MO HB179

Raises compulsory school attendance age from 17 to 18 years old, or until a student successfully completes 16 credits toward high school graduation, in all school districts outside metropolitan areas.

Defines "completed credit towards high school graduation" as 100 or more hours of instruction in a course.

Requires school districts to report to the Division of Family Services when students under 18 accumulate 15 or more absences in a school year, with notification to parents within 10 business days of the 15th absence.

Establishes that home schools must enroll no more than four unrelated students, provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction annually (600 hours in core subjects), and maintain records including lesson plans, student work samples, and progress evaluations.

Prohibits state agencies from dictating curriculum for private, parochial, parish, or home schools, allowing them to maintain religious doctrines in their instruction.