Texas Homeschooling Laws
Texas is one of the states which has some of the most straightforward requirements regarding homeschooling. Families in Texas considering homeschooling their children can use this page to discover the legality of it, what is expected of parents to homeschool and the process of going back to school if need be after homeschooling. To legally homeschool, you will need to follow these requirements:
1. Teach the required subjects
2. Use a written curriculum (online programs meet this requirement)
This page contains information on how to homeschool in Texas, including:
· Laws on homeschooling in Texas
· Transfer from public school to homeschool
· Recordkeeping for homeschoolers in Texas
· The requirements for graduation in Texas
· Resuming to public school after homeschooling
Below you will find helpful information on the requirements and options available for homeschooling in Texas.
*This information is by no means intended as legal advice; its purpose is merely informational. It is each parent’s responsibility to get informed and understand the applicable homeschooling laws which regulate homeschooling in his or her state.
Laws on Homeschooling in Texas
The law in Texas provides that homeschoolers should have the following:
· An elaborate instruction for the homeschooler
· A visual curriculum such as an online program, workbooks, etc.
· Spelling, Mathematics, reading, grammar and citizenship as part of the compulsory subjects.
The homeschoolers are not subjected to any minimum requirements for the amount of days for homeschooling. In Texas, homeschooling is not regulated by the state for it is considered a private school.
Although homeschooling is not regulated by the state, the requirements established should not limit parents to what the student should learn. It is upon the parents to expand the scope of their student’s curriculum to provide the best education possible for their child. These requirements serve as a bare minimum. The significance of this is to ensure the child is well prepared for college and the career path they may choose.
Transferring from Public School to Homeschool in Texas
Notice of Intent
Families considering homeschooling are advised to follow a formal path of withdrawal. This involves the parent sending an email or a letter to the principal, attendance clerk and counselor of the school informing them on the intention to withdraw your child. The letter/email should have the date in which the homeschooling program will begin or began to avoid any truancy inquiries.
Recordkeeping for Homeschoolers in Texas
It is not a requirement by law to keep records for homeschoolers but it is considered a good idea to do so for the future benefit of the student. Keepingrecord of the child’s progress is important as it serves as:
· A reference to be used in making homeschool transcripts
· An overview of the coursework covered during homeschooling in case the student is considering going back to public/private school
· A keepsake of the moments spent together with your student learning
The records can be as simple as keeping a journal which shows what the homeschooler has been up to with regards to the program. Parents may also go for the detailed way to keep records which includes the lesson plans, list of the materials and books used in the program. Lernsys Homeschooling provides transcripts and curriculum records which include course average grade/final grade, quizzes/tests grades, lessons and topics covered, among other things.
Requirements for Graduation in Texas
Graduation in Texas is not regulated by law. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the goals they have for their student aligns with the recommendations of any college the student may be considering after high school graduation, the military or future career path the student may be interested in.
The chart below shows the comparison between graduation requirements in public school and homeschool.
| Public/Private School | Homeschool | |
|---|---|---|
|
Diploma requirements in Texas |
To receive a diploma in Texas, a student must complete 22 credits as a minimum requirement. |
Homeschool parents in Texas are free to set the graduation requirements for their student. Parents also determine if and when their student will graduate and are also able to award a high school diploma under their own terms. Private and online schools can award diplomas to their students. |
| Requirements for testing in Texas |
High schoolers in Texas are required to take the SAT or ACT in 11th grade and pass the end of course exams in core subjects. Civics assessment, U.S. citizenship and immigration tests are a must to be qualified for graduation. |
There is no law in Texas that compels or forces homeschoolers to undertake a test as a requirement in order to graduate high school. |
|
Texas high school transcripts |
The transcripts schools give include attendance information, a total of the credits, information identifying the student, a credit history by course indicating the grades received per semester, the course titles and the overall grade. |
Parents in Texas can create the homeschoolers’ transcripts which may include information they considered relevant to institutions the homeschoolers may intend to apply to. This may include schools, colleges, workplace organizations, or the military. |
|
High school course credits in Texas |
To graduate in Texas, one must fulfill the following requirements; 4 English credits, 3 Science credits that include chemistry, biology or physics and an additional lab science course, 4 Mathematics credits that include an advanced math course, Algebra I,II and Geometry, 3 Social studies credits including US History, World history, half credit for US government and Economics, 3 elective credits and lastly 1 and 1⁄2 credits of wellness and physical education as well as half credit of personal finance. |
Parents decide when it is time for their student to graduate high school in Texas. Many parents choose to specify or assign academic credits to the courses taken during the homeschooling period as this may aid during the transcript creation process. |
|
Eligibility for GED in Texas |
Students who are 18 years or older and have not attained a diploma are eligible to sit for the GED or HiSET exam that is offered by the High school Equivalency Program in Texas. |
Homeschoolers are subjected to the same requirements as students in public school. |
Homeschool High School Transcript Template
Track your homeschooler’s credits, courses, and accomplishments with this free homeschool high school transcript template.
Download the transcript template
Switching from Homeschooling to Public School in Texas
Each school applies different guidelines for grade placement and enrollment of students. You will find that some schools let you register your child for the grade you wish him/her to attend while others require information on the student’s progress and the curriculum used during homeschooling. Other schools will have your child take an assessment test to determine the appropriate grade level your child belongs in.
Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Texas
Have other questions about homeschooling in Texas? You may find the following pages helpful.
