Are you thinking about homeschooling in Texas? Homeschooling laws in Texas aren’t strict when compared to other US states, but you still need to know the laws. This page will give you information on:
1. information about homeschooling in general
2. who you can turn to in Texas for invaluable homeschooling information and advice
3. the basic homeschooling laws and regulations in Texas
We can help you on all three fronts!
We’ve included some helpful links below, about homeschooling in general. We’ve also included valuable state-specific information, including links to state homeschooling organizations and to the Texas Education Agency. For even more local info, we suggest you google for local homeschool support groups in your area. Finally, we’ve included actual homeschooling in texas state homeschooling statutes, as we recommend that you read and understand this information. Luckily, there’s not a lot to read, as Texas is a homeschool-friendly state, with very few requirements.
Ready to get started?
Homeschooling in TX – Homeschool Laws in Texas with State Statutes
Texas Education Code 25.085. Compulsory School Attendance
(a) A child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided.
(b) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a child who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached the child’s 19th birthday shall attend school.
Texas Education Code 25.086. Exemptions
(a) A child is exempt from the requirements of compulsory school attendance if the child:
(1) attends a private or parochial school that includes in its course a study of good citizenship;
(2) is eligible to participate in a school district’s special education program under Section 29.003 and cannot be appropriately served by the resident district;
(3) has a physical or mental condition of a temporary and remediable nature that makes the child’s attendance infeasible and holds a certificate from a qualified physician specifying the temporary condition, indicating the treatment prescribed to remedy the temporary condition, and covering the anticipated period of the child’s absence from school for the purpose of receiving and recuperating from that remedial treatment;
(4) is expelled in accordance with the requirements of law in a school district that does not participate in a mandatory juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011;
(5) is at least 17 years of age and:
(A) is attending a course of instruction to prepare for the high school equivalency examination, and:
(i) has the permission of the child’s parent or guardian to attend the course;
(ii) is required by court order to attend the course;
(iii) has established a residence separate and apart from the child’s parent, guardian, or other person having lawful control of the child; or
(iv) is homeless as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302; or
(B) has received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
Here are some helpful general homeschooling posts:
- Public Schools vs. Homeschooling
- Benefits of Homeschooling
- Homeschooling – Getting Started Info
- Homeschooling Advice for New Homeschoolers
- Types of Homeschooling
- Homeschool Curriculum Directory
- Curriculum Reviews
- Online Homeschool Programs
- Homeschooling Routines
- You’ve Decided to Homeschool. Now Get Your Kids on Board
- Homeschooling Multiple Kids (Multiple age groups)
- 5 Reasons You Might Want to Join a Homeschool Co-op
- Homeschool Socialization – How to Get Social
Homeschooling in TX, Additional Helpful Info:
From the Texas Home School Coalition Association – 7 Easy Steps to Begin Homeschooling and FAQs – Getting Started Homeschooling
From the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) – TX Home School Laws (you’ll be asked to give your e-mail address)
From the Texas Education Agency – State-Mandated Curriculum Standards – www.tea.state.tx.us/Curriculum
More Resources:
If you are looking for curriculum or educational resources to help you get started, you can view our Homeschool Curriculum Directory.
You’re about to embark on an exciting, wonderful adventure. One that will benefit your entire family! We wish you the best and hope you will bookmark this site to help you through this journey.