Starting a Private School in Missouri
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Missouri State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no accreditation, licensing, or approval requirements. Registration is limited to those schools receiving federal funding.
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The Missouri Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Missouri.
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Homeschools do not count as nonpublic schools. Parents must keep a portfolio of student work, as well as a record of evaluation of the student's academic progress.
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The Missouri DOE has no published requirements for school insurance -- consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Missouri does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
Schools must provide courses of instruction in the constitutions of the United States and of Missouri and in American history and institutions. There are no other regulations at this time.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is not required.
Food Services / Lunch
In Missouri, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
Missouri state law does not specify a required length of school year or days for private schools.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must keep immunization records and provide them to officials upon request.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must be immunized or show proof of exemption for medical or religious reasons prior to enrolling in school.
Transportation
Transportation is not provided for students attending private schools.
Testing
Testing is not required.
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Missouri State Resources
State & Regional Associations
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Quick Guide Nav
We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
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