Missouri Homeschool Funding
MOScholars ESA details and eligibility.
MO
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: MOScholars K–12 Scholarship Accounts (tax-credit ESA)
Admin: Missouri State Treasurer (program oversight) and certified Education Assistance Organizations (EAOs)
Typical award
Amount: Set each school year; check your chosen EAO for the current per-student award.
Disbursement: Student ESA account managed by the EAO (pre-approval marketplace and/or reimbursement per EAO rules)
Who qualifies
- Residency: Missouri resident student.
- Eligibility path: (1) Student has a valid IEP/ISP (dated within 36 months), or (2) household income ≤ 300% of the free & reduced-price lunch standard and meets entry criteria (e.g., prior public enrollment, K/1 entry, or sibling of a current recipient).
- Setting: May be used while homeschooling (including Family Paced Education) or attending a participating private school.
- Public enrollment: Student may not be enrolled full-time in a public school while using MOScholars.
Timeline
- Applications: Open ahead of each school year via EAOs; many accept rolling applications while funds last.
- Renewals: Annually with updated documents.
- Funding: ESA funds become available after EAO approval and account funding.
Overview
MOScholars is Missouri’s tax-credit-funded education savings account (ESA). Donor tax credits fund student accounts that families can use for approved educational expenses—including homeschool curriculum and services. The State Treasurer administers the program and authorizes Education Assistance Organizations (EAOs); families apply and manage spending through an EAO portal.
Programs
MOScholars ESA (primary option for homeschoolers)
- Type: Tax-credit ESA (scholarship account)
- Award: Set annually; EAO confirms the current amount when you apply
- Uses: Curriculum, instructional materials, tutoring, special-education therapies/services, online courses, assessments, transportation, certain technology, and more (see “Covered expenses” below)
- Admin: Missouri State Treasurer (program) & authorized EAOs (accounts & approvals)
EAO network (apply through one that serves your area)
- Type: Nonprofit scholarship organizations certified by the State Treasurer
- Notes: EAOs operate statewide and also serve Family Paced Education (FPE) students (homeschool settings)
Eligibility
- Residency: Student lives in Missouri.
- Qualifying pathway:
- IEP/ISP: Student has an IEP or ISP (under IDEA) dated within the last 36 months; or
- Income: Household income ≤ 300% of the free/reduced-price lunch standard and one of: prior public enrollment (≥ 1 semester in past 12 months), entering K or 1st grade, or sibling of a current recipient.
- Education setting: Homeschool (including FPE) or participating private school.
- Public school status: Student cannot be concurrently enrolled full-time in a public school.
- Docs: Proof of residency/age; IEP/ISP if applicable; income documents if applying via income pathway.
How to apply
- Choose an EAO: Use the state list to find one serving your area and education setting (homeschool/FPE or private school).
- Create an account: Start the EAO application; indicate homeschool (FPE) or private school.
- Upload docs: Residency and birth certificate; IEP/ISP if applicable; income docs if using income pathway.
- Approval & funding: If approved and funds are available, your student’s ESA is funded.
- Spend & track: Purchase through the EAO’s approved process (pre-approval/marketplace) or seek reimbursement with itemized receipts.
Covered expenses
- Tuition & fees at a qualified school (including Missouri private virtual schools)
- Curriculum, textbooks, and instructional materials
- Tutoring & instructional services (in-person/online)
- Special-education services & therapies (OT, PT, speech, etc.)
- Assessments & exam fees (AP/IB, college entrance, nationally normed tests)
- Educational software & approved technology needed for instruction
- Services provided by a public school (individual classes, extracurriculars)
- Summer and after-school education programs
- Transportation mileage to/from a qualified school (as allowed)
- Consumable supplies (e.g., pens, paper) are not eligible.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | Late spring / early summer | EAOs open portals; dates vary |
| Priority/round 1 review | Summer | Apply early; funds are limited |
| Renewal paperwork | Spring–Summer | Annual renewal with updated docs |
| Spending cutoffs | End of term/year | Submission/receipt deadlines set by each EAO |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Can MOScholars funds be used while homeschooling?
Yes. You can designate a homeschool setting (including Family Paced Education), and use ESA funds for approved materials and services through your EAO.
Is there an income limit?
One eligibility path uses household income ≤ 300% of the free/reduced-price lunch standard, with additional entry criteria. Students with a current IEP/ISP qualify under a separate path without income documentation.
Do I need prior public school enrollment?
For the income pathway, prior public enrollment (≥1 semester in the past 12 months) is one option; entering K or 1st grade and sibling status are alternatives. The IEP/ISP pathway does not require prior public enrollment.
How are purchases approved?
Through your EAO portal. Many items require pre-approval or purchase from approved vendors. Reimbursements need detailed receipts submitted by the EAO’s deadlines.
Do unused funds roll over?
Generally yes within the student’s account if eligibility continues; check your EAO’s year-end rules.
Contacts
MOScholars (Program)
State Treasurer — MOScholars
Use the site to locate an authorized EAO and program contacts.
Your EAO (Account & Spending)
After selecting an EAO, use its portal for applications, approvals, vendor lists, and reimbursements. Each EAO publishes its own help desk contact.
Law & regulations
- RSMo §§166.700–166.720 — Program definitions, eligibility, uses, and rules.
- RSMo Ch. 135 — Tax credits that fund MOScholars.
- 15 CSR 30-200 — Implementing regulations (PDF).