The topic of homeschooling in Texas has piqued the interest of parents, educators, and policymakers alike, given the rapid growth of homeschooling in the state over the past decade. Homeschooling has been viewed as a way to provide parents more control over the educational choices of their children and as an alternative to public education, offering students a more individualized approach. But just how quickly it is growing in Texas?
In this article, we aim to answer this question by exploring the latest data, looking at existing trends, and examining the reasons behind the rapid growth in homeschool enrollment in the Lone Star State.
1. How Many Students are Homeschooled in Texas?
As of the 2019-2020 school year, the most recent data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) shows that homeschooling has become increasingly popular in Texas, growing by 63% from 2013 to 2020.
As of 2020, the TEA reported that, out of the approximately 3 million students in Texas, approximately 375,000 students, or 1%, were homeschooled.
This was an increase from 2013, when there were approximately 227,941 homeschoolers in the state, or 8%.
2. Who is Homeschooling in Texas?
The growth in homeschooling in Texas has been driven by different demographics, most notably minority parents and those with lower incomes. The demographic shift stands in contrast to traditional homeschooling families, which have tended to be white and middle-class.
For example, TEA data shows that, in 2020, 27% of homeschoolers in Texas were Hispanic, while in 2013, only 18% were.
Additionally, families with incomes at or below the federal poverty line made up 18% of homeschoolers in 2020, up from 8% in 201
3. How Does the Percentage of Homeschoolers in Texas Stack Up Against Other States?
Texas is not the only state to experience a dramatic increase in homeschool enrollment in recent years. Nationally, homeschool enrollment has increased by 73%, but the rate of growth in Texas is much higher than other states, ranking 3rd in the nation. For example, according to 2017 estimates from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 1
4% of children in West Virginia are homeschooled, compared to 1% in Texas.
Similarly, in 2019, 2% of students in Utah were homeschooled, while in North Carolina, the figure was
5%.
4. What are the Most Common Reasons for Homeschooling in Texas?
There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool in Texas, but TEA data reveals that some of the most cited reasons include dissatisfaction with the public school system, a desire for a better educational experience, religious beliefs, and scheduling conflicts. Dissatisfaction with public schooling was the most common reason cited, with 2
7% of parents citing it as an important factor in their decision. This was followed by wanting a better educational experience (29%), religious or moral beliefs (1
3%), and scheduling conflicts (11%).
5. Are There Different Types of Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes, there are two primary types of homeschooling in Texas: notification and permission-to-operate. Notification homeschooling is the most common type of homeschooling in the state and requires parents to fill out a notification letter that informs their school district or open-enrollment charter school of their intent to provide instruction at home.
Permission-to-operate homeschooling, on the other hand, requires parents to submit an application to TEA and be granted permission to operate a homeschool program. This type of homeschooling is more regulated and is typically used by more established homeschoolers who have a more specific curriculum plan.
6. Is Homeschooling in Texas Regulated?
Yes. In Texas, homeschooling is regulated by the Texas Education Code and requires parents to comply with certain regulations. These regulations include requirements for instruction, such as a minimum of 1450 hours of instruction per school year; attendance requirements; curriculum requirements; and background checks for educators.
Additionally, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides guidance and resources to help homeschool families comply with state regulations. TEA also provides an online enrollment system for homeschoolers to register with the state.
7. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible to Participate in Extracurricular Activities Offered by Public Schools in Texas?
Yes. Homeschooled students in Texas are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities offered by public schools if they meet eligibility requirements. These requirements vary by school district, but typically include meeting the same age, academic achievement, and attendance requirements as regular public school students.
Additionally, homeschooled students may be eligible to participate in the UIL (University Interscholastic League), which offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students in grades 1-1
8. Are Homeschooled Students in Texas Required to Take State Assessments?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas are required to take state assessments in order to be eligible for graduation. State assessments are administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and test students in subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies.
Homeschoolers may choose to take the official state assessment or an alternate state assessment approved by TEA. Homeschool students are also required to take the STAAR assessment in grade 8 and again in grade
9. Are There Homeschooling Co-ops and Other Organizations Around Texas?
Yes, there are numerous homeschooling co-ops and organizations around Texas that serve to support homeschool families. These organizations offer information, resources, and services that can help homeschoolers meet the requirements for homeschooling in the state. Additionally, there are a number of homeschooling conferences and events across the state that bring together homeschoolers from all over Texas.
10. Are There Any downfalls to Homeschooling in Texas?
The decision to homeschool in Texas is a personal one and should be made with careful consideration and attention to all the potential pros and cons. A potential downside to homeschooling in Texas is that it can be more expensive than public schooling due to the costs of supplies, materials, and extracurricular activities.
Additionally, homeschoolers can face social challenges due to the lack of social interaction with peers.
11. Are There any Advantages to Homeschooling in Texas?
The primary advantage of homeschooling in Texas is that it allows parents to have greater control and flexibility over their children’s education. Furthermore, homeschooling can provide a more individualized approach to learning since parents and teachers can tailor the curriculum and instruction to the student’s needs. Additionally, homeschooling can provide a safer learning environment, since homeschoolers may be less likely to experience bullying or other disruptive behavior seen in traditional schools.
12. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for College Credit in Texas?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas are eligible for college credit. Texas universities and community colleges accept credits earned through college-level examination programs, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) examination program.
Homeschooled students are also eligible to receive dual credit, which allows them to earn both high school and college credit for courses taken at a Texas college or university.
13. Are There Any Restrictions on Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes, there are certain restrictions on homeschooling in Texas. Homeschoolers are required to comply with state regulations, including curricular and instructional requirements, attendance requirements, and background checks for educators.
Additionally, homeschooled students must take state assessments in order to be eligible for graduation. Lastly, homeschooled students cannot participate in extracurricular activities at public schools or be eligible for dual credit unless they meet certain age and academic requirements.
14. What are the Next Steps for Homeschooling in Texas?
With the continued growth in homeschool enrollment, policymakers in Texas will need to determine how best to accommodate the needs of homeschoolers in the state. TEA is already taking steps to do so, such as providing guidance and resources to homeschooling families, offering an online enrollment system, and offering homeschoolers access to extracurricular activities.
Additionally, policymakers may need to consider new regulations or policies to ensure homeschooled students meet the necessary academic standards and receive a quality education.
15. Is Homeschooling Right for My Family?
Homeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to make sure it is the right choice for your family. It is important to research the pros and cons of homeschooling, talk to other homeschoolers, understand state regulations and requirements, and find the curriculum and learning style that best fits your child. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether homeschooling is right for your family.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas has grown rapidly over the past decade and continues to be a popular choice for many families. As homeschooling becomes increasingly popular, it is important for policymakers to understand the latest data regarding homeschooling in Texas, as well as the regulations and requirements for homeschoolers in the state.
Additionally, it is essential for parents to carefully consider the pros and cons of homeschooling and make an informed decision about what is best for their family.