What parents need to know about homeschooling in Texas
Deep in the heart of Texas!
One of my favorite songs about Texas.
Likewise, many things come up when you google Texas, including travel locations, real estate, and eateries, but not homeschooling. I was once new to homeschool too.
Welcome to Homemaking Redefined! My goal is to answer any questions you may have and take away any homeschool woes. If you are like me and decided to make that leap into homeschooling, I’d like to help you get started as fast as I can.
No worries, I’ve got you covered and I’m happy to be your guide as you transition into your homeschool journey. Click here to choose a homeschool package that is right for you.
On the other hand, for now, let me share with you a little about our homeschool journey and what I know about homeschooling in Texas.
Is it legal to homeschool in Texas?
Yes! It is legal to homeschool in the state of Texas and anywhere in the United States.
Thanks to pioneer parents pursuing a different approach to their child’s education, on April 13, 1987, a class-action lawsuit (case no. 17-88761-85) Leeper vs. Arlington ISD, legalized homeschool. This decision granted the right of Texas families to educate their children at home.
What is the homeschool law in Texas?
In the case of Leeper vs. Arlington ISD, Presiding Judge Charles J. Murray stated that:
A school-age child residing in the state of Texas who is being educated in a bona fide manner by the parents, or those standing in parental authority, in or through the child’s home using a curriculum, consisting of books, workbooks, other written materials, including that which appears on an electronic screen of either a computer or videotape monitor or any combination of the preceding from either (1) a private or parochial school which exists apart from the child’s home or (2) which has been developed or obtained from any source, said curriculum designed to meet basic education goals of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and a study of good citizenship, is in attendance upon a private or parochial school within the meaning of Section 25.086(a)(1) of the Texas Education Code and exempt from the requirements of compulsory attendance at a public school.
In other words, legally summarized, homeschooled children in Texas are considered private institutions. Texas homeschool children are exempt from the attendance required to the same extent as students enrolled in private schools.
Should I withdraw or register my child from Public School or Private School?
Parents are not legally required to register with your local school district and receive their permission to homeschool. But parents are required to withdraw their child from public school if already in rolled before they begin schooling at home.
To clarify, as a former public-school teacher, I can let you in on a little secret. Are you ready? No, you do not have to explain why you are withdrawing your child from school. You didn’t hear it from me, but some public-school office personnel like to know your business if you know what I mean.
For additional general information regarding Texas’ stance on homeschooling visit the Texas Education Agency’s website.
Do I need to join a Homeschool Coalition?
When we decided to homeschool our children, the first area of research I focused on was law. While researching homeschool laws in Texas, I came across a local homeschool group with a local book store business.
At that time, websites were not as informative, trendy, or updated. I am an old soul and prefer to chat with someone directly. I put in a call to the bookstore. Office personnel at the local Texas bookstore directed me to the Texas Homeschool Coalition website.
The second phone call I made, was to the Texas Homeschool Coalition office, where I found the legal information I needed. Typically, Coalitions and organizations operate to provide legal assistance and representation, similar to a Teachers Union but for homeschool parents. Other benefits may include; curriculum discounts, local and state events, conferences, planning tools, curriculum help or support, etc.
To sum up, do you need to join a coalition? The choice is up to you. On a personal note, we belong to a local co-op for the support we need. Our co-op does not provide legal aid but does offer social support, classes, and field trips.
How many hours a day or week should I homeschool?
Texas does not give a legal requirement for your homeschool day, week, and year. As for how many hours a day a parent should homeschool, Texas doesn’t mention that either. Texas law provides us Texans with worlds of homeschool freedoms.
On average, homeschoolers study about 2-4 hours a day (guilty). It all depends on the type of curriculum you use, how many students, and how you schedule your day. Wait, did you say schedule?
Click here for access to my online library, where you can print out a free homeschool schedule template.
For example, most homeschool parents choose to combine and teach elective subjects (history, science, art, etc.) as a group study allowing more time spent teaching core subjects individually (math, reading, spelling, etc.). Or, like our family, we choose to co-op out any difficult learning subject to make time for other activities at home.
Does my child need to take Texas Standardized tests?
No.
By law, Texas homeschoolers are not subject to local or state standardized tests. Parents can if they choose to take a standardized test through their local co-op, testing center, or school district.
In short.
Did I answer any questions you may have about homeschooling in Texas?
Are you a fellow Texan interested in homeschooling? Comments are always welcome.
Happy Homeschooling!
Jaclyn
