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Public school enrollment in Texas dropped by 2.23% in 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. 12.3% families in Texas chose homeschooling for their kids in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This percentage tends to grow.
Homeschooling is an alternative way of education. Parents take responsibility for the education of their child instead of traditional school. Parents use online programs and choose curriculum, set learning schedules. Let’s see how homeschooling is going in Texas.
What’s The Law?
Homeschools are considered private schools in Texas. Texas doesn’t require standardized testing or state approval of the curriculum. The student is educated in a bona fide manner by the parents in Texas.
Parents choose or develop their child’s learning materials as long as they cover the required subjects.The required subjects are:
- Math
- Reading
- Spelling and grammar
- Good citizenship
Science and History is not required by law, but any college will require these subjects for admittance.
The private school law as interpreted by the Texas Supreme Court requires homeschooling to use some form of written curriculum. Online programs meet this requirement. The Texas Education Code doesn’t require filing a notice of intent to homeschool a child or registration with the state.
There are no state required inspections or assessments for homeschooling families, but it’s recommended to keep on file a record of a student’s curriculum and progress.
Parents in Texas don’t require any specific qualifications to run homeschool for their children. Texas law offers flexibility as it doesn’t need from parents minimum level education or teacher certifications. Homeschooling begins at any time if the child was never initiated into public school. You can learn more about the law at the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website.
What If My Child Is Already Enrolled In Public School?
Parents need to officially withdraw their kids to prevent any type of legal complication. Many districts require a written letter of withdrawal. This letter includes the parent’s intention to start homeschooling and the date they will be doing so.
Parents contact the school district after sending the letter to verify their child has been removed from the school district’s rolls. Parents begin homeschooling after this process is completed.
Texas law doesn’t require parents to send a new curriculum or proof of enrollment in a homeschooling program. Texas provides support groups and services for families who are transitioning from public school to homeschooling, such as TheHomeSchoolMom and Navigate Life Texas.
How Do I Get Started?
Parents need a plan to start homeschooling in Texas. Let’s overview key parts of homeschool education organization.
Goals And Format
Parents decide on goals and objectives in their child’s home education. This helps to choose the pattern of homeschooling. Parents choose online homeschooling programs, such as Legacy Online School, or create their own personal homeschooling curriculum, using books and resources.
Curriculum
Parents ensure the curriculum includes subjects required by the state and those needed for college in the future. Parents acquire the needed materials after this stage. These materials are usually textbooks, workbooks, and some digital resources.
Environment and Schedule
Parents set aside an area at home as the learning area. Parents follow the traditional academic calendar or come up with their own version. It sets homeschooling the learning routine and provides year-round learning for their child.
How Can I Connect With Other Homeschoolers?
One of the best ways to improve homeschooling experience is by connecting with other families. Texas has a large and active homeschooling community. State provides different types of support groups and co-ops offer resources, guidance, and social opportunities.
Parents start by searching for local homeschool groups. Many of these groups offer meetups, field trips, and group learning activities.
The social media groups, forums, and networks for homeschooling are also useful in exchanging tips, sharing ideas, and other types of advice.
How Do Homeschool Kids Graduate?
Students take State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests every year for grades 3 to 8 and high school. Learn more at the Student Assessment Overview.
There is no state-issued high school diploma for homeschool students. Parents can issue their own diplomas. This diploma may be legally recognized as equivalent to a private school diploma.
Online programs for homeschoolers issue their diploma, such as Legacy Online School US accredited diploma.
Homeschoolers may take the General Education Development (GED) test, helping to earn and recognize high school credentials. Many homeschool students in Texas participate in dual enrollment at area community colleges. These students have the opportunity to graduate with a college degree along with their high school diploma.
Homeschool students send colleges their transcripts, diplomas, and any standardized test scores, such as Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT). Texas law requires each college to treat homeschool applicants just like traditional high school graduates.
Why Do Many Families Choose Legacy Online School?
Legacy Online School is a globally recognized K-12 institution offering top-tier, comprehensive, and dynamic education.
Accredited Curriculum
Legacy Online School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Legacy Online School offers students with a curriculum meeting and exceeding the standards set by educational authorities in Texas.
Full-Rounded Education
Legacy Online School provides a curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school.
Legacy Online School’s curriculum covers core subjects. These subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students choose electives like Spanish and Art. This curriculum includes live teaching in small groups for personalized attention. Our students receive a balanced, comprehensive education.
Affordable Prices
Legacy Online School offers various tuition plans. These plans include group learning, self-paced learning, and one-on-one live teaching. Prices start from $149 per month. Discounts are available for annual payments.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Focus
Legacy Online School provides a STEM-focused curriculum. This curriculum puts students for success in their future careers. Students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and experiential learning.
Personalized Approach for Every Student
Our teachers put their heart and soul into their work. Our teachers support students during lessons and beyond. Their goal is not just to teach the material but to help students fall in love with the learning process.
Legacy Online School’s teachers provide personalized attention and support to each student. A special approach awaits students with special needs, as we have experts with extensive experience in working with special needs children. These experts know which methods to use to help these students reach their full potential.
Helpful Resources
Here are some helpful resources for homeschooling in Texas to support parents and students in their education.
Texas Homeschool Support Groups
- Texas Home School Coalition (THSC)
- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
- Texas Education Agency Homeschool Resources
Texas Regional Homeschool Networks
- Plano Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers (PEACH)
- Lighthouse Home School Support
- Richardson Home School Association (RHSA)
