Want to learn how to homeschool in Texas? You picked a great state for it. Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. You’ll enjoy minimal rules and maximum freedom. According to HSLDA’s Texas homeschool guide, Texas ranks among the most permissive states for home education.
Maybe you’re frustrated with your local school. Perhaps you want a faith-based education. Or you just believe you can do better at home. Whatever your reason, this guide covers everything about Texas homeschool laws—from basic requirements to getting your teen into college.
Texas Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal (counts as private school) |
| Notification | Not required |
| Required Subjects | Reading, spelling, grammar, math, citizenship |
| Testing | Not required |
| Record Keeping | Not required |
| Ages | 6-19 years old |
| Teacher Requirements | None |
Bottom line: Texas gives you tons of freedom. No registration. No testing. No curriculum approval needed.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Texas?
Yes! Homeschooling is 100% legal in Texas. In fact, Texas has some of the best homeschool laws in the nation.
The key case is Leeper v. Arlington ISD from 1994. The Texas Supreme Court said homeschools count as private schools. This means you don’t have to follow public school rules.
Your homeschool operates as a private school. You’re the teacher, principal, and school board all in one. The state doesn’t regulate private schools much. That gives you lots of flexibility in how you educate your children.
What’s New in 2025-2026
Texas keeps making things better for homeschool families:
- Homeschool Freedom Act (HB 2674): Passed in 2025. It stops state agencies from regulating homeschools.
- College Financial Aid (HB 3041): Starting Fall 2026, homeschoolers can apply for TEXAS Grants.
- ESA Program: Starting in 2026, you can get up to $2,000/year for school supplies. But you’ll need to do testing if you take this money.
How to Homeschool in Texas: Legal Requirements
Texas keeps it simple. You only need to do three things to homeschool legally:
1. Make It Real
Your homeschool must be “bona fide.” That’s legal speak for “genuine.” You’re actually teaching your kids, not just keeping them home to skip school. Easy enough. This means you should have books, materials, and a general plan. But there’s no formal proof required.
2. Use Visual Materials
Your lessons need visual stuff. Books, workbooks, videos, or online courses all count. You can’t only teach by talking. Any normal curriculum meets this rule. Even a library card and some workbooks covers it.
3. Teach Five Subjects
Cover these five basics:
- Reading
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Math
- Good Citizenship (civics, character)
That’s the whole list. No specific books required. No certain curriculum needed. You pick what works for your family. Want to add science, history, art, and music? Of course! But legally, only those five subjects are mandated.
What You DON’T Have to Do
Here’s the good news about Texas:
- No registration: Don’t need to tell the state you’re homeschooling.
- No attendance logs: No need to track hours or days.
- No testing: Your kids don’t take state tests.
- No curriculum approval: Nobody reviews your choices.
- No qualifications: You don’t need a degree or teaching certificate.
- No evaluations: No portfolio reviews required.
- No waiting period: Start whenever you’re ready.
How to Start Homeschooling in Texas: Step by Step
Step 1: Leave Public School (If Needed)
Is your child in public school now? You’ll need to withdraw them. Send a short letter to the school. Include:
- Your child’s name and grade
- The withdrawal date
- A note saying you’ll homeschool as a private school
- Your signature
Keep a copy. Send it certified mail if you want proof. Once you’ve done this, you don’t need to contact the school district again.
Step 2: Pick Your Curriculum
This is the fun part! You have complete freedom in Texas. Options include:
- Boxed curriculum: Abeka, BJU Press, or Sonlight give you everything in one package.
- Online programs: Time4Learning or Power Homeschool work great for self-paced learning.
- Mix and match: Use different publishers for different subjects.
- Free options: Khan Academy and Easy Peasy cost nothing.
- Charlotte Mason: A literature-rich, nature-based approach popular in Texas.
- Classical: The trivium method focusing on grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages.
Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” choice right away. Many families try a few things before finding their groove. You can always switch mid-year if something isn’t working.
Step 3: Set Up Your Space
You don’t need a fancy classroom. Just find a spot with:
- Quiet space for focused work
- Storage for books and supplies
- Computer or tablet for online stuff
- Basic school supplies
- Good lighting
Many Texas families do school at the kitchen table. Others convert a spare bedroom. Some even use the back porch when the weather’s nice. Whatever works for your family is the right answer.
Step 4: Make a Schedule
Texas doesn’t say how long you must school each day. Most families find 3-4 hours covers what public school does in 6-7. You could:
- Do Monday through Friday, like regular school
- School four days a week
- Go year-round with shorter days
- Change things up by season
- Work around your family’s natural rhythms
Some families are morning people and finish by lunch. Others start after noon because that’s when their kids focus best. The beauty of homeschool is finding what works for you.
Step 5: Find Your People
Texas has a huge homeschool community. Join:
- Texas Home School Coalition (THSC): The big advocacy group for Texas homeschoolers
- Local co-ops: Families who share teaching duties
- Support groups: For tips and encouragement
- Sports leagues: Many areas have homeschool teams
- Facebook groups: Search “[your city] homeschool” for local connections
Co-ops and Group Learning
Texas has hundreds of homeschool co-ops. These are groups of families who meet weekly to learn together. Co-ops can offer:
- Group classes taught by parent volunteers
- Science labs with shared equipment
- Art and music instruction
- Social time for kids
- Support and friendship for parents
Some co-ops are free (just volunteer your time). Others charge fees and hire teachers. Both models work well. Ask local homeschoolers for recommendations in your area.
Should You Keep Records?
Texas doesn’t make you keep records. But it’s still a good idea. Save:
- Attendance log: Helpful for college apps or moving states
- Work samples: A portfolio of finished assignments
- Curriculum list: What you used each year
- Grades: Especially for high schoolers
- Standardized test scores: If you choose to test
These help if you need to show your child’s progress later. They’re also nice memories to look back on.
High School and Graduation
High school is where parents often have the most questions. Here’s how it works in Texas.
Credits
You decide what counts as a credit. Most families use about 120-150 hours per credit. But you’re not required to follow this. A typical high school transcript has 22-26 credits total.
Graduation
You decide when your student graduates. Many families follow the Texas public school plan as a guide. But it’s not required. Your child graduates when you say they’re ready.
Diploma
You create and sign your own homeschool diploma. It’s legally valid in Texas. Colleges, employers, and the military all accept it. You can buy nice diploma paper online or design your own.
Dual Enrollment
Texas homeschoolers can take college classes while still in high school. Many community colleges welcome homeschoolers. Your teen can earn college credit before graduation, saving time and money later. Contact your local community college about their dual enrollment program.
College Prep
Texas homeschoolers get into great colleges. To prepare:
- Make a detailed transcript
- Take the SAT or ACT
- Build strong courses (especially for competitive schools)
- Try dual enrollment at community college
- Track activities and volunteer work
- Get letters of recommendation from employers, coaches, or tutors
Homeschool Sports Access
Texas doesn’t have a “Tim Tebow law” requiring public schools to let homeschoolers play. But you have other options:
- TAPPS: The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools lets homeschoolers compete
- THSAA: Texas Home School Athletic Association organizes homeschool sports leagues
- Community leagues: YMCA, city leagues, and club sports welcome all kids
- Some districts allow it: A few Texas districts let homeschoolers participate. Ask yours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New homeschoolers sometimes stumble on these issues:
- Overcomplicating things: Texas law is simple. Don’t add rules that don’t exist.
- Skipping the withdrawal letter: If your child is in public school, send the letter first.
- Buying too much curriculum: Start small. Add more if needed later.
- Trying to replicate public school: You don’t need 6-hour days or bells between subjects.
- Forgetting records: Keep basic records even though they’re not required. You’ll want them later.
- Isolating your family: Join a co-op or support group. Community helps everyone.
Special Cases
Special Needs Kids
You have full control to customize education for special needs. No IEP required (though you can make your own plan). Lots of special curricula and therapies are available. Many families find homeschool works better than public school because they can go at their child’s pace.
Working Parents
Yes, you can homeschool while working! Try:
- Evening or weekend lessons
- Self-paced online curriculum
- Co-op with other families
- Hiring a tutor for some subjects
- Flexible work schedules
Moving to Texas
Coming from a stricter state? Welcome to freedom! Just start homeschooling under Texas law. No transfer papers needed. Keep records from your old state in case you need them later.
Texas Homeschool Resources
Key Organizations
- HSLDA Texas: Legal requirements, support, and member resources for Texas homeschoolers
- Texas Home School Coalition (THSC): Legal help, conventions, and advocacy
- Texas Education Agency: Official state education info
Finding Local Groups
Texas has hundreds of homeschool groups. Look for them on:
- Facebook (search your city + homeschool)
- THSC’s group directory
- Library bulletin boards
- Church homeschool programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell anyone I’m homeschooling in Texas?
Nope. Texas doesn’t require you to register or notify anyone. The only exception: if your child is in public school now, send a withdrawal letter.
Can Texas homeschoolers play public school sports?
It depends on your district. Some allow it, some don’t. Ask your local school. Many homeschool families play TAPPS sports instead (that’s the private school league).
What if the school district says I’m truant?
If you meet the three basic rules, you’re not truant. Explain that you run a private school under Texas law. THSC helps members with legal issues if you need backup.
Do Texas homeschoolers take the STAAR test?
No. STAAR is only for public school students. You’re exempt from all state testing.
Can I homeschool without a college degree?
Yes. Texas has zero requirements for parent education. No degree, no certificate, no problem.
How do I get a homeschool diploma in Texas?
You issue it yourself. Create a diploma with your homeschool name, your child’s name, and graduation date. Sign it as the administrator. It’s legally valid and accepted by colleges and employers.
Related State Guides
Comparing homeschool laws across states? Check out our other guides:
- How to Homeschool in Florida – Simple requirements with annual evaluation
- How to Homeschool in New York – More paperwork but still achievable
- How to Homeschool in Washington – Parent qualifications required
- How to Homeschool in Arizona – Another low-regulation state with ESA funding
Start Your Homeschool Journey
Texas makes homeschooling simple. With so few rules, you can focus on what matters: teaching your kids.
Your next steps:
- If in public school, send your withdrawal letter
- Research curriculum that fits your family
- Connect with local homeschool groups
- Set up a simple learning space
- Start teaching!
The Texas homeschool community is friendly and helpful. Thousands of families have done this before you. They’re happy to help newcomers. Welcome aboard!
Leave a Reply