Homeschooling has been increasing in popularity across the United States, and Texas is certainly no exception. The Lone Star State offers parents the freedom to educate their children at home with excellent curricula and resources, plus support services and networking opportunities. If you are interested in registering your child for homeschool in Texas, read on to learn more about the steps you need to take.
Do I Need to Register with the State or Local School District?
In Texas, homeschooling is recognized as a legitimate educational option, and parents or guardians are required to register with the state. There is no need to register with a local school district, as the State Board of Education handles all homeschooling regulations.
Is There a Special Form I Need to Fill Out?
Yes, you need to fill out the Texas Homeschool Notification of Intent form, along with the required proof of immunization. This form can be found on the Texas Education Agency website and must be sent to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Texas Education Agency.
What Else Do I Need to Do to Register?
Once you have sent in your form, you also need to provide proof of identity, since the state of Texas requires all homeschooling families to have a legal guardian. You can do this by sending in a copy of your driver’s license or passport, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
Do I Have to Notify the State Every Year?
Yes, you must notify the State Board of Education each year of your intention to homeschool, and should either notify in writing or fill out an updated form. The notification should be sent on or before a certain date specified by the Superinendent of Public Instruction, or else your registration may be invalid.
Do I Need to Keep Records?
Yes, parents must keep records of their child’s progress in homeschooling, including both academic and non-academic materials, such as use of computers or other technology. The good news is, the state does not require any specific standards to be met, so you can design a curriculum that best suits your child’s individual needs.
Do I Need to Utilize Accredited Curriculum Materials?
No, you are not obligated to use any specific curriculum in Texas. Parents are allowed to design their own programs, utilizing an array of educational materials, ranging from textbooks to online curricula.
The state does not regulate a list of approved curricula, though there are some resources available to help parents design their own curricula.
Do I Need to Be Credentialed to Homeschool in Texas?
No. The state does not require any forms of credentialing for homeschooling teachers, though many experienced homeschool educators prefer to earn additional teaching credentials as a way to demonstrate their expertise in the field.
Do I Need to Submit My Child’s Scores?
No. The state of Texas does not require homeschooled students to take any standardized tests or to submit their scores to the state. However, you may choose to have your child take a standardized test for your own personal recordkeeping.
Do I Have to Follow Texas State Law for Immunizations?
Yes. All children in Texas, including homeschoolers, must be immunized against certain contagious diseases. You must provide proof of immunization when registering for homeschooling.
Do I Have to Submit Records to the State?
No, you are not required to submit yearly records to the state. However, it is a good idea to keep organized records of your child’s academic and other activities in order to be able to provide proof of progress if needed.
What Are the Requirements for Graduating from Homeschool?
The state does not have a specific list of requirements for graduating from homeschool; however, the Texas Education Agency does have some guidelines for evaluating the progress of homeschooled students. Generally speaking, students must pass standardized tests, courses approved by the state, and other curriculum requirements in order to be considered for graduation.
Do I Need to Join a Homeschool Group or Association?
No, joining a homeschool group or association is not a requirement. However, many experienced homeschoolers advise joining such a group or association in order to gain access to a wider variety of resources and support.
Do I Need to Submit a Portfolio to the State?
No, portfolios are not required to complete registration for homeschooling in Texas. However, if you are considering enrolling your child in a college or university, you may benefit from submitting an educational portfolio as part of the admissions process.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Participation in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschooled students in Texas are eligible to participate in many extracurricular activities such as sports, musical performance groups, scouting organizations, and more. Each organization has its own set of rules and regulations; therefore, it is important to check with each organization ahead of time to determine eligibility.
Are Homeschooled Students Required to Take State-Mandated Tests?
No, Texas does not require homeschooled students to take state-mandated tests. However, families may choose to have their homeschooled student take certain tests in order to comply with academic requirements or participate in certain extracurricular activities.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas is a popular educational choice for many families, and the registration process is relatively straightforward. Parents must register with the state, provide proof of identity, and notify the state of their intention to homeschool each year. Additionally, there is flexibility in the curriculum and resources used in homeschooling, and homeschooled students may participate in extracurricular activities.
With the right resources and dedication, parents can provide their children with an excellent home education.