One of the biggest questions facing families considering homeschooling their children is the amount of time necessary to fulfill the requirements of the state of Texas. Families have different needs, schedules, and availability that they must take into consideration when making an informed decision. This article will provide an overview of the homeschooling requirements in Texas and answer the question of how many days do you have to homeschool in Texas.
What are the Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Texas?
The legal requirements for homeschooling in Texas are fairly straightforward. According to the state’s Education Code, families must meet the following criteria:
- Each student must be tested using an approved nationally-normed standardized test in third (3rd), fifth (5th), and eighth (8th) grades.
- Parents must provide “written notification of intent to homeschool” to their local school district superintendent.
- The student must be enrolled in a homeschool program operated according to state law.
- A portfolio of instructional materials is to be kept and maintained with evidence that the student is receiving progress in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and a study of good citizenship.
- The parent must survey the student in the subject matter every year.
What is the Difference Between a Home School and a Private School in Texas?
The main difference between a home school and a private school in Texas is the amount of government oversight. Private schools in Texas must comply with many rules and regulations set forth by the state.
This includes hiring qualified teachers, keeping records of attendance and curriculum, and providing students with access to educational materials and resources. Home schools, on the other hand, are not subject to these rules and regulations. Home schools in Texas are also exempt from most of the requirements that other schools must meet, including having yearly assessments or tests, reporting transcripts to the state or district, and frequent lesson plans.
What is the Recommended Home School Schedule in Texas?
It is recommended that parents who are homeschooling their children in Texas structure the school year based on the traditional school calendar. This means having an academic year that runs for nine months, from September to May, and adding several weeks for holidays, vacations, and breaks throughout the year.
Parents are also encouraged to set up a daily schedule for their homeschooling routine, just like any other school would. However, the exact number of hours and days dedicated to homeschooling will vary from family to family and from student to student.
Do Families Need to Notify the District of Their Intent to Home School in Texas?
Texas homeschooling law dictates that families must provide their local school district fifteen (15) days written notice of their intent to home school. While the law does not require families to report to their district, the district may require families to submit proof of the student’s progress, such as with a standardized test, at the end of the year.
Additionally, home schools must be registered with the state by filing a Home School Affidavit at the start of each school year and renewing the affidavit with an updated signature prior to the start of each new school year.
Are Home School Students Eligible for State Services and Programs?
Yes, homeschool parents and students may still take advantage of many of the state’s services and programs, including the public library, food and nutrition programs, public parks, and public highways. Additionally, home school students are eligible to take part in extra-curricular activities at their local public high schools.
Home school students may also participate in the state’s FES-Home School Program (Free Educational Servies for Home School Children), which provides parents with access to instructional materials and resources to help them with their homeschooling curriculum.
Are There any Special Programs or Services Available for Home School Families in Texas?
Yes, Texas is one of a few states that offers special programs and services to home school families. The Texas Home Education assist Program provides parents with access to state-issued computers and free internet service, as well as resources and materials to aid them in instructing their children.
The state also has a homeschool support group that meets regularly and assists families in setting up their curriculum as well as providing needed resources, support, and guidance. Texas also offers an annual homeschool convention, held in different cities throughout the state, which provides parents with the tools and resources necessary to effectively homeschool their children.
Do Home School Students Have to Take State Tests?
The Texas Education Code requires students in the third (3rd), fifth (5th), and eighth (8th) grades enrolled in a homeschool program to take an approved, nationally-normed standardized test in reading and math. These tests are typically administered by either a local, county, or state-appointed testing agency at a designated testing center. The cost of the tests varies depending on the agency, but most are free or discounted for homeschool families.
Additionally, home school students may choose to take the state’s STAAR exam if they wish to be eligible for rewarding college scholarships and opportunities.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible to Participate in College Planning/Admissions Tests?
Yes, home schooled students in Texas are eligible to take college-level tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Homeschool families typically take advantage of the state’s online testing programs, which allow students to take college preparation exams from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, the state of Texas offers a Dual Credit Program, which allows students in grades seven (7th) through twelve (12th) to get college credit for coursework completed through homeschooling.
Do Home School Families in Texas Need to Follow Attendance Requirements?
No, homeschool families in Texas are not required to keep attendance records. However, parents may still wish to keep track of their student’s attendance in order to make sure that their student is receiving enough instruction in each subject. Keeping track of the time spent on each subject can also help the student stay on track with their goals.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible to Receive a High School Diploma?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas can receive a diploma. However, the diploma must be issued through either a private school or an accredited home school program. Additionally, many of the state’s universities, colleges, and technical schools accept homeschool diplomas from accredited programs, allowing students to apply for admissions.
Do Home School Families in Texas Need to Follow Curriculum Requirements?
Texas parents who are homeschooling their children are not required to follow any set curriculum or lesson plans. The amount of curriculum needed will vary depending on the student’s grade level and the parents’ requirements.
However, the state encourages parents to create a curriculum that includes the study of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, life science, physical science, social studies, the history of the United States and Texas, and good citizenship.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in the state of Texas is a flexible approach to educating a child. While the state does not require families to follow certain attendance requirements or educational curriculums, parents must meet certain legal requirements such as providing written notification of intent and having their student tested annually with an approved, nationally-normed standardized test. While no specific amount of hours or days are required for homeschooling, most parents follow a traditional school year and structure their daily homeschool schedule like any other school would.
With a wide range of services, programs, and resources available for homeschoolers, Texas is one of the more inclusive and supportive states for families who choose to homeschool their children.