Missouri law allows homeschool students to participate in public school sports

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Homeschool families in Missouri have more options when it comes to sports and after-school activities thanks to a recent law change.

A new Missouri law allows homeschooled students to participate in public school sports or extracurricular activities without enrolling in classes. Previously, it was up to the school district’s discretion whether to allow homeschool students to participate, and only if the student was enrolled in at least two classes.

Homeschool mom of six Katie Haney said her children enjoy the flexibility of online classes coupled with the social and athletic challenge they get at public schools.

“It gives them the flexibility to earn those college credits early if they want to, to go work more and save for the future if they want to,” Haney said.

Haney’s oldest children were enrolled in the two classes required to participate in Lebanon, Missouri, public schools, but now she said they’re evaluating each semester whether they want to continue those classes.

“They know that at any time they want to go full-time, they can. They want to come home; they can,” Haney said. “My motto has always been a year at a time, and each kid has different needs, so we’ll just explore it as we can.”

The law officially goes into effect on Thursday, but the MSHSAA board voted on and approved the necessary rule changes to follow this new law on Monday. MSHSAA Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad said there will be an adjustment period, but schools are ready for new students to participate.

“It’s change and any time there’s change there’s challenge,” Rukstad said.

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