Summary:
Missouri offers families limited school choice options. The state does not support private school choice.
Public School Choice:
Missouri allows for public school choice within the public school system through inter-district and intra-district open enrollment. The Center for Education Reform reports that Missouri has a relatively strong charter school law. More than 17,600 children attended the state’s 46 public charter schools in 2010.
Private School Choice:
Missouri does not offer private school choice.
Online Learning:
According to Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning, Missouri has a state-led program, district online programs, and one main full-time program. The state-led Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP) experienced an 82% enrollment drop during the 2009-2010 school year and another decrease of 54% in the 2010-2011 school year due to funding cuts. During 2010-2011, it served 1,335 students. The full-time University of Missouri Columbia-High School provided courses to 700 full-time students across Missouri. At the district level, since spring 2010, the Columbia Public Schools Virtual Instruction Program also has been offering online courses.
More Information:
Click here for detailed information on Missouri's public school system and see below for school choice contacts and a history of school choice legislation in Missouri.