Homeschooling States by Regulation: Texas

by Christina Yeager

Families homeschool their children for various reasons and have been quite successful in doing so! Some feel their child isn't getting an adequate education, perhaps due to distraction. Children all over the world involve themselves in competitive sports, vocational trades and entertainment. These kiddos have an outlet possibly leading them early into lucrative careers. Public school schedules just aren't a good fit. Can you guess what it? Yup! Homeschooling. Each state in the U.S. mandates different rules for teaching children at home. Texas may be one of the few states that gives the most freedom in homeschooling. 

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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In the State of Texas, there are no laws set forth for mandatory reporting, testing or record keeping. However, record keeping in way of attendance and progress is always a good idea. It would make re-entering the public school system easier if the need ever arises.

Compulsory School Age	In Texas, all children must begin school at age six and continue to attend until age nineteen. If your child has been enrolled in pre-k, kindergarten or 1st grade, they will need to continue to attend. ​ Exceptions: ​If your child has been enrolled to homeschool, they will be exempt from compulsory attendance to public school. Your child will be exempt from attending school until nineteen if the have already graduated at an earlier age or obtained a GED certificate.
Homeschooling Choices	Homeschooling in Texas is considered to be a form of private education. There are still rules and regulations to follow, just not as many as other states.
Curriculum	Texas state law dictates that curriculum be taught in visual and written manners (textbooks, video, online courses, etc.) and the following subjects be taught: Reading Spelling Grammar Mathematics Good Citizenship

Visit the Texas Education Agency website for more information!

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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