It’s possible to graduate through homeschooling in Texas. This is a viable option for many parents who want to give their children the best education possible.
By graduating through homeschooling in Texas, you open a path of possibilities for your child, ranging from college to technical school. In this article, we will explain and examine the steps needed to ensure your child can graduate through homeschooling in Texas.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a system of education that takes place in the home or anywhere outside of a traditional school system. The instruction is mainly provided by the parent or legal guardian, although it can also be supplemented with tutoring.
With homeschooling, the parent is in control of what is taught, how it is taught, and when it is taught. Homeschooling is a very viable option for individuals or families who feel it would be the best course of action for their child’s education.
What are the Texas Requirements for Homeschool Graduation?
In order to graduate from homeschool in Texas, you must ensure that all of the requirements under Texas’s homeschool laws are met. Some of the basic requirements you must meet include:- You must enroll in an established homeschool program with all required information and paperwork.
– You must provide an approved curriculum with educational objectives. – You must have all testing and records of your child’s progress available for review. – Your child must take a standardized test, such as the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS), by the third Friday of August in the eighth grade.
– You must complete at least 180 days of instruction, with no more than four days of absence in a calendar month.
How to Satisfy all Necessary Requirements
The first step in graduating with a homeschool diploma in Texas is to establish a homeschool program. Parents can find the necessary forms to establish a homeschool program on the Texas Department of Education’s website.
Once a homeschool program is established, parents then need to create a curriculum with educational objectives. The curriculum must include subjects such as English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art/Music/Physical Education, and any other subjects the student may be interested in. The next step is ensuring all testing and records of progress are kept.
All tests must be documented in a record book or folder each year. This includes all standardized tests, any portfolio reviews, and any other tests administered during the year.
Parents should also maintain a portfolio of their child’s work to demonstrate their progress throughout the year. The portfolio should also include library reading logs, artwork, and reports or essays that have been written. Finally, parents must provide an annual report of the instruction given and a statement of intent to continue homeschooling for the upcoming school year.
This formal report must be completed and signed by the parent and sent to the Texas Education Agency by September 15th each year.
What Happens After Graduation?
Once the homeschool student has graduated, there are several paths they can pursue. For example, they can apply to any college they are interested in, such as a two-year or four-year college, a community college, or a technical school.
Many college admissions counselors will review applications that are of homeschool graduates and make determinations based on such information as the courses studied and the students’ test scores. It is important to research the admissions policies of any college to determine the best way to present the homeschool student for admission. Another option for homeschool graduates is to pursue a trade school, or vocational school.
These schools offer career-focused education and job training in specific fields. These fields could include nursing, automotive technology, welding, construction, and many more.
Trade and vocational schools usually require completion of a high school diploma in order to gain admission, but in many cases, homeschool diplomas are also accepted.
What is the Process for Enrolling in a College/Vocational School?
Before applying to any college or vocational program, homeschool graduates should meet with admissions counselors to find out what the best options are for them. It’s also important to research the admissions requirements of each college or vocational program to make sure you have the necessary documents and materials to apply.
Most colleges will require homeschool graduates to submit an official high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and a copy of the homeschool diploma. The transcript should include the courses taken, grades earned, and credits earned for each course. Vocational programs also may require an entrance exam, such as the SAT or ACT, to gain admittance.
What is the Cost of Enrollment?
The cost of enrollment in college or a vocational school will vary depending on the institution and program. Most colleges and universities will require the payment of tuition and fees, as well as other expenses such as books, supplies, and living expenses.
Trade schools may also require a tuition, but in some cases may offer tuition assistance or scholarships to students who are in need of financial aid.
Are There Any Other Requirements?
In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, there may be other requirements that the college or vocational program may require. It is important to research each college or program to make sure you have all of the necessary forms and materials for admission. Additionally, for college admission, homeschool graduates must submit SAT or ACT scores, as well as any official documentation of coursework taken during homeschooling.
Conclusion
Graduating from homeschool in Texas is a great way for a parent or legal guardian to provide their child with the best opportunity for success beyond high school and into college or a vocational program. The steps needed to ensure your child can attain a homeschool diploma can be completed with the right guidance and the commitment to follow all of the state guidelines. With proper preparation and dedication to the process, you can ensure your child can graduate and pursue their desired academic path.