Homeschool Resource Guide
This information is designed to give you an overview of the resources that the library provides, as well as some of the rich homeschool resources you can find in the area.
We offer countless helping homeschoolers, from our physical and emedia collections to programs to free digital courses. Since students operate at a variety of skill levels, this guide is only meant to give a rough idea of what resources are good for which educational level. It is recommended that the educator looks at the resources before letting their student explore them on their own.
Library Resources
Databases
We provide access to a wide variety of databases. Databases enable students to find reliable resources quickly and engage with fun educational content. We also have databases that provide resources for educators, as well. Some databases contain vast amounts of general information, such as World Book and Explora, where you can look up any topic. Others have a very specific focus, such as A to Z World Food or Opposing Viewpoints in Context.
All databases are located on our website under Research and Learn. The following list is only a small selection of the databases offered. They are grouped by educational level, but please note that these categories are very flexible. As with all library resources, parents should examine the databases first if they are concerned about the content.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Brainfuse HelpNow connects students in grades K-12 with live tutors in a safe and secure online classroom. Students can access academic tutoring, homework help and test prep assistance. Resources are also available for early college students, adult learners, job seekers, and veterans. Anyone with a valid library card can use Brainfuse.
NoveList Plus
A searchable database of fiction and nonfiction titles. Contains book reviews, recommended reading lists and book discussion guides.
Scholastic Teachables
Scholastic Teachables is one of the best educational resources the St. Louis County Library offers. Access thousands of searchable and printable educational materials for Pre-K through 8th grade, including skills and activity sheets, mini-books, and lesson plans by topic. Download and print as many resources as possible.
Explora - Elementary
Explora - Elementary enables students to find information in a variety of formats on a vast number of topics. It is better suited to older elementary students, as it is not as straightforward a database to search in as World Book is. However, the number of resources almost guarantees that students will be able to find something on their topic.
World Book Kids
World Book Kids is our easiest database for students to use. With a colorful interface, fun activities, and simple, clear articles, this resource is a great first stop for an elementary school student just starting to research. Students who are still learning how to read will appreciate the read-aloud feature.
A to Z Food America
Learn about America's culinary heritage using A to Z Food America. You can find cookbooks from fifty states and six US regions, cookbooks from all 33 major US ethnic groups, over 3,000 old TV food commercials dating back to the 1940s and 100+ historic cookbooks dating back to the late 1700s. Develop your cooking skills by watching "how-to" videos and reading articles about ingredients.
A to Z World Food
This database details cuisines and food customs from around the world. Each country has dozens of recipes available, and they are typically very easy to make. You can also research ingredients and learn where they are from, how they are used, and what their flavor profile is. The reference section contains a variety of historical timelines, foreign language dictionaries, and more.
Access World News
Access World News is great for students doing research on current events. It provides searchable full text and indexing of many U.S. and international newspapers, including print and online-only resources. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is included. The topic centers are helpful for students, while teachers will appreciate the Daily Headlines and Lesson Plans.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Brainfuse HelpNow connects students in grades K-12 with live tutors in a safe and secure online classroom. Students can access academic tutoring, homework help and test prep assistance. Resources are also available for early college students, adult learners, job seekers, and veterans. Anyone with a valid library card can use Brainfuse.
Explora - Secondary Schools
Explora, like World Book, has a variety of levels, so students of every grade will find resources that they are comfortable with. After World Book, this is our best student resource. It is also general in scope, so any topic can be researched. It provides a wide variety of resources, from videos to ebooks to academic, magazine, and newspaper articles.
World Book Student
World Book is the library's best student resource. Each interface is designed to be engaging and easy-to-use, with lots of interesting features. Because it is an encyclopedia, research is very easy, as students can quickly find the one article that best matches their keyword. World Book Student includes some lovely features, such as Behind the Headlines and the Biography Center. Students can also create an account and save their research to folders.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Brainfuse HelpNow connects students in grades K-12 with live tutors in a safe and secure online classroom. Students can access academic tutoring, homework help and test prep assistance. Resources are also available for early college students, adult learners, job seekers, and veterans. Anyone with a valid St. Louis County Library card can use Brainfuse.
Credo Reference
Credo Reference contains reference resources like encyclopedias, dictionaries, and biographies. The Mind Map feature, which takes the keyword and explodes it outwards into a web of related concepts, is fantastic for broadening/narrowing a topic or just for exploring. In addition to providing great resources within the database, it is also linked to a variety of other databases we subscribe to, making it a great launching pad for research.
Explora - Secondary Schools
Explora, like World Book, has a variety of levels, so students of every grade will find resources that they are comfortable with. After World Book, this is our best student resource. It is also general in scope, so any topic can be researched. It provides a wide variety of resources, from videos to ebooks to academic, magazine, and newspaper articles.
Global Road Warrior
Global Road Warrior has in-depth information on each of the 170+ countries included. Profiles go into detail on history, culture, climate, geography, language, and more. Some fun features include vintage maps and postcards, recipes, and a video dictionary for 30 different languages.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Opposing Viewpoints in Context covers current social issues. It gives students access to a variety of viewpoints on hot button issues and includes a wide variety of media, such as radio, video, statistics, and newspaper and magazine articles.
U.S. History in Context
US History in Context and World History in Context contain primary and secondary sources in a variety of formats. The topic centers are a great place for students to start their research. Once in one database, students can navigate between both US and World using the search bar.
World Book Advanced
World Book is the library's best student resource. Each interface is designed to be engaging and easy-to-use, with lots of interesting features. Because it is an encyclopedia, research is very easy, as students can quickly find the one article that best matches their keyword. World Book Student includes some lovely features, such as Behind the Headlines and Today in History. Students can also create an account and save their research to folders.
Brainfuse HelpNow
Brainfuse HelpNow connects students in grades K-12 with live tutors in a safe and secure online classroom. Students can access academic tutoring, homework help and test prep assistance. Resources are also available for early college students, adult learners, job seekers, and veterans. Anyone with a valid library card can use Brainfuse.
Creativebug
Creativebug is a video course platform. Choose from over 1000 arts and crafts classes taught by recognized artists and professionals, including classes directed towards kids and beginners. The platform has unlimited viewing.
Driving-Tests.org
Driving-Tests.org provides access to the following state-specific information:
- 11 car practice tests
- 8 motorcycle practice tests
- 3 CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) practice tests
- 3 online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, CDL)
- An FAQ section with detailed answers to 100+ DMV-related questions
Gale Courses
Gale Courses are interactive and instructor-led. Classes start on the third Wednesday of every month and run for six weeks, with two lessons published each week. You must complete the first two lessons within thirteen days of the start date or you will be dropped. Final exams require a minimum grade of 65% in order to receive a certificate. Courses cover a wide variety of topics, including business, writing, test prep, education, software instruction, and more. There is a class called Homeschool with Success that is excellent for those just starting to homeschool.
LearningExpress Library
LearningExpress Library offers access to more than 800 tutorials, practice exams, and eBooks for academic and career advancement. Practice tests include a variety of college admissions tests and occupational exams. There is also information on the U.S. Citizenship tests and the GED.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, offers video tutorials on software, technology, business, and more. There is no limit to how many videos you can watch. There are transcripts for the videos, and many have exercise files so you can follow along with the instructor. Please keep in mind that if you are learning how to use a software program, you will need to get access to that program yourself.
Mango Languages
Mango Languages offers access to 60+ foreign language courses and 17 English courses taught completely in the user's native language. Watch foreign-language movies in Movie Mode if you just want to sit back and enjoy or in Engage Mode if you want to learn about dialogue, culture, and grammar. Due to the simple flashcard style and focus on basic dialogue, this is an excellent ecourse option for elementary school students.
Transparent Language
Transparent Language Online is a language-learning online resource that builds listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills with unlimited access to more than 120 languages, including ESL for speakers of over 26 languages, and 12+ Native American languages. Pronunciation practices, speech analysis, grammar, writing activities, and vocabulary-building activities are also available.
We have many physical materials for checkout, including fiction and nonfiction titles for children and adults, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. Educators can find books on homeschooling for themselves and books to supplement their students’ curriculums. These resources can easily be found by searching the library catalog or calling 314-994-3300.
Highlighted below are some of the specialized kits and items available for checkout.
Book Discussion Kits
A number of book discussion kits are available for checked out. If we do not have a kit for the title you are looking for, our Readers’ Advisory Department can pull together a kit from our collection.
Games
We have a collection of tabletop games for checkout, from Bananagrams to Ticket to Ride. We also check out puzzles. You can find games by looking for “tabletop game” in our catalog. Puzzles vary from location to location; ask the desk staff and they can check one out for you.
Musical Instruments
We offer ukuleles, acoustic guitars, banjos, bongos, keyboards, xylophones, bass guitars, box drums, electric guitars, and djembes. Musical instruments often come with instructional books or DVDs. They check out for two weeks. Please keep in mind that you must pick them up at either Daniel Boone, Headquarters, Florissant Valley, or Grant’s View.
Parent Packs
Parent Packs are designed to help young children and their caregivers have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about important topics. Each Parent Pack includes books and a resource list on a specific theme, such as First Day of School, Death, Potty Training, and Friendship. The kits can be checked out for three weeks. Parent Packs are geared towards families with children in second grade or younger.
Sci-Finders Kits
Sci-Finders Kits are a fun, hands-on activity kit. They center on a variety of science and technology topics, from levers to robotics. Some particularly noteworthy kits are the programmable Ozobots, the microscope kit, and our Lego sets. All kits check out for three weeks at a time and can be picked up at any location. You can find them in our catalog by searching “sci-finders.”
Telescopes and Binoculars
Check out a telescope or a pair of binoculars. Telescopes come with a pocket guide, a book of constellations, and a headlamp. Binoculars come with several pocket guides. Both check out for 21 days at a time and can be picked up at any location.
In addition to offering a variety of digital resources, we also provide services that can be very helpful to homeschoolers.
Book a Librarian
Meet one-on-one with a reference librarian. Let us know what you are researching or what databases you want to learn about and we will tailor the session to your needs. This service is available to educators and students alike.
Class Visits and Library Tours
Have a reference librarian visit your classroom, co-op, meetup, or group to do a presentation on library resources. Presentations can be created around any grade or subject area.
Educator Bundles
Allow our Youth Services Department to pull together a bundle of educational books related to a specific topic. They need at least two weeks’ notice to gather materials, and materials included will depend on availability. Request an Educator Bundle. Although the form is structured for traditional classrooms, homeschoolers are also encouraged to submit requests.
Organizations & Resources
Please keep in mind that the resources listed in the Local Resources section are not connected to the St. Louis County Library. If you have questions about their mission or services, please contact them.
Families for Home Education (FHE)
Site: https://fhe-mo.org/
Address: P.O. Box 3096, Independence, MO 64055
Phone: 877-696-6343
Email: 1983fhemo@gmail.com
FHE’s purpose is to protect the inalienable right of the parents of Missouri to teach their own children without state regulation or control. FHE represents and supports the rights of all home educators in the state and is not affiliated with any religious or political organization, or special interest group. There are chapters throughout Missouri. Membership required to unlock full access.
Missouri Association of Teaching Christian Homes, Inc. (MATCH)
Site: https://www.match-inc.org/
This group offers service and support to home educators and support groups within the state of Missouri.
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Site: https://dese.mo.gov/communications/frequently-asked-questions-and-educational-topics
The department does not regulate or monitor home schooling. There is no registration required with the state. There is no program for the inspection, approval, or accreditation of home schools in Missouri.
State of Missouri: Education
Site: https://www.mo.gov/education/k-12/
Find the laws related to homeschooling in Missouri.
Time for Learning: Homeschooling in Missouri
Site: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/missouri/
A good overview of homeschooling in the State of Missouri.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
Site: https://hslda.org/
Address: P.O. Box 3000 Purcellville, VA 20134
Phone: 540-338-5600
A nonprofit advocacy organization that offers legal help to the homeschool community. Membership required.
Classical Conversations
Site: https://www.classicalconversations.com/
A Christian organization that provides classes with a classical focus. There are several local chapters. You can find your local chapter and its contact information on the Classical Conversations website.
DaySpring Arts and Education
Site: https://www.dayspringarts.org/
Address: 2500 Metro Blvd. Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Phone number: 314-291-8878
DaySpring offers dance, performing arts, music, and fine arts classes. They also offer classes through DaySpring Academy for all grades. While not specifically for homeschoolers, they welcome homeschoolers into their classes.
Eagle Learning Center
Site: https://www.homeschool-life.com/mo/elc/
Address: The Rock Church, 15101 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011
Email: eaglelearningcenterboard@gmail.com
The Eagle Learning Center is a Christian organization that offers enrichment and core classes for Grades K-12. Classes run for two 12-week semesters and cover a variety of subjects. Costs vary per class.
The Pillar Foundation
Site: https://www.thepillar.org/
Address: 15820 Clayton Rd. Ellisville, MO 63011
Phone number: 636-386-7722
Email: pillar@thepillar.org
An educational foundation that provides instruction, seminars, and conferences to Christian homeschool families. Semester classes are offered to the homeschooling community free of charge. Classes cover STEM, social studies, literature, and more.
Shared Learning Time, Inc.
Site: sharedlearningtime.com
Email: admin@sharedlearningtime.com
A homeschool resource program with a mission to partner with homeschooling families in the North County St. Louis metro area, in order to combine the benefits of instructor-led classroom experiences with the family’s independent homeschooling goals.