Homeschooling in Missouri can be supported through the MOScholars Program. This initiative offers $6,000 to $8,000 each year for homeschooling families. It's a way to help cover educational costs, making it easier to provide a quality education at home.
With approximately 25,000 homeschooled students, Missouri has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Missouri?
Yes! Missouri's MOScholars Program gives homeschool families between $6,000 and $8,000 each year. This program uses tax-credit funded scholarships, and anyone can apply. You can spend the funds on curriculum, tutoring, therapy, testing, and educational technology.
What funding is available for Missouri homeschoolers?
The MOScholars Program is Missouri's main funding option for families choosing homeschooling. It started in the 2024-25 school year. You can usually get $6,000 to $8,000 per student based on their grade and how much funding is available. Instead of state funding, this program relies on private donations from individuals and businesses who get tax credits for their contributions. The money is still usable for your educational expenses.
How the tax-credit scholarship model works
MOScholars works differently than programs in states like Arizona or Florida. Here’s the process:
- Donors Contribute - People and businesses give money to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
- Donors Receive Tax Credits - Missouri gives state tax credits for these donations, making it a win-win for donors.
- SGOs Award Scholarships - The SGOs hand out funds to qualifying families based on their applications and how much money they have.
- Families Use Funds - You can spend the scholarship money on approved educational expenses similar to an ESA. This model helps keep the program stable, but it also means the number of scholarships depends on donations.
What can you spend moscholars funds on?
You can use MOScholars funds for:
- Curriculum & Textbooks - Both print and digital materials.
- Tutoring Services - Academic help from qualified providers.
- Educational Therapy - Services like speech or occupational therapy.
- Testing Fees - For standardized tests and college entrance exams.
- Educational Technology - Like computers and educational software.
- Private School Tuition - For part-time or full-time enrollment.
What moscholars funds cannot cover
There are some things you can't use MOScholars funds for:
- Athletics and Sports - Like uniforms or league fees.
- Transportation - Costs for gas or field trips.
- Parent Compensation - You can’t pay yourself to teach.
- Non-Educational Items - General supplies without a clear educational purpose.
- Vacations - Even if they are educational. Also, check your specific SGO for any extra rules.
How to apply for moscholars
To apply for MOScholars, make sure you’re homeschooling legally in Missouri. You’ll need to follow some state requirements, like notifying your local superintendent of your homeschooling plans and keeping records of instruction. You can find details on the application process through your SGO.
Key program information
Here are a few important points about MOScholars:
- Funding Availability: Scholarships depend on donations, so some years may have more funds than others.
- SGO Variations: Different organizations may have different rules and processes, so check those out.
- Evolving Rules: This program is new, so expect changes as it develops.
- Political Durability: Tax-credit scholarships tend to be more stable politically since they don’t take funds directly from public schools. So, while there's some uncertainty, the funding is significant for your homeschool needs.
Missouri homeschool requirements
To be eligible for MOScholars, you must legally homeschool in Missouri. Here’s what you need to know:
- Notification: Send written notice to your local superintendent within 30 days of starting homeschooling.
- Instruction Hours: Provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction each year, including 600 hours in core subjects like reading and math.
- Records: Keep track of what you teach and maintain samples of student work. You might need these if the state asks for them.
- No Approval Needed: You don’t need permission to homeschool in Missouri—just notify your district. These rules apply no matter if you’re part of the MOScholars program or not.
The bottom line
The MOScholars Program in Missouri provides $6,000 to $8,000 a year to help homeschool families through a tax-credit scholarship model. Anyone can apply, but how many scholarships are available depends on donations. As the program is still new, there may be changes, but there’s real opportunity for financial support for your educational needs. Start by checking out approved Scholarship Granting Organizations through MOEducates or the Missouri Department of Revenue, and apply ahead of deadlines.
