Texas Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Texas Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: At Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-19 (or Earn High School Diploma)

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes, Exemptions Available

How to Start Homeschooling in Texas

Starting your homeschool journey in Texas is a relatively simple process because homeschool laws in Texas are minimal. They require families to do the following:

• Provide “bona fide” instruction. In other words, Texas homeschool families agree to actively pursue an education at home.
• Use a visual curriculum. Texas law says you may use any curriculum, but it must be “visual.” 
• Include reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and citizenship in their courses of study.

 Submitting a Formal Withdrawal Letter in Texas

Families don’t need to register with the state or file a notice of intent. However, if you are withdrawing your children from public school to begin homeschooling, you do need to submit a formal withdrawal letter or email. Here’s an example of how to do that frim the Texas Homeschool Coalition.

Additionally, local districts may ask home educators to provide written assurance that they homeschool their children. This is as simple as sending a letter or email with your children’s names and stating that you are legally educating them at home.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Qualifications to Homeschool in Texas

There are no requirements for homeschool instructors in Texas. Children may be taught by their parents or guardians or participate in local homeschool classes, learn from other home educators, take online courses, etc.

Mandatory School Age in Texas

When children turn 6, they must start school by September 1st of that school year. Home educators may choose to start school earlier. Children in Texas must continue to attend school until they turn 19 or earn their high school diploma or equivalency, whichever comes first. Learn more here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Texas Homeschool Subject & Curriculum Requirements

Texas requires families to use “visual curriculum programs.” These might include (but aren’t limited to) textbooks, workbooks, written educational materials, online programs, or videos. You can use pre-made curriculum programs or create your own, but all materials must be visual.

To comply with Texas homeschool laws, your children must learn reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and citizenship. The Texas Homeschool Coalition offers a detailed guide to finding and selecting homeschool curriculum programs.

TIP: You can choose any curriculum programs you like for teaching Texas’s required subjects.

Texas Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Texas does not require a specific number of school instruction days or hours per day. 

Back to Top

Back to Top

Texas Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

You’re not legally required to keep any homeschool records in Texas, including attendance records, academic records or assessments, evaluations, and work samples. However, families should consider creating a record of their children’s home education, as it can prove helpful for college or trade school admissions or if they enroll in public school.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Texas

Texas requires immunizations for all children, regardless of their school choice. However, families may file exemptions to these requirements. Learn about Texas immunization requirements and exemptions here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Resources for Homeschool Families in Texas

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. Learn more about these groups, sports opportunities, field trips, and public school access below.

Texas Homeschool Public School Access

Each school district decides if homeschooled children can attend classes at local public schools. Texas law does not require districts to allow homeschoolers to take classes at public schools.

TIP: If you want your children to take one or more classes at your local public school, contact the district to learn more about your options.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Homeschool Organizations, Groups, Co-ops and Associations

Homeschool families can benefit greatly from the resources and support homeschool organizations, groups, co-ops, and associations provide.

Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. 

Texas has several options to support your family as you homeschool.

• Texas Home School Coalition (THSC): This association has many resources for homeschoolers, as well as advice, social and educational events, and advocacy assistance.
• Texas Home Educators: Join this association for free lesson plan ideas, local group support, events, and more.
• Homeschoolers Unlimited Texas H.U.T.: This group welcomes homeschool families in the Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.
• Homeschool Organization of South Texas: This Christian volunteer-led, homeschool support organization primarily serves the Coastal Bend area. 

Texas Home Educators has a fantastic resource directory of homeschool groups and co-ops throughout the state.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Texas

Texas law doesn’t require public schools to include homeschoolers in sports, and the decision is left to each school district. Contact them directly to learn their policies on sports.

Fortunately, homeschoolers have many ways to participate in sports outside of public schools. Local homeschool groups and co-ops often have their own sports leagues or classes. Plus, youth sports organizations are available in many communities. Here are some options to get you started:

Back to Top

Back to Top

Texas Homeschool Field Trips 

Texas is a big state with lots to see! Choose places that fit with your curriculum or explore a location of interest to your students. 

Looking for outdoor Texas field trips? The state has nearly 90 state parks and historic sites, which you can explore. The state is also home to Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, along with other national historical sites, wildlife refuges, and more.

Fourth graders and their families are eligible for free admission to national parks (restrictions apply) through the Every Kid Outdoors pass.

Texas cities are full of cultural opportunities and museums. Houston’s Museum District has 19 museums, including the Children’s Museum and Houston Zoo. It’s also home to  Space Center Houston. In Austin, visit the State Capitol and the LBJ Presidential Library. In Dallas, head to Old City Park to see Texas history brought to life, catch a show at the Dallas Children’s Theatre, or spend a day at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science.

Many museums and attractions offer group discounts and special homeschool programs. Homeschool families can take advantage of these by teaming up with other local homeschoolers for field trips.

Special Education Homeschoolers

For families homeschooling students with special needs in Texas, it is worth the effort to be considered a private school under the homeschooling options. 

This private school designation opens up the opportunity for the student to receive special education funds that have been granted to the local school district through federal and state funding.

Texas has many statewide homeschooling organizations and associations that are active in protecting the rights of homeschoolers in the state. These organizations are also an excellent resource for families of students with special needs, as they can help parents navigate the legalities and requirements of being designated as a private school.

Back to Top

Texas Homeschool FAQ

Is Texas a homeschool-friendly state?

Texas is a very appealing state for homeschool families. You can make your own educational choices as long as you provide a visual curriculum in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and citizenship. There are no record-keeping or attendance requirements and no need to register with the state.

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling?

If you decide to enroll your child in public school, contact your local school district. They will determine the proper grade placement and course requirements. Provide any educational records you’ve kept to help with these determinations. Your child may need to take standardized assessments or complete evaluations as well.

How do Texas homeschool students receive diplomas or transcripts?

The state of Texas does not issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschoolers. Home educators can issue their own diplomas. Students may also earn diplomas through homeschool co-ops, online curriculum programs, or other means. Home educators can create transcripts for their children using any educational records they’ve kept along the way.

Does Texas pay for homeschooling costs?

No. Families in Texas are responsible for any and all costs associated with homeschooling. 

Is unschooling legal in Texas?

Yes, unschooling is legal in all fifty states, including Texas. Learn more from Texas Unschoolers.

Back to Top