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Missouri Law - "School Year"
July 1-June 30 "school year" in the Missouri Law
"A Missouri Court of Appeals case a couple years ago in which Home School Legal Defense Association represented the family said that homeschoolers are not required to follow a July 1 to June 30 calendar when satisfying the requirement of 1,000 hours. Instead, the Court said the family should establish the start date and stop date for the family's own homeschool term, which must be not longer than 12 months. Naturally, they can decide to start their term on July 1 and end it on June 30 if they wish.
July 1-June 30 "school year" in the Missouri Law
"A Missouri Court of Appeals case a couple years ago in which Home School Legal Defense Association represented the family said that homeschoolers are not required to follow a July 1 to June 30 calendar when satisfying the requirement of 1,000 hours. Instead, the Court said the family should establish the start date and stop date for the family's own homeschool term, which must be not longer than 12 months. Naturally, they can decide to start their term on July 1 and end it on June 30 if they wish.
Before this decision came down, everybody thought that homeschoolers must provide their 1,000 hours during the July 1 to June 30 framework. In fact, Home School Legal Defense Association argued the case this way because it was in the family's best interest. The Court rejected this argument, however, and said the "school term" governed rather than the "school year."
We are left with a situation where it is difficult to tell what purpose the July 1-June 30 "school year" serves. On the other hand, allowing families to establish their own "school term" provides welcome freedom.
The case did not go to the Missouri Supreme Court. I do not view it as likely, but there is always a chance, however, remote, that the issue could arise again and the Missouri Supreme Court could, in effect, reverse the Court of Appeals decision.
In the meantime, families can establish their own "school term" of not more than 12 months. If they consistently observe the "school term" they establish (including observing this term as they teach and keep records), the chances of them encountering problems on that issue are very slim.
If they deal with an official who thinks the "school year" is the mandatory record keeping and instructional unit for homeschoolers, a reference to the JB case should clear it up.
Some families will have circumstances that warrant an individualized analysis of this issue. Families with unique circumstances should consider contacting an attorney and explaining their unique circumstances so they can receive individualized guidance. Members of Home School Legal Defense Association can call our office and receive individualized guidance without charge.
Scott Woodruff
Home School Legal Defense Association"
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