of those hours covering reading, math, social studies, language arts, and science.
2. Maintain records for all children under age 16, to include a record of subjects taught, samples of your child’s work, and academic evaluations.
Otherwise, there is no notification requirement, no teacher qualifications, and no assessment or vaccine requirements.
Missouri Department of Education Home School Information
The Missouri Department of Education does not regulate or monitor home schooling. There is no registration required with the state. There is no program for the inspection, approval, or accreditation of home schools in Missouri.
How to Comply with Missouri’s Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Missouri
Special Education Provisions for Missouri
The Importance of Recordkeeping in Missouri
Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.
SLCHA – St. Louis Catholic Homeschool Association
The oldest and largest Catholic homeschool support group in the St. Louis area. SLCHA exists to support and connect Catholic families who have made the decision to homeschool, as well as those contemplating homeschooling. Part of SLCHA’s mission is to form networks with other homeschooling groups to maintain our inalienable homeschooling rights and freedoms.
FHE – Families for Home Education
FHE is a state lobby and advocacy organization in the state of Missouri. Founded in 1983, they monitor the Missouri legislature, advocating for protections for homeschool choice in the state. Their purpose is to protect the inalienable right of parents in Missouri to teach their own children without state regulation or control.
Midwest Parent Educators (MPE)
Midwest Parent Educators serve homeschoolers in the greater Kansas City metro area, including many from Wyandotte, Miami, and Douglas counties in Kansas and from counties in Kansas City, Missouri.
Catholic Homeschool Support Groups
Catholic Homeschooling in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
This group is for those Catholic parents in St. Louis who currently homeschool, have homeschooled in the past, are considering homeschooling or whose children attend a hybrid school. The purpose of this group is to ask questions and share insights.
Catholic Homeschooling in St. Charles County
St. Charles County, MO
This is a group of Catholic homeschooling parents living in St. Charles County, Missouri. They offer support and opportunities to meet for social and educational activities.
Catholichs – Kansas City Area Catholic Homeschoolers
Kansas City, MO
This support group provides a means for Catholic families in the greater Kansas City area to offer support to each other as they encounter the joys and sacrifices involved in the home education of their children.
CHERISH – Catholic Home Educators Resting in the Sacred Heart
St. Louis, MO
CHERISH is a group of Catholic homeschooling families in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Their mission is to connect local Catholic homeschooling families, provide information and support, and advocate for homeschoolers’ interests in parishes and with the archdiocese.
Holy Family Catholic Homeschool Apostolate
Springfield-Cape Giradeau Diocese, MO
This is an association of Catholic homeschoolers in southwestern Missouri. They provide educational, academic, social, spiritual, and community support to Catholic homeschooling families in the Springfield-Cape Giradeau Diocese, meeting weekly at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Springfield, MO. They offer a co-op, moms’ support events, retreats, seasonal parties, field trips, and more.
Missouri Homeschoolers
Missouri
Missouri Homeschoolers is a group for Missouri homeschooling families to support each other and meet other families in their area. Although not exclusively Catholic, this group is a great resource and sharing of support and information.
SLCHA – St. Louis Catholic Homeschool Association
St. Louis, MO
The oldest and largest Catholic homeschool support group in the St. Louis area. SLCHA exists to support and connect Catholic families who have made the decision to homeschool, as well as those contemplating homeschooling. SLCHA sponsors a wide variety of events, including field trips, co-ops, support group meetings, park days, student dramatic performances, symphony concerts, feast day celebrations, spelling bee, school photos, and a mom’s Christmas tea. SLCHA Facebook
St. Brendan Catholic Homeschoolers
Mexico, MO
This is an active community of Catholic homeschooling families in Mexico, MO and the surrounding area. They offer regular co-op classes and activities throughout the year.
Kansas City, MO
St. Margaret of Scotland Homeschoolers is a community of families dedicated to supporting each other in educating their children and living a liturgical family life. Email Group
St. Mary Parish Homeschool Group
Independence, MO
This is a group of Catholic families supporting and helping each other on their homeschooling journey. They meet at St. Mary Parish in Independence, MO, and host a variety of events such as homeschool Masses, curriculum swap, liturgical crafts and parties, book club, and more.
St. Philippine Duchesne Homeschool Group
Westwood, KS, Kansas City, KS
This homeschool group meets at the FSSP parish of St. Philippine Duchesne in Kansas City. They offer mothers’ meetings, feast day celebrations, and gatherings for families. Activities include prayer, talks by the priests, and social activities.
Catholic Homeschool Co-ops
ARCH Co-op of St. Louis Archdiocesan Roman Catholic Homeschoolers
Crestwood, MO, metro St. Louis area
This Catholic co-op serves homeschooling families in and around the metro St. Louis area. In addition to co-op classes, this group has field trips, feast day celebrations, service opportunities, and social gatherings for parents. Their mission is to create a holy and wholesome environment for students and their families to gather and support each other in their vocation as homeschoolers. They meet at St. Raymond-St. Elizabeth Church in Crestwood.
Cape Girardeau Area Catholic Home Schooling Co-op
Cape Girardeau, MO
The goal of this Catholic homeschool co-op is to support families engaged in homeschooling through social, spiritual, and academic meet-ups and field trips.
Christ the King Academy Homeschool Co-op
Kansas City, MO
Christ the King Academy Homeschool Co-op provides a place for joyful Catholic fellowship and academic opportunity with like-minded homeschooling families. They offer group classes and activities to supplement and enrich their children’s education.
Classically Catholic Memory (CCM)
Wentzville, MO
Classically Catholic Memory is a memory work program that is both Catholic and classical in nature. It is designed for children ages 5 through 12, and each year of the program provides 18 weeks of memory work in each subject. CCM is run as a co-op model.
Holy Family Catholic Homeschool Apostolate
Springfield-Cape Giradeau Diocese, MO
This is an association of Catholic homeschoolers in southwestern Missouri. They provide educational, academic, social, spiritual, and community support to Catholic homeschooling families in the Springfield-Cape Giradeau Diocese, meeting weekly at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Springfield, MO. They offer a co-op, moms’ support events, retreats, seasonal parties, field trips, and more.
Holy Family Homeschool Co-op
St. Louis, MO
Holy Family Co-op offers educational activities to enhance home learning as a way of providing support and assistance for homeschooling families in their academic, social, spiritual, and personal formation.
SLCHA – St. Louis Catholic Homeschool Association
St. Louis, MO
The oldest and largest Catholic homeschool support group in the St. Louis area. SLCHA exists to support and connect Catholic families who have made the decision to homeschool, as well as those contemplating homeschooling. SLCHA sponsors a wide variety of events, including field trips, co-ops, support group meetings, park days, student dramatic performances, symphony concerts, feast day celebrations, spelling bee, school photos, and a mom’s Christmas tea. SLCHA Facebook
St. Brendan Catholic Homeschoolers
Mexico, MO
This is an active community of Catholic homeschooling families in Mexico, MO and the surrounding area. They offer regular co-op classes and activities throughout the year.
St. Gianna Classical Co-op
St. Louis, MO
Located at St. Gianna Parish in Wentzville, the St. Gianna Catholic Homeschool Co-op is dedicated to supporting the right of Catholic parents as primary educators of their children by assisting parents in their vocation to educate their children in academics.
St. John Bosco Catholic Homeschool Co-op
St. Louis, MO
THE SJB co-op meets weekly to provide resources for supplementing home education for member families. Classes include literature, grammar, math, sciences, and foreign languages, as well as elective classes such as art and drama. Classes are primarily designed for 7-12th grade students.
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool co-ops near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies
Catholic Schoolhouse of Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, MO
Catholic Schoolhouse helps homeschool families enrich their educational experience through a flexible approach to learning inspired by classical elements, presented in a structured environment. Program highlights include art, hands-on science, history timeline learning, and more.
Catholic Schoolhouse of St. Louis and Belleville
Diocese of St. Louis, MO, and Belleville, IL
Catholic Schoolhouse, a local homeschool program, serves students in the Diocese of St. Louis, Mo and Belleville, Il. More than an academic co-op, Catholic Schoolhouse is a structured program meeting weekly for homeschoolers that includes chorus, two hours of classroom instruction, hands-on science, art projects, and opportunities for socializing after class.
Oratory of Saints Gregory & Augustine Homeschool Co-op
St. Louis, MO
The Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine Homeschool Co-op provides an atmosphere to pray together in a traditional Catholic setting while educating children in wisdom and virtue. Program includes activities for ages 3-14 and offers classes including literature, music, Latin, dance, speech and debate, theater, and more.
Regina Caeli Academy Kansas City
Overland Park, KS
Whether you have always homeschooled and are looking for extra support or your children have been in a traditional school, Regina Caeli Academy’s hybrid approach offers a formative, Socratic classroom experience for students in conjunction with a strong homeschool family life.
St. Athanasius and St. Catherine Academy
Kansas City, MO
St. Catherine’s Academy partners with parents to offer a Christ-centered setting for learning through traditional methods. This hybrid homeschool program offers in-person school days with a traditional teacher/student classroom setting for two days a week. Students work full days at home on the other three days of the week to complete reading, writing, math, theology, science, Latin, and other assignments.
St. John Paul II Preparatory Academy
St. Louis, MO
Saint John Paul II Preparatory School is a hybrid academic program, combining the best aspects of traditional schools with the advantages of homeschooling. They offer a rigorous classical curriculum, character and virtue development, spiritual formation, and extracurricular activties. Professional teachers administer the curriculum Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. On Wednesday and Friday, parents continue instruction and monitor progress at home. There are two locations in St. Louis: St. Charles and St. Louis.
Do you know of any Catholic hybrid homeschool programs or homeschool academies near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Catholic Homeschool Conferences
The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024
Minnesota Catholic Home Education Conference & Curriculum Fair
St. Paul College, St. Paul, MN
May 31 – June 1, 2024
After a 3-year hiatus, the Minnesota Catholic Home Education and Curriculum Conference is back! This annual conference is one of the largest Catholic homeschooling conferences in the country. Listen to speakers from around the country and meet other homeschoolers from your area. Conference attendees can browse through the vendors hall, go to workshops and talks, and network with other homeschoolers. Keynote Speaker 2023: Pam Barnhill, Host of the Your Morning Basket Podcast
Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference
Most Precious Blood, Denver, CO
July 12-13, 2024
This annual conference is independent and local, bringing in speakers from around the country. Featured speakers for 2023 include Maureen Wittmann of Homeschool Connections, Kerri Davison of Holy Heroes, Sara Masarik, and Ana Braga-Henebry. Conference attendees can browse through the vendors hall, go to workshops and talks, and network with other homeschoolers.
Kansas City Conference for Catholic Homeschoolers
Grandview, MO
Date TBA
This annual conference is offered to encourage homeschoolers in their vocations as Catholic home educators. Enjoy inspiring talks and presentations, a vendor hall with curriculum, books, and resources, and Mass, confession, and other devotions. Updates can be found on the Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference Facebook page.
Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
St. Charles, Kansas City, St. Louis, Lee’s Summit, Webster Groves, Wildwood, Gladstone, Crestwood, Kirwood
CGS is a program focusing on the contemplation and enjoyment of God. It is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
American Heritage Girls
Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City, MO
Archdiocese Scouting
Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO
Diocese of Jefferson City, MO
Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph, MO
Diocese of Springfield – Cape Girardeau, MO
Troops of Saint George
Troop 102, Oran, Missouri
Troop 129, St. Louis, Missouri
Troop 834, New Melle, Missouri
Troop 1130, Gladstone, Missouri
Troop 726, Gower, Missouri
Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Sports for Homeschoolers
Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Missouri
Missouri Revised Statutes say that a homeschooled student is eligible to participate in public school sport programs if the student is taking at least two seat-time classes at their local public school, if the local school asserts that the student is carrying a full-time work load of all classes together, and the students is academically eligible.
St. Richard Catholic Church Athletics
The mission of the Saint Richard Athletic Association is to promote athletic activities for boys, girls, and adults under Christian guidance and leadership while sharing God’s Word by deed and action. Sports include baseball/softball, basketball, golf, soccer, and volleyball.
St. Louis Patriots Homeschool Boys Basketball
This basketball program is made up of Christian homeschooled boys in grades 5-12 from the greater St. Louis area. They play middle school, junior high, freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams in Illinois and the greater St. Louis area.
St. Louis Patriots Baseball
This Christian homeschool baseball program is designed for homeschoolers and includes varsity, junior varsity, freshman, 8th grade, and 7th grade teams. They are affiliated with MSHSAA, which allows them to play against local public and private schools.
St. Louis United Homeschool Soccer
St. Louis United is a Christian homeschool soccer team that was formed to compete with regional homeschool teams and private/public schools.
Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Diocese & Parish Resources
Shrines & Pilgrimages in Missouri
Saint Mary of Victories Church
St. Louis, MO
Historic Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church is just south of the Gateway Arch and is a unique and splendid part of the heritage of old St. Louis. It was founded in 1843 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The high altar has over 280 sacred relics. Among them is a fragment of the True Cross and relics of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Agnes, St. Emeric, St. Margaret, and Blessed Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R.
Shrine of Saint Joseph
St. Louis, MO
The Shrine of St. Joseph is a beautiful old Roman Catholic church in downtown St. Louis. It is the site of the only Vatican authenticated miracle in a Midwestern church. Private and group tours of the Shrine feature the history of the Shrine, symbols in the church, the miracles associated with the church and other interesting stories.
Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Monastery
Clyde, MO
The Relic Chapel contains over 550 first and second class relics of saints. The largest is of St. Beatrice, a child martyr, and is from the catacombs in Rome. The Adoration Chapel was consecrated in 1911 and has mosaics depicting the life of the Blessed Mother and of Christ the High Priest. Other mosaics, marble, onyx, and cloisonne adorn the high altar and side altars. Tours are available daily.
The Black Madonna Shrine
Eureka, MO
The Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos feature beautiful mosaics and multi-colored rock sculptures. Built in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Shrine was built by Brother Bronislaus of Poland and was modeled after the famous shrine at Jasna Gora monastery in the village of Czestochowa.
Old Saint Ferdinand Shrine
Florissant, MO
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine and Historical Site is a beautiful church in Florissant, MO. The cornerstone was a gift from St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, one of Missouri’s foremost pioneer women. She lived in the convent here and established the first school in Florissant. Tours are free and available Monday through Sunday by appointment. Included is a tour of the church, the convent, and the rectory. You may also visit the schoolhouse bookstore and Nun Doll Collection.
National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church
Laurie, MO
The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church is a beautiful place to visit. You can tour the church, listen to the carillon bells, and view the Mothers’ Wall. There are many first-class relics of saints displayed in the church sanctuary, including relics from the True Cross, the Holy Shroud, and the Crown of Thorns. There is also a large outdoor Stations of the Cross on the grounds, along with many full-size saint statues. Old St. Patrick’s Church is nearby and is the oldest church in Morgan County.
National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal
Perryville, MO
Since the building of the Shrine Chapel in 1929, the church of St. Mary’s of the Barrens has served as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The grounds feature a large Rosary Walk, a nearly one-mile walk along large “beads” set into the ground. Guided tours of the Shrine Chapel and the grounds are scheduled every day of the week. You are also welcome to take a self-guided tour. Group tours are by appointment. All tours are free.
Shrine of Saint Philippine Duchesne
St. Charles, MO
The Shrine of Saint Philippine Duchesne is located in St. Charles, MO, and is dedicated to the French missionary Religious of the Sacred Heart who brought formal education and a zeal for sharing the love of God to the Missouri frontier in 1818. The Shrine is open for personal prayer time and tours are available by appointment only.
Shrine of Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick, MO
The Shrine of Saint Patrick in Saint Patrick, MO, is fashioned after the Saint Patrick’s Memorial Church of Four Masters in Donegal, Ireland. It is Celtic in design with a central rose window, Celtic crosses, semi-circular recessed doorways, and a round bell tower that is native to Ireland.
Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
Starkenburg, MO
Nestled in the rolling hills of Rhineland, Missouri, the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows has a church, outdoor Stations of the Cross, a Lourdes Grotto, and an underground sepulcher with a statue of Christ laid in the sepulcher.
Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
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