State of Texas Homeschool Requirements
Home education is gaining popularity in the Lone Star State. Between the straightforward Texas homeschooling laws and the flexibility that home education offers, it’s easy to see why! If you are interested in exploring a more relaxed and independent approach to your child’s education, homeschooling in Texas may be a great option for you!
Texas is a very low regulation state, and it only has a few requirements that homeschooling families need to follow. It’s important to do your research, as homeschool laws vary by state. Once you’ve taken care of the legal aspects, you’ll be starting your homeschooling journey in no time!
Homeschooling in Texas at a Glance
Texas – The Lone Star State
| Required Age | 5-19 (or until graduation) |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | None |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Assistance Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
There are no educational requirements for parents who wish to homeschool in Texas.
Notice of Intent
If your child has never been enrolled in a public school, you are not required to provide any Notice of Intent.
If your child is enrolled in a public school, you must send a letter of withdrawal to your county superintendent stating your intent to homeschool. It’s important to send the letter before withdrawing your child from school to prevent your student from becoming truant.
Attendance
There are no attendance requirements for homeschoolers in Texas. Parents may teach for as little or as long as their student needs.
Curriculum
There are only three requirements for Texas homeschoolers:
- The curriculum must be in a visual format.
- Instruction must be bona fide, or in good faith.
- The curriculum must teach reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.
Any homeschool curriculum in Texas must be in a visual format. An example of a visual curriculum would be teaching through books, videos, or written activities. For example, providing lessons only through an audiobook format would not meet the visual curriculum requirement.
The instruction must also be “bona fide,” meaning genuine in quality or effort. Giving the child a math workbook and telling them to “have at it,” or only teaching when being observed would fail to meet the good faith requirement.
As mentioned, there are only five subjects required for Texas homeschoolers:
- Reading
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Math
- Good citizenship
The first three typically fall under the English Language Arts (ELA) category. “Good citizenship” includes basic knowledge of civics, such as learning U.S. and Texas history, how the government works, and what one’s civic responsibilities are.
Science and social studies are not required by law, although you will likely want to incorporate them into your homeschool curriculum. Science teaches students about the way the natural world works, the forces that we rely on, and the resources that power our bodies and communities. Social studies familiarizes students with the cultures, governments, and history of the world, and it can help them better understand the global economy we have today. Both subjects are crucial for providing students with a well-rounded, quality education. You can also use the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards as a guideline when choosing social studies and science courses.
In addition, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not require you to use or maintain a list of accredited homeschool programs in Texas, but it’s always a good idea to use one! Accreditation ensures that your curriculum is of a high educational standard. Both Miacademy and MiaPrep are accredited by the ACS-WASC, meaning that they meet and maintain a high level of academic integrity.
Testing
Homeschoolers in Texas are not required to take the STAAR test, and they are exempt from all standardized testing.
However, many homeschool families still opt to test their students periodically, as it is a great way to assess academic progress. In addition, using test results to analyze your student’s strengths and weaknesses can help you make informed decisions when tailoring their curriculum. You can purchase and administer standardized tests, such as the nationally normed IOWA Test and Stanford Achievement Test-10, through online testing administrators.
Record Keeping
Texas does not require record keeping for homeschoolers. However, good record keeping is a vital resource to track progress, ensuring students are continuing to learn. They are also extremely important to have if you send your student back to public school.
Good records should contain the following:
- Attendance
- Immunizations
- Any texts and workbooks used
- Samples of your student’s best work
- Test and evaluation results
- Any correspondence you have with school officials
Transcripts
While the state doesn’t require you to make a transcript for your child, knowing how to do so is still a good idea, especially if your child decides to go to college. Transcripts usually include a record of all courses, credits, and final grades earned over your child’s high school career. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Texas, parents are able to determine when their child is ready to graduate. Parents are responsible for providing a homeschool high school diploma, as well. Post-secondary schools in Texas are required to apply the same standards to homeschool graduates as to public or private school graduates to prevent educational discrimination during college applications.
To get a better idea of what one’s student should know before graduation, many parents use the Texas Education Agency’s Graduation Requirements as a guide. Texas public high schools require credits in ELA, math, science, social studies, physical education, and personal finance to earn a diploma. While some of these courses are optional for homeschooled students, taking them can make students more competitive if they plan to pursue higher education and ensure they’re well prepared for life after high school.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no state financial resources available for Texas homeschoolers at this time.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Texas, check out the following resources:
- The Texas Homeschool Coalition provides up-to-date information and hosts events for local homeschoolers in the Lone Star State.
- Texas Home Educators provides a comprehensive list of homeschool parent groups in each city, throughout the state. Find your local Texas homeschool community today!
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Texas homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
Are homeschoolers required to take the STAAR test?
Homeschooled students are not required to take the STAAR test. Texas’s homeschooling requirements focus on curricular subjects instead of assessments.
Information accurate as of: 03/29/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, outdated information, or the results yielded through use of this information.