For many parents, homeschooling is the preferred option for their child’s education. With Texas having one of the highest homeschooling rates in the country, it is important for parents to know what is needed to homeschool their children.
This article will answer fifteen common questions about the process for homeschooling a child in Texas, from setting up a curriculum to navigating state laws and regulations.
1. What Standards Must I Adhere To?
Texas requires that homeschooled children keep up with their peers in public school by following accredited study programs. Plus, parents must submit an annual achievement record to their local superintendent to certify that their children are progressing.
It is important for parents to check the Texas Education Agency (TEA) recommendations for resources that are considered acceptable by the Texas Department of Education (TDOE).
2. Do I Need to Use a Particular Curriculum?
Parents may set their own curriculum, provided they include courses required by law. This includes language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education and health.
Parents must also ensure the academic progress of the student and the achievement record must reflect this progress. There are a variety of curriculums to choose from including print-based curriculums, online-based curriculums, and more. Parents are encouraged to find the best fit for their student and family.
3. Does There Need to Be an Assigned Teacher?
Yes, by law, the parent must serve as the teacher for the homeschool educational program. The parent may also choose to designate other family members, such as a grandparent or sibling, to serve as the assigned teacher.
It is important for the assigned teacher to be familiar with the curriculum and be able to document the student’s academic progress.
4. Do I Need to Notify the State?
Yes, parents must notify the TDOE that they’re homeschooling their child. Parents do this by submitting a letter of intent to their local school district.
Additionally, parents must submit the annual achievement record, documenting the student’s progress in the required core subjects, to their local school district by May 15th of every year.
5. Do I Need to Follow State Testing Requirements?
Yes, state testing requirements are in place for homeschooled students in Texas. Parents are encouraged to research state standardized test options and determine what is best for their student. This may include completing the statewide standardized assessments, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), or an alternative assessment system referred to as AAA (Alternative Academic Achievement).
6. Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Start Homeschooling?
No, children of all ages are eligible to homeschool in Texas. Parents may begin homeschooling their children as early as pre-kindergarten. This may vary depending on the age at which a child is expected to begin elementary school in the public school system in the state.
7. Is There an Eligibility Requirement to Homeschool in Texas?
Yes, in order to homeschool in Texas, parents must meet certain criteria such as: being a resident of the state and being either the parent or guardian of the student. Furthermore, parents must have the necessary qualifications to provide an education for their child, an accredited curriculum, and an achievement record to track the student’s progress.
8. What Types of Homeschooling Are Allowed in Texas?
Texas allows for several different types of homeschooling including self-directed, online programs, cooperative homeschooling, homeschool cooperatives, and more. Parents are encouraged to research the types that best fit their family and student.
9. Do I Need to Follow Attendance Requirements?
Yes, the State of Texas requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction per academic year. Parents may choose to follow the academic calendar of the public school system or build their own instructional calendar.
Additionally, the Texas Department of Education recommends keeping detailed records of the student’s work to demonstrate compliance with the state attendance requirements.
10. Is There an Age Requirement for Students to Finish Homeschool?
No, there is no legal age requirement for students to finish homeschool in Texas. However, the state requires that homeschooled students must complete secondary school with a high school diploma or an equivalency program.
High school equivalency tests like the GED are recognized in Texas and may be used to fulfill the requirement.
11. Are Parents Required to Submit a Diploma Upon Finishing Homeschool?
No, parents are not required to submit a diploma upon finishing homeschool. However, they are encouraged to submit a transcript and a portfolio of completed coursework, to demonstrate compliance with the Texas Department of Education’s requirements.
12. Do I Need to Register My Home as a Private School?
No, parents are not required to register their home as a private school. Texas considers homeschooled students’ private educational programs as home schools, and thus, are not legally required to be registered with the state as a private school.
13. Do I Need to Keep Records of My Student’s Progress?
Yes, homeschooling parents in Texas are required to keep detailed records of the student’s instruction to demonstrate the academic progress of the student. Additionally, parents are required to submit the annual achievement records and transcripts to the local superintendent’s office to certify their student’s progress.
14. Is There an Access to Additional Homeschool Support?
Yes, there are plenty of resources for homeschool families in Texas. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) offer resources, support, and information to homeschoolers throughout the state.
15. Are There Any Additional Requirements to Homeschool in Texas?
No, the requirements to homeschool a child in Texas are minimal. As long as parents adhere to the state’s regulations, maintain student records, and provide the student with a quality education, they should have no problem homeschooling their child in Texas. Conclusion Homeschooling can be a great way to provide a quality education for children in Texas.
Parents are encouraged to research the nuances of homeschooling in the state to ensure that their family is in compliance with the laws and regulations. To answer the question of what do I need to do to homeschool my child in Texas, the answer is to follow the regulations set forth by the state, provide a quality education for your student, keep detailed records of progress, and more.