Homeschooling has become more popular than ever in the past decade, with parents choosing to keep their children at home to receive an education without the distractions, social pressures, and standardized testing of traditional schools. It also has a longer history, with some families opting out of the public school system to teach their children since the days of the American Revolution. To homeschool in Texas, parents must pursue both a legal and a practical path because the Texas education system requires that homeschoolers properly document the instruction their children receive, otherwise the instruction may not be enough to obtain a high school diploma.
This article will look at what rights Texas-based homeschool parents have and will provide an overview of the process for homeschooling in the Lone Star state. It will include 15 questions related to Texas homeschooling and the rights afforded, from whether it is legal to homeschool in Texas and what documentation is needed to homeschool in Texas to what regulations apply to students of homeschooling parents in Texas and how homeschooled children in Texas can finish with a high school diploma.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Texas?
Yes, it is legal to homeschool in Texas. In 1993, Texas became one of the first states to pass a law allowing homeschoolers to operate, and in 1995 it further clarified the legalities of homeschooling in Texas. The state does not have any specific homeschooling requirements or laws, but does have some basic regulations for homeschoolers to follow, such as those outlined in HB 866, which allows homeschooling in Texas as a form of distance learning.
What Are the Requirements to Homeschool in Texas?
While there are no specific laws or requirements that govern homeschooling in Texas, there are certain documents that all homeschool parents must provide in order to remain unrestricted and to avoid having their homeschooled child be considered truant. These documents include: a copy of a notarized affidavit, the yearly notice of intent to homeschool, proof of immunization, the yearly progress report, the yearly academic assessment, and proof of high school completion.
The Notarized Affidavit is an attestation of the parent or guardian’s responsibility for the instruction that the student receives. This document must be signed by a qualified notary and provided to the local school district. The Notice of Intent is a written statement detailing the name of the student, the curriculum to be used, the parent’s credentials, a list of those assisting in the instruction of the student, and the address the school district should send mail to.
It must be sent to the local school district 45 days before the parent intends to begin homeschooling. Proof of immunization is also needed in order to homeschool in Texas, and parents can usually obtain it from their doctor or the local health department. The yearly progress report must include the student’s attendance and academic progress and must be sent to the local school district.
The academic assessment should be sent to the local school district every two years, and must include the results of a standardized knowledge test. Finally, proof of high school completion must be provided if the student is graduating from homeschooling, and must show that they have met all the requirements to obtain their high school diploma.
Are There Any Regulations That Apply To Homeschooled Children in Texas?
Yes, there are certain regulations that apply to homeschooled children in Texas. Parents must ensure that the instruction provided is in line with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum and guidelines, or make sure that the instruction is of comparable value.
The instruction must also meet the TEKS standards for any year level that the student is at. Additionally, the parent must document that the student is receiving an education of at least the minimum value of a regular public school.
What Is the Process to Begin Homeschooling in Texas?
The process to begin homeschooling in Texas is relatively straightforward and begins with the parent submitting a Notice of Intent to the local school district 45 days before the parent intends to start homeschooling. This will inform the school district of the parent’s intention to homeschool and provide basic information about the student and curriculum. The parent must also submit other documentation to the school district before beginning homeschooling, such as the Notarized Affidavit, proof of immunizations, and a list of those assisting in the instruction of the student.
Once these documents are submitted, the parent can begin to homeschool their child.
Is Homeschooling in Texas Considered Public or Private Schooling?
In Texas, homeschooling is considered to be private schooling, as it is not run by the public school system. Texas does not regulate which curriculum must be used or which assessments are required, so homeschooling can be tailored to the specific needs of the student and their parents.
Additionally, homeschooling parents can choose to join a private association of homeschooling families or form their own private school to ensure that their children have the opportunity to receive the same standard of education as children in public school.
What Resources Are Available for Homeschoolers in Texas?
There are a variety of different resources available to homeschoolers in Texas, from private associations and programs like Texas Home School Coalition and Texas Home School Association, to websites like Texas Home School Coalition and My HSD that provide comprehensive information and support on homeschooling in Texas. Additionally, The Texas Education Agency provides an online homeschooling handbook and offers professional development activities, online classes, and workshops.
Finally, County Education Service Centers are available to answer questions and provide support to homeschool families.
Do I Need Qualifications to Homeschool in Texas?
No, you do not need qualifications to homeschool in Texas. Although parents are encouraged to provide as much information as possible about their educational background and philosophies, Texas does not ask that any credentials or degrees be presented before homeschooling begins.
Do Homeschoolers in Texas Need to Take Any Tests?
Yes, homeschoolers in Texas are required to take certain tests as part of their annual progress and academic assessments. Students must complete either a standardized knowledge test or an equivalent assessment approved by the district every two years, starting when the student is in the second grade.
Additionally, a comprehensive student assessment must be completed if the student is of high school age or older and must be administered by an approved source.
What Are the Attendance and Reporting Requirements for Homeschoolers in Texas?
According to Texas state law, homeschoolers must document their attendance and submit a yearly progress report to the local school district. The attendance book must be kept for a period of at least two years, and each entry must note the date and whether the student attended a full day or half a day, as well as the instruction given, if applicable. The attendance book must also be shown to a law enforcement, school district, or education authority officer upon request.
The progress report must be sent to the local school district within the first 45 days of the school year and must include the student’s attendance and academic progress. It must also include the students’ most recent performance in all subject areas as well as any special education needs, if applicable.
Do Homeschooled Children in Texas Need to Participate in Standardized Testing?
No, homeschooled children in Texas are not required to participate in standardized testing. However, if the student is of high school age or older, they must complete an annual assessment in order to ensure that the instruction is sufficient for them to obtain a high school diploma.
This assessment must be administered by an approved source and the results must be sent to the school district.
Are Private Schools or Private Tutors Allowed for Homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes, private schools and tutors are allowed for homeschoolers in Texas. However, parents must ensure that the curriculum meets the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, or that the instruction is of comparable value.
Any instruction provided by private tutors must also be documented in the parent’s attendance book and the progress report sent to the school district.
Are Homeschooled Children in Texas Eligible for College Admissions?
Yes, homeschooled children in Texas are eligible for college admissions and can apply to any college or university around the country. Homeschooled students typically apply using the same process as traditional students and must provide transcripts, SAT and ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and portfolios of their work.
Additionally, many homeschoolers are eligible for scholarships and grants through the Free Application for Financial Aid, or FAFSA, as well as through private scholarship and grant programs.
How Does a Homeschooled Child in Texas Finish With a High School Diploma?
In order for a homeschooled child in Texas to finish with a high school diploma, they must meet the state-mandated graduation requirements and must also provide proof of high school completion, such as a GED certificate or transcripts from a public or private school. The student must also pass the required annual assessment and must have documentation to show that their instruction was in line with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Texas is a legal and viable option for parents seeking an alternative to traditional education. This article has outlined what rights Texas-based homeschool parents have, as well as the process of becoming a homeschooler in the Lone Star state.
Questions regarding the requirements needed to begin homeschooling in Texas, whether homeschooling in Texas is considered public or private schooling, available resources for homeschoolers in Texas, qualification requirements, tests and assessments, attendance and reporting requirements, college admissions, and how to finish with a high school diploma have all been covered in depth. All parents considering homeschooling in Texas should read up on the information provided in this article and make an informed decision for their family.