How Missouri Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy

Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served private, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s private school requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.

Educating your student outside of the public school system is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C.; however, with a freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, yet you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help! 

Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Missouri private school requirements.

 

Missouri’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance

Does the Parent Need to Notify the State?	No
State Educational Funds	No
Academic Calendar Requirement	No
Reporting Age Requirement	7
Instructor Qualifications	No
Subjects Required	Yes
Standardized Assessment	No
Immunization Requirement	No
Keep a Portfolio	Yes
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Missouri Families	Yes

Please note that Missouri likely considers Enlightium Academy as a private school, not a homeschool program. Below are the regulations for private school students in Missouri.

 

Academic Calendar

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not have academic calendar requirements for private school students.

Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.

 

State Educational Funds

No state educational funds are available for private schooling families at this time.

 

Age Requirement

Ages six or younger:

Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.

Starting at age seven:

Students must attend school until the compulsory attendance age as determined by the school district in which the student lives. Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they either graduate or turn the age at which attendance is no longer required.

 

Instructor Qualifications

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not require private school students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications. 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the book-based program (grades PreK-8) can use Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program (grades 3-12) can use the digital Christian curriculum, "Ignitia". Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 3-12) can use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

 

Required Subjects

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires “instruction in the constitutions of the United States and of Missouri and in American history and institutions.” This is covered in students’ history courses at Enlightium Academy. 

 

Standardized Assessment

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not require a standardized test for private school students. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per given grade level:

• Grades PreK-2: IXL diagnostic assessments; you can also opt out of an assessment
• Grades 3-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
• Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT

 

Keep a Portfolio

You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include the following:

• Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with weekly progress reports. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
• Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
• Course plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide them during the enrollment/re-enrollment process based on the student’s grade level: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
• Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students after quarters 1, 2, and 3 and report cards/transcripts at the end of the school year or summer.
• Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
• Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, and the Presidential Award.
• Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.

 

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Missouri Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Missouri to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s private school requirements. 

Your family will be added to this group upon enrolling at Enlightium and downloading the Enlightium Parents app (which is provided upon enrollment).

 

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website or watch this video about online schooling.
2. If you have any questions:
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the blue button near the top of the page.

 

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (866) 488-4818, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.

 

Sources reviewed in February 2024:

• https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/missouri.html 
• https://dese.mo.gov/communications/frequently-asked-questions-and-educational-topics