Is Homeschooling permitted in Texas?

Question

I've read the rules and what not, but I don't understand them...can anyone help me??

Answer 1

Yes, homeschooling is extremely easy in TX.  In TX, homeschools are considered private schools, so no state forms or testing is required.  You do need to teach to your child's level, but you don't have to go through all the hoops.

Answer 2

Yes, it's very legal.  A homeschool counts as a private school.  You have to educate your child between the ages of 6 and 17, and you have to have a curriculum that includes a good citizenship component, reading, spelling, grammar and math.  You have to provide instruction for 180 days in a year.  You do not have to communicate with the school district, submit to home visits or give your child standardized tests.  Colleges and universities in Texas can not discriminate against homeschool graduates.  Child protective services can not use the fact that you homeschool as evidence of abuse or neglect.

Basically, as long as you teach your child using a curriculum that covers the required subjects for 180 days per year, you're fine.  You don't have to do any reporting or give your child any tests, but keeping records is a good idea for college.

Answer 3

What jrhd said was correct except for the 180 days.  There is no set number of days that you have to school.

Answer 4

Yes, homeschooling is legal in every state within the U.S., all of its territories, every province in Canada, and in several other countries (including the UK).  Texas is a very good state to homeschool in, as they do not place unnecessary burdens on homeschooling families.

Go to http://www.HSLDA.org and click on Texas.  They have the law, and a simple interpretation of the law.

I hope this helps!