Homeschooling provides many different benefits for children, from a personalized education to flexible scheduling. But homeschooling your 18 year old in Texas can present some unique challenges. In Texas, home-schoolers must follow state regulations that are different from other states’ criteria.
In this article, we will discuss the regulations for homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas, covering topics such as educational requirements, immunizations, and more. We’ll also provide answers to 15 common questions related to the laws, regulations, and processes related to homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas.
Educational Requirements
So, what educational requirements must be met when homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas? The Texas Education Code requires all students age 18 or older to complete a 22-credit program in grades nine through 12, plus U. S.
History, and Government/Economics, or a college preparatory curriculum, to receive a high school diploma. The curriculum can be completed through an accredited private school or homeschool, or an accredited virtual academy.
The Texas Education Code also requires high school students in grades nine through 12 to successfully complete Algebra II or a higher-level mathematics course. Moreover, students age 18 and older must complete two credits of physical education, one in each academic year, or a physical education class at an accredited college.
Immunizations
What about immunizations? Do homeschooled students age 18 and older in Texas need to be immunized?
Yes. The Texas Department of State Health Services requires all students 6 years or older, including homeschooled students, to meet the recommended immunization schedule or have a valid exemption. In Texas, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be offered at no cost and approved exemptions accepted in order to enroll in school or attend any early childhood or daycare program.
Final Exams and Assessments
What about final exams and assessments? Do homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas need to take them?
Yes. Texas state law requires homeschoolers aged 18 and older to develop an assessment plan approved by the district in which they are located. That assessment plan must include local or national tests, grade-level and subject-specific assessments, or a combination of both.
Reporting Requirements
What sort of reporting requirements must homeschoolers aged 18 and older meet? Texas Education Code requires each homeschooler aged 18 and older to conduct an annual academic review, which includes a review of academic progress, a review of school materials, and attendance records. The review must then be forwarded to the public school district in which the student is located.
Courses of Study
What courses must an 18 year old homeschooler in Texas take in order to complete the required credits? The Texas Education Code specifies that courses must be planned and developed based on the student’s academic interests, educational needs, and short- and long-term goals. However, courses must also meet the necessary requirements pertaining to the credit hours outlined by the Texas Education Code, which specifies coursework in mathematics, science, social studies, English, languages other than English, fine arts, physical education, computer science, economics, and government.
Extracurricular Activities
What sort of extracurricular activities can an 18 year old homeschooler in Texas participate in? Although there are no state-wide restrictions on extracurricular activities, some local public school districts may have policies restricting or prohibiting homeschoolers from participating.
That said, there are a number of extracurricular activities an 18 year old homeschooler can participate in, such as athletics, theater, music, and art programs, science or mathematics clubs, civics or politics clubs, journalism, debate, and other similar activities.
Testing
Do homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas need to take standardized tests? Standardized tests are not required for Texas high school students, including homeschoolers. However, it is recommended that students participate in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), which provides a measure of student progress and helps inform the curriculum choices of Texas school systems.
Socialization
How will an 18 year old homeschooler in Texas be able to socialize? Thanks to the rapidly evolving world of technology, there are plenty of ways for an 18 year old homeschooler in Texas to socialize.
Online co-ops, clubs, and extra-curricular activities are just a few of the ways homeschoolers can find friends and support while homeschooling. Additionally, churches, public libraries, and recreational centers can provide social opportunities to meet people.
Assistance
Is there any assistance available to homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas? Yes. The Texas Home School Coalition offers numerous services and resources to help homeschooling families, such as conferences, events, legal advice, and educational materials.
Additionally, many public school districts may offer support and resources for homeschoolers aged 18 and older.
Supervision
What type of supervision is required for homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas? Texas Education Code requires that each student aged 18 or older is supervised by a parent, tutor, or a correspondent school. If a tutor is used, the tutor must be hired and evaluated by the parent and must comply with the educator qualifications outlined in the Texas statutes.
Approved Curriculum and Textbooks
Are there any restrictions on the approved curriculum and textbooks used by homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas? The curriculum materials used must include basic instruction in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. For enrolled homeschoolers, content standards must follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Additionally, each district has the right to require that curriculum and instruction be provided wholly or mainly through approved textbooks or instruction materials.
Accreditation and Records
Do homeschoolers aged 18 and older need to be accredited or maintain records? Yes.
Homeschooled students aged 18 and older must have their coursework evaluated by the school district, who will determine whether a student meets the necessary educational requirements for a high school diploma. The student must also keep a portfolio of educational work, including progress reports, attendance records, and other writings.
Financial Aid
What about financial aid for college? Can a homeschooler receive financial aid if they’ve been homeschooled for all or part of high school? Yes.
Although homeschoolers may sometimes be required to submit additional information or evidence to prove academic performance, they are eligible to receive federal financial aid and may also be eligible for state and private financial aid.
Military Enlistment
What about military enlistment? Can homeschoolers aged 18 and older in Texas join the military?
Yes, provided they meet the requirements for admission, which include a minimum educational level, age, and medical qualifications. Generally, the military requires the equivalent of a high school diploma, although some branches may accept students who have not completed high school.
Conclusion
Homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas can be a rewarding but challenging experience. To help you along the way, we’ve answered 15 common questions related to the laws, regulations, and processes related to homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas. We’ve discussed educational requirements, immunizations, final exams and assessments, and other topics.
We hope this article helps you understand the laws and regulations applicable to homeschooling an 18 year old in Texas and best support your child’s education.