Texas Homeschooling Laws
by Debbie Evans ©
If you live in Texas, you are in the BEST state in the union for homeschooling! Just turn around three times, click your heels together, and say "My homeschool is a private school."
That's right! In Texas, homeschools are considered private schools. As such, they are not regulated in any way by the state! (Did you know that Texas private schools are completely unregulated? I'd bet some families spending a lot of money on private schools would be surprised to know that.)
Texas law basically states that as long as your school doesn't take state money, then the state cannot tell you what to do with your school. Homeschools and private schools are treated the same.
The state constitution clearly designates state powers to public schools only. Therefore, homeschooling is protected by the state constitution and has always been legal and unregulated. That hasn't stopped some of the school districts from trying to impose upon homeschoolers, however. So, in 1987, a group of homeschooling families filed a lawsuit against the Arlington Independent School District. The result was a three-measure standard that makes a Texas homeschool legal. This standard was upheld by the Texas Supreme Court in 1994. So what's a Texas homeschool?
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Bona Fide -- Education should be occurring in a good faith manner, using a... |
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Curriculum -- Formal or informal, from any source, including video and computer or internet-based instruction, and teaching the following... |
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Required Subjects -- reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship (although there is no standard as to how these subjects should be taught). |
That's it. There's no filing with the school district, no testing, no fees, no nothing!
The best part is that you are not required to prove that you are doing any of the above things! Click here to read the letter from the Commissioner of Education to the Texas school districts concerning homeschooling.
If parents are withdrawing their children from public school to teach them at home, they should "officially" withdraw the child from the school. You are not required to "get approval", sign any forms, or provide any information about your home school.
If the school hassles you, the best response is to say, "If you will submit to me in writing what you want, I'll be glad to respond, according to state law and TEA guidelines." When (if) this request is given in writing, the parent should send a simple letter of assurance. A sample is given below.:
"This letter is to assure you that we have a curriculum that covers the basic areas of reading, spelling, grammar, math and a course in good citizenship. We are pursuing it in a bona fide manner. If you have any further questions please submit them to us in writing."
Please note, that only a few schools have attempted to cause trouble for homeschooling parents. Do not go into the situation assuming you will have a difficult time. Many schools are understanding and aware of homeschooling in Texas, even if they do not necessarily agree with the choice.
You can keep as detailed or as relaxed records as you wish. If your children have college in their future, you will want to keep more detailed records for that purpose.
Speaking of older students, what about high school graduation?
Texas private schools set their own standards for graduation! That means you too. If your children plan to attend college, then take a look at what your prospective colleges require in the way of high school credits and plan accordingly. The good news is that ALL of the major colleges and universities are actively recruiting homeschoolers because they tend to do very well in college studies.
The following high school graduation plan complies with TEA standards. These are to be used as a guideline only (if you desire). For more info about homeschooling high school students, click here.
19-24 credits. Public schools base their credits on the following:
150-180 hours equals 1 credit or 1 year of study.
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English/Language Arts -- 4 credits |
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Social Studies -- 3 1/2 credits World History (1), World Geography (1), US History (since reconstruction) (1), US Government (1/2) |
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Economics -- 1/2 credit |
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Math -- 3 credits Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. If your child's major is related to a "math field" include a 4th credit of Trig, Calculus, or other advanced math. |
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Science -- 3 credits Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
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Health Education -- 1/2 credit |
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Physical Education -- 1 1/2 credits |
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Foreign Language -- 2 credits (level 1 and 2 of same language) International Sign Language is now readily accepted |
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Fine Arts -- 1 credit |
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Speech -- 1/2 credit |