Texas is one of the biggest homeschooling states in the nation, offering parents and students the freedom to learn and teach at home. However, homeschooling does come with certain legal obligations, and it’s important for parents and administrators to know the basics when it comes to legally homeschooling in the Lone Star State.
This article answers 15 common questions about homeschooling legally in Texas, to ensure parents have the information they need to make the best homeschooling decisions.
1. Do I have to Notify the Texas Education Agency I’m Homeschooling?
Yes, in Texas you must notify the Texas Education Agency (TEA) once you decide to begin homeschooling. This can be done through an online form, or you can download the form and submit it by mail. Additionally, parents need to file a form of intent with TEA each year after the first year, which is due no later than 45 days after the start of your homeschool year.
When you reach the end of the school year, you’ll also want to update TEA about your student’s performance.
2. How do I Find a Homeschool Support Group?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling on your own, you might want to consider joining a homeschool support group. These groups can offer lots of benefits, from assistance with curriculum and lesson plans to peer groups and extracurricular activities to join. You can locate homeschool support groups in your area by searching online, attending homeschool conventions, or finding homeschoolers through local churches or organizations.
Many cities and counties in Texas also have their own homeschool networks.
3. Is There Special Training Required for Homeschooling?
No, there is no mandatory training required in Texas when it comes to homeschooling. However, some parents might want to become better educated on the legal requirements of homeschooling and the different educational options available.
Many homeschool support groups in Texas offer classes and workshops for prospective and current homeschooling parents. Additionally, local school districts may offer classes and workshops for homeschooling families.
4. Do I Need to Teach State-Required Subjects?
Yes, when homeschooling in Texas, parents are required to teach the same subjects as public schools including reading, spelling, grammar, math, science, and history. Additionally, parents who homeschool in Texas must also teach handwriting, physical education, and good citizenship.
TEA does not provide an official curriculum for homeschoolers, so parents are free to choose the curriculum, books, and materials they deem appropriate for their homeschooling goals.
5. Are There Ways to Add Variety to the Homeschool Day?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas can add variety to homeschool days through a variety of online curricula, field trips, museum visits, educational video sites, and other resources. Additionally, parents may opt to participate in homeschool co-ops and support groups, which can provide in-person interaction with other homeschooling families as well as offer options for extracurricular activities, science experiments, and other group activities.
6. Does Homeschooling in Texas Require Standardized Testing?
In Texas, standardized tests are only required for homeschoolers if a student attends a private school, or if the student is participating in a home-based private school that is approved by TEA for use in the state. If neither of those criteria are being met, then standardized testing is not legally required for homeschoolers in Texas.
7. Is a Diploma or Certificate Required in Texas?
No, a diploma or certificate is not required for homeschoolers in Texas. It is up to the individual parents to determine whether they would like to issue a diploma to their homeschooled students upon the completion of their program.
8. Are There Homeschool Laws Specific to Texas?
Yes, in addition to the The Texas Education Code, there are other laws in Texas specific to homeschoolers. One of the most important is the Compulsory Education Code which states that minors between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend school. For homeschoolers this means that parents must provide a full-time at-home educational program.
Additionally, Texas requires parents to provide a “good faith effort” to provide an education and to keep attendance records.
9. What Resources Are Available to Aid in Homeschooling Legally in Texas?
The TEA provides an informational booklet specifically designed to provide resources to help families homeschool legally in Texas. This booklet outlines the requirements in the Texas Education Code and contains answers to common questions.
Additionally, the TEA provides a list of online resources and organizations that can be helpful to parents, including online resources and home education support groups.
10. Is Online Learning an Option for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes, it is possible for homeschoolers in Texas to take advantage of online learning options if they choose. Online learning can provide students with a way to access curriculum and materials from the privacy of their own home. Parents should research the various curriculum options and make sure they understand the legal requirements of participating in an online learning program.
11. Do I Need to Keep Attendance Records When Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes, Texas law requires parents to keep attendance records when homeschooling. This can be done through personal diaries, calendars, or checklists. Follow the TEA’s guidelines on keeping accurate records, which require that parents have “valid” proof of attendance during this time.
12. Is Homeschooling Regulated by Local School Districts?
No, homeschooling is not regulated by local school districts in Texas. The Texas Education Code outlines what is required to homeschool and TEA is responsible for providing oversight of homeschooling. Local school districts typically have no legal say in how a family chooses to homeschool.
13. Are There Home-Based Private Schools in Texas?
Yes, a home-based private school can be formed in Texas to take advantage of certain educational opportunities. In order for a private home-based school to be recognized by the state, it must become certified by TEA.
This process includes filing paperwork, meeting certain criteria, and filing the proper information with TEA. Once the school is certified, students may need to take state standardized tests to demonstrate that their educational goals are being met. Additionally, the school may need to provide other documentation, such as transcripts and assessments.
14. Are There Tax Breaks Available for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas are eligible for certain tax breaks. This includes the Texas Education Credit, which is available to the parent of the homeschooled student and allows the parent to deduct up to $30,000 of the expenses associated with homeschooling. Additionally, the Parental Tax Deduction, which offers a $50 per month deduction for education expense, may also be available to homeschoolers.
15. Is Homeschooling a Long-Term Legal Option in Texas?
Yes, homeschooling is a long-term legal option in Texas and is considered one of the most lenient homeschooling states in the country. TEA oversees the homeschooling process in Texas and provides parents with the information they need to make sure their homeschooling experience is legal. As long as parents are following the criteria outlined in the Texas Education Code, homeschooling can be a long-term legal option.
ConclusionTexas is a popular state for homeschoolers and with the right information, parents have the opportunity to provide a quality education to their children while they enjoy the flexibility of learning from home. Knowing the legal requirements of homeschooling in Texas, and being aware of the resources available, can make the experience of homeschooling much easier.