Educational Institutions
COVID-19 Testing Programs for K-12 Schools in Missouri
The following COVID-19 testing programs are available to all Missouri public, private and charter schools.
- Antigen Testing Program. Provides rapid antigen test kits at no cost for schools. Application required. Email AntigenTesting@health.mo.gov with any questions.
Missouri Antigen Testing Program for K-12 Schools
Alert Due to the nationwide shortage of BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests, the Antigen Testing Program provided through DESE has been discontinued. A new option for obtaining ACON Flow Flex antigen tests has been made available through DHSS. See information about ACON Flow Flex. Note: schools can continue to use BinaxNow antigen tests until they expire.
To receive antigen tests, a new application with DHSS is required. Previous applications submitted to DESE will not be transferred to DHSS.
- All existing antigen testing program participants will need to do the following in order to be approved to receive tests:
- Re-apply to receive ACON Flow Flex tests
- Complete the required training (there’s no video; just reviewing information online)
- Provide verification of the training
- Resubmit a test plan that includes an infectious waste disposal plan
- Provide the locations of testing
Use of Antigen Tests
The purpose of the antigen tests is to help schools safely deliver in-person learning to as many students as possible. Antigen tests can be used for:
- Symptomatic testing
- Asymptomatic testing, including Test to Stay*
- Testing individuals from positive pools identified in the screening testing program
*Test to Stay allows a close contact (following COVID-19 exposure in the K-12 school setting) to continue school activities during a quarantine period through frequent testing. See Missouri School COVID-19 Operating Guidance for more information regarding Test to Stay.
Note: If your district/school plans to use ACON Flow Flex tests for a Test to Stay/Test to Play Program, or as part of your Screening Testing Program, the tests should be administered onsite at a school facility, not sent home with staff/students. In the application, you must select the option to administer tests onsite.
See Standing Orders to Administer ACON Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test for COVID-19 in Schools:
Application for the Antigen Testing Program
- For more information, visit the DHSS Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application and Resource Page and watch the application tutorial.
- The Online Application must be completed to receive antigen tests to administer at school.
- For questions about the Antigen Testing Program, email AntigenTesting@health.mo.gov.
Additional COVID-19 Guidance, Information and Resources for K-12 Schools
- Missouri School COVID-19 Operating Guidance
School operating guidance, developed by DHSS and DESE in accordance with CDC recommendations, that intends to provide additional clarity and consistency for Missouri school leaders and public health officials as they make decisions about school operating strategies at the local level. - Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Information
Information from DESE on student attendance, school closure, assessments and virtual education opportunities - CDC Guidance for Schools
- PPE Use Guidance for School Nurses and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
- Missouri Healthy Schools
- Rockefeller Foundation’s Covid-19 Testing K-12 Settings: A Playbook for Educators and Leaders
- Open and Safe Schools
- When to Test - COVID-19 Testing Impact Calculator
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
