Missouri § 160.051 - Public school system established — child attains age five, when — board shall provide free instruction for children between ages of five and six years — literacy programs — summer school for prekindergartners.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 160.051 — Public school system established — child attains age five, when — board shall provide free instruction for children between ages of five and six years — literacy programs — summer school for prekindergartners., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 160.051. Public school system established — child attains age five, when — board shall provide free instruction for children between ages of five and six years — literacy programs — summer school for prekindergartners.
1. A system of free public schools is established throughout the state for the gratuitous instruction of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years. Any child whose fifth birthday occurs before the first day of August shall be deemed to have attained the age of five years at the commencement of the school year beginning in that calendar year or at the commencement of the summer school session immediately prior to the school term beginning in the school year beginning in that calendar year, whichever is earlier, for the purpose of apportioning state school funds and for all other purposes.
2. Public schools may establish family literacy programs for children of all ages and their families.
3. The department of elementary and secondary education shall not use school for kindergarten pupils in the summer preceding such pupils' regular fall starting date as an element of the standards of the Missouri school improvement program.
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(L. 1963 p. 200 § 1-5, A.L. 1967 p. 236, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1456 & 1197, A.L. 1985 H.B. 463, A.L. 1988 S.B. 797, A.L. 1990 S.B. 740, A.L. 1996 S.B. 572, A.L. 1999 H.B. 889, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1711)
Severability clause, see § 82.293.
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Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 160.051
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 160.051 cover?
Section 160.051 ("Public school system established — child attains age five, when — board shall provide free instruction for children between ages of five and six years — literacy programs — summer school for prekindergartners.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 160.051?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 160.051" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 160.051 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.