The idea of homeschooling as a viable educational option has been on the rise in recent years and Texas is no exception. The Lone Star State has seen a steady increase in the number of families choosing to homeschool their children, but the process of filing the necessary paperwork can be overwhelming, particularly for those just starting out.
Thankfully, Texas has a few simple steps that must be taken to ensure the process of homeschooling is legal and compliant. This article will offer a comprehensive guide to filing the proper paperwork to let a school district in Texas know that you are homeschooling and provide answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about the process.
What Is The Primary Requirement for Homeschooling in Texas?
The primary requirement for homeschooling in Texas is that parents or guardians must file a “Notice of Intent to Home School” (NOI) form with their local school district and document at least four hours of instruction each day for at least 180 days of instruction throughout the year. This NOI form is the one and only requirement for legally homeschooling in Texas. Once filed with the local school district, it is important to keep the dated receipt from the school district as proof of proper filing.
What Are the Steps to Let a School Know You Are Going to Homeschool in Texas?
The steps to let a school know you are going to homeschool in Texas are as follows: First, download the Notice of Intent to Home School (NOI) form from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website and complete it with the required information. Second, submit the completed form to your child’s local school district.
Third, once the school district has received the form, they may contact the home school to verify that the NOI has been submitted and is accurate. Fourth, if the school district does not contact the student’s home to verify the form or request additional information, the student is free to begin homeschooling.
What Information Is Required on the Notice of Intent to Home School?
The Notice of Intent to Home School form requires the names of the student, the parent/guardian, and the date the student turned 6 years old (for those who have recently turned 6 years old). The form also requires the name of the school district, the address of the home school, the address of the parent/guardian, the number of students being homeschooled, and the names of the instructors. The form must also be signed and dated by the parent/guardian.
Where Can I Find the Notice of Intent to Home School Form?
The Notice of Intent to Home School form can be found on the Texas Education Agency website or the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) website. The form must be completed and filed with the local school district in order for the student to begin homeschooling.
What Type of Instruction Is Required for Homeschooling in Texas?
Texas requires that parents provide a minimum of 4 hours of instruction each day throughout 180 school days a year. This can be achieved through the use of traditional curriculum, online classes, workshops, or other instructional options.
Rather than focusing on specific subject areas, the state of Texas focuses on the requirements described in Chapter 74 of the Texas Education Code. This section outlines a broad range of subject areas and topics that are typically taught in public schools and are required to meet the instructional requirements of homeschooling in Texas. The topics include reading, spelling, grammar, math, science, social studies, and good citizenship.
Do I Need to Notify Any Other Educational Agencies About My Intent to Homeschool in Texas?
No, the only agency you are required to notify about your intent to homeschool in Texas is the school district where your child would be enrolled if they were attending a public or private school. The school district is the only agency with the authority to approve or reject your Notice of Intent to Home School form.
Do I Need to Meet Any Specific Requirements to Homeschool in Texas?
Yes. In addition to filing a Notice of Intent to Home School form, Texas also requires that parents who wish to homeschool must provide educational materials and an instructional program designed to meet the educational needs of their children.
This program must include instruction in reading, spelling, grammar, math, science, social studies, and good citizenship, as well as instruction in English and civics. Parents also must meet certain qualifications based on the age of the student in order to be eligible to homeschool, as stated in Chapter 74 of the Texas Education Code.
Do I Need to Keep Records or Submit Reports to the School District?
Yes, parents must keep records of each student’s educational progress and submit an Annual Evaluation of the student on or before May 15 each year. This evaluation must include a narrative, standardized test scores, or an assessment administered by a certified teacher. Parents must also keep attendance records for their students.
Do I Need to Administer Standardized Tests as Part of My Homeschool Program?
No, homeschool parents in Texas are not required to administer standardized tests as part of their program. However, standardized tests can be helpful in assessing student progress and can be administered voluntarily by parents or through the use of a certified teacher.
Do I Need to Purchase Special Curriculum to Homeschool My Child?
No, parents are not required to purchase any special curriculum to homeschool their children in Texas. Parents are free to use any curriculum materials they find to be most appropriate for the educational needs of their children.
Are There Any Special Rules or Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Yes, parents must follow certain rules when homeschooling their children in Texas. These include but are not limited to ensuring the safety of their children, allowing the school district to inspect their homeschooling materials, and providing educational materials. It is also important to note that homeschoolers in Texas are not allowed to participate in any activities such as field trips, competitions, or other extracurricular activities sponsored by the school district or state.
Do I Need to Have My Child Vaccinated to Homeschool?
Yes, students must be up-to-date on their required immunizations before beginning homeschooling. Additionally, parents must file a Certificate of Immunization with the school district in order to begin homeschooling.
Is There Any Financial Assistance Available for Homeschoolers in Texas?
No, there is no financial assistance available for homeschoolers in Texas. However, the state does offer grants to parents interested in homeschooling.
These grants can be used for materials, supplies, or tutoring. It is important to note that these grants must be requested and are not automatically awarded.
What If I Move to a New School District During the Year? Do I Need to File another Notice of Intent?
Yes, if you move to a new school district during the year, you will need to file another Notice of Intent to Home School form with the new school district.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas can be a rewarding experience but it is important to make sure all the proper paperwork is filed in order to ensure compliance with state law. The primary requirement for homeschooling in Texas is that parents must file a Notice of Intent to Home School form with their local school district, and the form must include the names of the student, parent, and school district, as well as any other instructors involved.
Additionally, parents must keep records of their student’s educational progress and submit an Annual Evaluation on or before May 15 each year. By following these simple steps, homeschoolers in Texas can be sure that their educational program is in compliance with the state laws and regulations.