Homeschooling has seen a resurgence in recent decades, and many families in Katy, Texas have made the decision to begin homeschooling. However, there is still some uncertainty as to what is required in order to get started with homeschooling in the area.
Thus, this article provides answers to 15 frequently asked questions about starting a homeschool in Katy, Texas.
What is Required to Legally Homeschool in Katy?
The legal requirements for homeschooling in Katy, Texas are the same as for homeschoolers in all other cities and towns in the state. The Texas Education Code (TEC) requires that, in order to begin homeschooling, parents must: Provide evidence that the child is immunized in accordance with the minimum immunization schedule;
Give notice to the local school district prior to withdrawing the child from a public or private school; Administer a nationally or internationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement test, or have an exit assessment administered by a certified Texas teacher, at least once during the fourth, seventh, and tenth grade academic years;
Comply with the attendance requirements of the TEC; Submit a notice of intent to the state annually that includes proof of the student’s residence address and the time and place in which the student is receiving instruction; and Ensure that instruction is provided in the required subjects.
The required subjects for home schooling in Katy, Texas are language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts/art, music, physical education, health/safety, and foreign language – though some of these subjects may be exempt due to the child’s age.
How do I Give Notice of Intent to Homeschool in Katy?
When parents decide to start homeschooling in Katy, the first step is to give notice of intent to the school district. This notice must be submitted annually, prior to beginning homeschooling, and must include proof of the student’s residence address and the time and place in which the student is receiving instruction.
Notice of intent can be given at any time during the year and must be given to the school district prior to withdrawing the child from a public or private school. When giving notice of intent, parents must provide the student’s name, address, and date of birth; a statement of the grades or grade levels that the student will be taught and the basic curriculum that will be used; and a statement of the centralized location in which the student will receive their home school instruction and the times that instruction will take place.
What is the Process for Completing the Immunization Requirement?
In Katy, Texas, all homeschooled children must meet immunization requirements, which must be documented before the student can begin home schooling. All immunizations must be completed in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) minimum immunization schedule, which is updated and released periodically. Upon completion of the immunization process, parents must provide the immunization records to the school district.
These documents must include the type of vaccines administered, the month and year the vaccines were administered, and the name and address of the doctor or clinic that administered the vaccines. In cases where the student cannot receive immunizations due to medical reasons, an official statement from a physician exempting the student from the immunization requirements may be provided in lieu of immunization records.
What is Involved in Administering a Nationally or Internationally Standardized, Norm-Referenced Achievement Test?
In order to ensure that all homeschooled students in Katy, Texas, are receiving a quality education, parents are required to administer a nationally or internationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement test annually. This requirement applies to students in fourth, seventh, and tenth grade, and the test must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The tests must be administered by parents who are qualified to administer the test or by an independent evaluator who must hold a valid, Texas-issued certificate in the subject area of the test and must have completed a training course approved by the TEA.
Upon completion of the test, the results are sent to the school district, and an progress report describing the results of the achievement test must be provided.
What Subjects Must be Included in the Homeschool Curriculum?
In Katy, Texas, homeschoolers are required to include instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts/art, music, physical education, health/safety, and foreign language in their curriculum. Depending on the age of the student, some of these subjects may be exempt from the curriculum; for instance, language arts and mathematics can be exempted for students in prekindergarten and kindergarten. Parents are responsible for providing instruction in these subjects, either through textbooks, online courses, or teaching supplemented by activities or field trips.
When beginning a homeschool in Katy, Texas, parents should also remember that they are responsible for providing timely feedback and progress reports that assess the student’s academic progress and document their progress towards meeting their educational goals.
What Are the Attendance Requirements for Homeschooling in Katy?
In Katy, Texas, homeschool students must meet the same attendance requirements as students in traditional schools. Parent-taught homeschoolers must have instruction a minimum of 180 days during the year, though they may also choose to operate on a year-round schedule in which instruction is provided for at least 18 weeks of the school year.
Additionally, instruction must begin by the sixth day after the student was scheduled to begin instruction in the school district that the student was enrolled in prior to withdrawing; and no more than 45 days of absence in a school year are permitted for students in grades one through six, and more than 90 days of absence per school year are permitted for students in grades seven through twelve.
What Are The Benefits of Homeschooling in Katy, Texas?
There are many benefits to homeschooling in Katy, Texas. Parents have the freedom to customize their curriculum and teaching style to meet the needs of their children, and can tailor the curriculum to their children’s strengths and interests. Additionally, homeschooling allows parents to be more involved in their children’s education, enabling them to create a strong bond with their children and help them in their academic pursuits.
Homeschooling in Katy also offers students the opportunity to learn at their own pace, which can be especially beneficial for students with learning disabilities or special needs, or those who wish to pursue more advanced or specialized courses of study. Finally, homeschooling enables families to be more flexible with their schedule.
Homeschool parents have the option of adjusting their school days and holidays to their family’s needs and traditions.
Can Parents Begin Homeschooling at Any Time of the Year?
Yes, parents can begin homeschooling in Katy, at any point during the school year, as long as they give notice to the school district prior to withdrawing the child from public or private school. The school district must be notified before the student begins homeschooling.
Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities, Sports, or Clubs?
Yes, homeschoolers in Katy, Texas, are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs based on Texas Education Code Chapter 2 All organizations that are organized exclusively for educational, instructional, or other social purposes, such as organizations offering extracurricular activities, and generally open to members of the school district or school district’s students, must allow home-schooled students to participate.
Do Parents Have Access to Qualified and Experienced Tutors?
Yes, parents who choose homeschooling in Katy, Texas, have access to qualified and experienced tutors. Katy parents can access a variety of resources including online tutoring services, local tutorial centers, and in-home tutors from companies such as The Knowledge Roundtable.
Are There Homeschool Co-Ops Available in Katy?
Yes, there are a number of homeschool co-ops available in Katy, Texas. Co-ops provide support, resources, and activities to homeschool families, and typically meet twice a week. The Houston Area Home Educators Network (HAHEN) is a good resource for parents looking for co-ops in the area, and many churches also host co-ops for homeschoolers.
Does Katy Offer Homeschool Classes, Clubs, and Events?
Yes, Katy offers homeschool classes, clubs, and events for homeschoolers and their families across the city. Many organizations, such as the Houston Public Library, offer classes to homeschoolers, as well as field trips, seminars, and workshops. Additionally, parents and students can take advantage of events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences, sponsored by many local organizations including theHome Education Network, the Houston Area Home Educators Network, and the Katy Home Educators Network.
Are There Extracurricular Activities Available on the Weekends?
Yes, there are plenty of extracurricular activities available in Katy, Texas, on the weekends. Local organizations such as the Houston Symphony, the Contemporary Arts Museum, and the Houston Nature Center offer weekend activities and classes, while theatres and cinemas offer opportunities for a family outing. Additionally, gaming centers and gyms offer weekend activities for the entire family.
What is the Homeschooling Process for High Schoolers in Katy?
The homeschool process for high schoolers in Katy, Texas is the same as for elementary and middle schoolers. Parents must ensure that instruction is provided in the required subjects, administer a nationally or internationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement test annually, comply with the attendance requirements of TEC, and submit a notice of intent to the state annually.
Additionally, parents must ensure that high schoolers complete the requirements for graduation from the state of Texas. High schoolers must complete at least twenty-two credits in specific courses, including four credits each in language arts and mathematics, three credits in science and social studies, two credits in a language other than English, and a variety of additional credits in fine arts, health and physical education, economics, and other required and elective courses.
Are There Any Homeschool Support Groups or Organizations in Katy?
Yes, there are a number of homeschool support groups and organizations in Katy, Texas. These groups offer a variety of services and resources, ranging from homeschool legal and financial advice to classes, activities, and events. Examples of support groups include the Home Education Network, the Houston Area Home Educators Network, and the Katy Home Educators Network.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Katy, Texas can be an extremely rewarding experience, both for parents and students. With all of the resources and support groups available to homeschoolers, the transition from traditional schools to homeschool can be made smoother.
But before starting the homeschooling process, parents should be familiar with the legal requirements, attendance requirements, and other considerations to ensure that their child is receiving a quality education.