Guns, knives, and weapons are generally prohibited on school grounds, as provided by school policies and state and federal laws.

Although children in grades 1-12 are generally not eligible for a concealed carry weapon permit, older students on college campuses may be eligible for a concealed carry permit (CCP) in some states—also known as a concealed handgun license (CHL), license to carry (LTC), concealed carry license (CCL), or concealed carry weapon (CCW).

A student’s right to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds may be governed by state and federal laws, as well as school policies.

In Missouri, the possession of guns, knives, and other weapons on school grounds is strictly regulated by both state statutes and federal law. Under Missouri law, it is generally unlawful for any person to knowingly carry a weapon into any school, onto any school bus, or onto the premises of any function or activity sponsored or sanctioned by school officials (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107). This applies to all levels of educational institutions, from elementary to high school. However, for college campuses, the law is slightly different. While Missouri does allow individuals who are 19 years or older to obtain a concealed carry permit (CCP), individual colleges and universities in Missouri have the authority to set their own policies regarding the carrying of concealed weapons on their premises. Some institutions may allow concealed carry, while others may prohibit it. It's important for students to be aware of and comply with the specific policies of their institution. Additionally, the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibits the unauthorized possession of firearms in school zones, with certain exceptions for licensed individuals. Therefore, students who are eligible and have obtained a CCP must still navigate a complex web of state laws, federal laws, and individual school policies to understand where and how they can legally carry a concealed weapon on school grounds.