Homeschooling has become increasingly popular over the years as many families in the United States opt for it as an alternate form of education for their children. Reports show that in 2019 alone, 7 million students in the United States were homeschooled.
If you’re a family from the state of Texas and interested in homeschooling your child, then you might be wondering, “What is the process to be able to homeschool in Texas?” In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process of homeschooling in Texas, covering topics such as the legality of homeschooling, the various requirements and guidelines to homeschooling, and the options you have available if you plan on homeschooling in Texas.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Texas?
The answer is yes, homeschooling is legal throughout the state of Texas. The Texas Education Code, specifically Sections 2086 and 2
091, outlines the requirements, laws, and regulations that parent-teachers must follow in order to homeschool in Texas. To legally homeschool in Texas, parents must consider the following criteria: 1) Parents must have at least a high school diploma or a GED equivalent in order to teach.
2) Parents are responsible for all instructional materials, resources, and other educational materials used in the homeschooling of their children. 3) All instruction must be reported in the form of a yearly attendance report. 4) The parent-teacher must submit an affidavit to their local school district, which must include the legal name and age of the child, the parent-teacher’s residence address, and the curriculum used for instruction.
The statute also requires that the parent-teacher submit an annual report of the child’s academic progress and attendance, which must include the child name, age, residence address, and a declaration that the child has received educational instruction as outlined in the statute over the course of the previous school year. Given that homeschooling is legal in Texas, parents must also be aware of additional rules and guidelines set forth by their local school districts.
While Texas statutes do not require the parent-teacher to formally register with their local school district, they must submit the necessary affidavit of intent and ensure that they are following all of the necessary state and local guidelines.
What Are the Requirements and Guidelines for Homeschooling in Texas?
In addition to being aware of the statues outlined in the Texas Education Code, parents should also be informed of any additional requirements or guidelines that may be set forth by their local school districts. Some of the things to be aware of include: 1) The curriculum should include the five basic subjects of language arts, math, science, social studies, and health/physical education. In some cases, the local school district may require additional subjects.
2) A minimum of 180 school days should be provided for instruction. This does not necessarily mean that a school day must be standardized to only one hour, but that 180 hours of instruction must be offered each school year.
3) All instruction should be provided in English. If the child is not fluent in English, the parent-teacher must also consider any supplemental program that may be available for the child.
4) If a child has a disability, the parent-teacher must make accommodations to ensure that their needs are met and that instruction is adapted if necessary. 5) The parent-teacher must keep all required paperwork and records of instruction and submit them to the local school district upon request. These are just some of the general requirements and guidelines that parents must be aware of before homeschooling in Texas.
The parent-teacher should also be sure to research any additional requirements or regulations in their specific locality.
What Are The Options Available for Homeschooling in Texas?
Texas has a wide range of options available for homeschooling. This includes an array of public, private, and online homeschooling programs that parents may consider. Public homeschooling options include public charter schools, virtual schools, and homeschool cooperatives.
Public charter schools are schools that receive funding from the public school system but are managed by private entities. Virtual schools are schools that are administered entirely online, while homeschool cooperatives are groups of parents that team up to provide instruction and resources.
There are also private homeschooling options available, such as private tutors, homeschooling support organizations, and homeschooling curriculum providers. Private tutors are a great option for parents who need extra help with teaching and providing instruction, while homeschooling support organizations are composed of parents, community members, and educational professionals who provide resources and guidance for homeschooling families. Homeschooling curriculum providers offer parents curriculum kits and materials specifically designed for homeschooling.
Finally, online homeschooling programs are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer the convenience of being able to access instruction, resources, and materials from the comfort of their own home. Online programs can range from full-time online schooling to supplemental courses for grasping certain concepts.
The options mentioned here are just some of the options you have available if you plan on homeschooling your child in Texas. Be sure to research your options thoroughly to find the best option that fits your family’s needs.
Conclusion
The process of homeschooling in the state of Texas is straightforward and involves meeting certain legal requirements and guidelines. If you decide to homeschool in Texas, you may rest assured that you have a wide range of homeschooling options available to you, including public, private, and online programs.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your family to decide on the option that fits best for your child’s educational needs and goals.