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Free Homeschool Curriculum & Resources in Missouri
One of the biggest myths about homeschooling is that it requires thousands of dollars in curriculum purchases. In Missouri, with intentional planning and knowledge of state resources, you can educate your children for $200-$500 per year—or virtually nothing if you leverage libraries, online resources, and free community programs. This post covers everything free available to Missouri homeschoolers.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri’s public libraries are among the best in the nation for homeschool support
- Free online curriculum platforms: Khan Academy, Ambleside Online, A+ Click
- St. Louis and Kansas City offer exceptional free museums
- State parks provide free educational programming
- Local co-ops share purchased resources and teach free enrichment classes
- Used curriculum swaps through Facebook groups reduce costs dramatically
Missouri’s World-Class Public Library Systems
Missouri has three of the nation’s best public library systems, and they’re free to Missouri residents:
St. Louis County Library System serves the St. Louis area with 19 locations and an enormous homeschool collection. They offer dedicated homeschool programming, including hands-on science workshops, art classes, and curriculum support. The digital collection includes access to databases, ebooks, and audiobooks. Many families rely primarily on St. Louis County Library for materials, supplementing with minimal curriculum purchases.
Kansas City Public Library serves the Kansas City metro with 8 locations and strong homeschool resources. KCPL offers free community programming, educational databases, and dedicated homeschool support groups that meet at library locations.
Springfield-Greene County Library serves Southwest Missouri with 11 locations and growing homeschool programming. Community colleges often partner with the library for extended learning opportunities.
Beyond these three systems, Missouri’s smaller library systems also serve homeschoolers well. Every county has library service, and interlibrary loan makes regional resources accessible even in rural areas.
What libraries provide: textbooks and workbooks, literature collections, science experiment books, history and biography materials, reference materials, ebooks, audiobooks, educational DVDs, magazine subscriptions, computer access, and in many cases, free museum passes through library partner programs.
Free Online Curriculum Platforms
Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) provides free video lessons and practice exercises in math, science, history, and more. It’s completely free with optional paid premium features. Many Missouri families use Khan Academy as their primary math source or as a supplement for specific skill gaps.
Ambleside Online (amblesideonline.org) offers a complete Charlotte Mason curriculum guide—free. Families use Ambleside’s reading lists and lesson plans but source books from libraries or used-book sales. This approach costs virtually nothing beyond library time.
A+ Click (aplusclick.org) provides thousands of free math and logic problems organized by grade and topic. It’s particularly good for practice and enrichment.
OpenStax (openstax.org) offers free, peer-reviewed textbooks in high school subjects including math, biology, chemistry, history, and more. Download or print at no cost.
CrashCourse (YouTube channel) provides free educational videos in history, biology, chemistry, literature, and government—engaging, fast-paced, and well-produced.
TED-Ed (youtube.com/teded) curates educational videos on virtually any topic, free on YouTube. Excellent for enrichment and sparking curiosity.
PBS Learning Media (pbslearningmedia.org) offers free lesson materials and videos from PBS, covering science, history, literature, and more.
Coursera and edX offer free audit access to college-level courses. Some require paid certificates, but course content is free.
Free Museum Days and Programs
St. Louis Science Center (stlsciencecenter.org) is completely FREE admission—one of the best free science museums in America. The planetarium is included. Families visit multiple times annually without cost.
St. Louis Zoo (stlzoo.org) is FREE admission (parking is paid). Consistently ranked among top zoos in America.
St. Louis Art Museum (slam.org) is FREE admission. Dedicated homeschool programs available.
Missouri History Museum (mohistory.org) in St. Louis is FREE admission. Excellent for Missouri history study.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (nelson-atkins.org) in Kansas City is FREE admission. Strong homeschool programming.
Kansas City Science City at Union Station requires admission but hosts dedicated Homeschool Days when admission is reduced. Check their calendar.
National WWI Museum and Memorial (theworldwar.org) in Kansas City has admission fees, but offers educational group rates and annual passes.
Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield (bassproshops.com/wonders-of-wildlife) is a paid attraction but occasionally offers discounted homeschool days.
Many of these museums offer dedicated Homeschool Days typically in January, February, September, and October with reduced admission or special programming. Check each museum’s website for dates.
Free Community Programs
University of Missouri Extension (extension.missouri.edu) provides free educational programming through county extension offices in all 114 Missouri counties. Services include 4-H programs, STEM workshops, agriculture education, nutrition classes, and more. Many programs are specifically designed for homeschool groups.
Missouri State Parks offer free entrance and interpretive programs. Each park provides naturalist-led programs, trail systems, and outdoor education opportunities. Perfect for science and social studies field trips.
Missouri Department of Conservation (mdc.mo.gov) provides free fishing and hunting opportunities (with licenses), field guide downloads, and educational videos. Their website has educational resources for K-12.
Local school district enrichment programs often welcome homeschoolers. Some allow homeschoolers to participate in science fairs, music performances, or athletics without full enrollment.
Community colleges in Missouri offer occasional free or low-cost workshops and STEM camps targeted at K-12 students.
Public library programming: Many library locations host free story times, STEM clubs, educational programs, and community events open to homeschoolers.
Used Curriculum Networks and Swaps
Facebook groups for Missouri homeschoolers frequently have buy/sell/swap pages where families exchange used curriculum materials at 30-50% of retail cost. Join: “Missouri Homeschool Co-ops,” “Homeschooling in Missouri,” and region-specific groups.
FHE used curriculum sales during the annual convention offer opportunities to buy lightly used materials at reduced prices.
Homeschool curriculum swap groups meet seasonally in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia areas.
Library booksale events often include educational materials at $0.25-$1.00 per book.
Free State-Specific Resources
Lewis and Clark Trust (lewisandclarktrust.org) provides free educational materials about the expedition, maps, and primary source documents.
Mark Twain Project (marktwaincenter.com) offers free educator resources about Mark Twain and his work.
Missouri Humanities Council (mohumanities.org) provides free educational programming and speakers.
State Capitol tours (capitol.mo.gov) are FREE and available for homeschool groups by appointment.
University of Missouri resources: Mizzou offers free lectures, performances, and sometimes free admission to museums for homeschool groups.
Realistic Budget with Free Resources
With strategic use of Missouri’s free resources, here’s a realistic annual budget per student:
- Libraries: FREE (membership is free)
- Online curriculum (Khan, Ambleside, PBS): FREE
- Museum passes: FREE-$100 (depending on passes purchased)
- Supplies (paper, pencils, workbooks): $50-$100
- One paid curriculum or program: $200-$500 (optional; many skip this)
- Total: $250-$600/year
Many Missouri families spend $300/year or less by heavily leveraging libraries, free online resources, and community programs.
Bottom Line
Missouri’s commitment to public libraries and free cultural institutions means homeschooling costs are optional, not mandatory. Start with your library, add free online resources, incorporate state parks and museums, and supplement with inexpensive used curriculum only where you have specific needs. This approach produces educated, curious children without the financial burden many assume comes with homeschooling.
Next Steps:
– Get a library card and ask about homeschool resources
– Explore Khan Academy for your child’s grade level
– Download free textbooks from OpenStax
– Check museum websites for Homeschool Days
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More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete Missouri Homeschooling Guide