If you’re considering withdrawing your children from public or private school in Texas to pursue a homeschool education, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take. Although homeschooling in Texas is an educational option available to any parent or legal guardian, there are procedures that must be met to ensure the option is used correctly and legally.
This article will answer 15 frequently asked questions about withdrawing your children from school to homeschool in Texas.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an educational alternative to public or private school in which children learn in the home environment. Parents or legal guardians of homeschooled children oversee their educational curricula, including what they learn and how they learn it.
Texas is one of many states in which homeschooling is a legally certified alternative to traditional public or private school. Home-schooled students in Texas must attend classes for at least 3 hours per day and 180 days a year.
Is Homeschooling Allowed in Texas?
Yes! Homeschooling is an educational alternative allowed in the state of Texas. Texas law specifies that any parent or legal guardian residing in the state may homeschool their children, as long as they follow the requirements of the Texas Education Code.
Texas homeschoolers must meet certain requirements, such as providing certain documents, making certain reports, and completing certain tests. It’s important to familiarize yourself with each of these requirements prior to withdraw your children from school to homeschool in Texas.
What Are the Requirements for Homeschooling in Texas?
Texas homeschoolers must meet certain requirements in order to legally operate a homeschool. First, a parent or legal guardian must notify their school district of the intent to homeschool. This notification must be made within 30 days following the start of the school year.
Once this has been completed, parents or legal guardians must provide the district with a signed notarized affidavit indicating their intent to homeschool. Furthermore, a list of all the students being homeschooled, their home address, and their date of birth must be provided.
Lastly, signing and submitting a Texas Education Code homeschool affidavit form is also required. Parents or legal guardians who fail to submit any of these forms may face penalties, including facing criminal charges.
How Do I Withdraw My Children From School to Homeschool in Texas?
Withdrawing your children from school to homeschool in Texas is a bit more involved than submitting the aforementioned forms. Parents or legal guardians must first withdraw their children from their current school, either public or private. This is typically done by meeting with the principal or administration of the school, and then completing and submitting the school’s withdrawal forms.
Furthermore, parents or legal guardians must provide a copy of their student’s immunization records to their chosen homeschool service provider.
Do I Need to Keep My Children’s Records After Withdrawing From School?
Yes. Texas requires parents or guardians to maintain records of their children’s homeschool curriculum for at least 2 years from the time of enrollment and keep at least a 2-month supply of their chosen curriculum on hand. These records should include the name, address, and age of the student, as well as the curriculum resources used and any testing, assessment, or evaluation results.
Parents are also encouraged to keep copies of their student’s work, as well as any attendance records and scores from standardized tests.
Can Parents or Guardians Teach Their Own Children in Texas?
Yes. In fact, Texas law requires parents or guardians teach their own children in order to be considered a homeschool. Although a designated administrator deemed by the school district may be appointed to oversee the homeschool, or a tutor or private teacher may be employed by the parents or guardians, Texas law requires at least one of the parents or guardians to serve as an instructor to the children.
Do I Need to Provide My Own Curriculum When Homeschooling in Texas?
Yes. It is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians to provide the curriculum and resources necessary for their student’s homeschool education. Although Texas law does not mandate a specific curriculum for homeschoolers, the state does recommend that the curriculum meet the same standards as the public school in which the student would have attended.
Furthermore, instruction should include the five required school subjects- mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and character education.
What Are the Legal Responsibilities of Homeschooling Parents or Guardians in Texas?
As stated previously, Texas law requires parents and legal guardians of homeschooled children to notify their school district of their intent to homeschool, provide the district with a signed and notarized affidavit confirming their intent, provide the district with a list of all the students being homeschooled, and sign a Texas Education Code homeschool affidavit form. In addition, the state requires that parents or guardians keep thorough records of their children’s homeschool curriculum and administer standardized tests in their fourth, seventh, and ninth grades. Parents or guardians are also responsible for ensuring that their children are taught from a curriculum that meets the minimum requirements specified by the Texas Education Code.
Does Homeschooling in Texas Meet College Entrance Requirements?
Yes. Homeschoolers in the state of Texas have access to programs that can help them meet the entrance requirements for both two-year and four-year college institutions.
Furthermore, students who graduate from one of these programs can apply to colleges or universities in the same way as other high school students. It’s important to note, however, that admission to colleges and universities is dependent on many factors, not just the homeschool option chosen by the student.
Do I Need to Report the Progress of My Homeschooled Children?
Yes. Texas requires homeschool administrators to report their student’s progress without fail. Generally, parents or guardians must complete an annual attendance and progress report for each of their students that includes the student’s course of study, total hours of instruction, and any tests or assessments administered throughout the year.
Copies of these reports must be kept with the student’s records for at least 2 years after the time of enrollment.
Do I Need to Administer Standardized Tests?
Yes. Homeschooled children are required to take standardized tests in the fourth, seventh, and ninth grades. The standardized tests used must be consistent with the curriculum the student is taking and meet the same standards as the public school in which the student would have attended.
Results of these tests must be provided to the homeschool service provider and kept with the student’s records for two years.
Do I Need to Follow Any Other Requirements?
Yes. Home-schooled students in Texas are expected to attend classes for a minimum of 3 hours each day and 180 days a year.
Furthermore, children who are under the age of 8 must maintain a log book of their completed studies and are expected to score at least 70 percent proficiency in at least 4 subjects or skills each year. Lastly, parents or legal guardians of homeschooled children must also contact their regional Education Service Center to report their homeschool status.
Conclusion
Withdrawing your children from school to homeschool in Texas is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the requirements for homeschooling in Texas, including the steps for withdrawing your children from school, the legal responsibilities of homeschooling, and the importance of providing your own curriculum.
Furthermore, it’s beneficial to keep your own records, provide a course of study, administer standardized tests, and attend classes for at least 3 hours per day and 180 days a year. Taking the initiative to research and understand the requirements prior to enrolling your children in homeschooling can save you time and trouble in the long run.