HSLDA or THSC?

Question

Between the two HSLDA and THSC which one is better?

I live in Texas THSC is $3 cheaper per month

This will be my first year homeschooling my child who was previously in public school.

http://www.thsc.org/defaultpage.asp

Answer 1

You don't need either.  I was going to post the "HS is legal" link, but Answer Faerie beat me to it.  You do NOT need the HSLDA.

THSC is not needed, either, and the discounts they list are available elsewhere, if not better.

The two are completely different.  HSLDA, contrary to what a lot of HS'ers believe, is *not* "homeschool insurance".  The laws for HS'ing in Texas are so few that it's highly unlikely you'd need HSLDA.

As for the THSC, you'd just have to think about if it's worth it.  Will you attend their convention?  Will you even purchase the things they have discounts for?  Do you *need* a HS association?

I don't belong to either HSLDA or my state "HS association".  I've HS'ed in two states, and for 5.5 years, never needing either.

FWIW, I think the membership fee for THSC is outrageous!!!!  Even the state group in my former state was only $15/year - mostly for the newsletter of activities.

I just think you need to re-think even using either of these.  If you start HS'ing and see that you need THSC, then join them.  I'd join the Yahoo Groups for HS'ing in your state and local area for *free* to see what they can offer you for support.  I bet it's much more than THSC.  Plus, THSC looks very exclusive.

JMO - take it leave it and YMMV.  :-)

Answer 2

THSC is the one that I have been looking to join. They do have great benefits , one being that if you are contacted about home schooling then they do defend you.This is straight form their website.

"One of the benefits of membership is legal assistance when faced with problems related to home education.  The Association’s full time staff gives prompt and vigorous attention to the needs of member families when they have been contacted by local government officials challenging the right of the family to home school. These experienced staff members intervene with government officials by phone, in writing and/or with legal counsel to end the confrontation and confirm the right of the parents to teach their children at home. "

So yes they do defend as well as offer a 10 percent discount to some stores. You also get your ID cards that will help you get discounts where teacher discounts apply, some will not include home schoolers in the teacher discounts though. I don't know much about the other group though. I plan to join THSC but may look into the other just to see what they have to offer. Where are you located in Texas if you don't mind my asking.

Answer 3

I don't know anything about THSC, but I can tell you about my personal experiences with HSLDA.  We have been members for many years, through four children's homeschooling.  My oldest child was born in 1980, and we are still members with HSLDA for homeschooling our youngest child.

They are wonderful. They answer every question.  They make calls, send letters, stand up to school personnel when needed. I have had HSLDA contact the school when they sent "kindergarten" round-up appointment schedules for my 3yo, and I have had HSLDA contact the college when they didn't want to admit a 17yo (graduated) homeschooler.  HSLDA has sent letters to the school for many things, called the school for me, etc.  Once the school demanded we come in to show curriculum and tests which are not required. HSLDA stood up to them and said no, they were my lawyers, call them with any questions. I have NOTHING but good things to say about HSLDA.  And I have been a member since the second year they were formed.

HSLDA also has a Special Needs Counselor who helped me make up an IEP and pick curriculum for one of my children at no extra cost. If you have a special ed student this is a free service if you are a member.

If THSC does this, and supplies a lawyer to advocate for you in court, then go with them at the lower price. If not, then HSLDA would be better.

Answer 4

HSLDA is a conservative Christian organization which does NOT represent the best interest of all homeschoolers. here is a link to further information:

http://hsislegal.com/

Answer 5

HSLDA and THSC do pretty much the same thing.  

Sign up for each ones e mails and read awhile, see what you think.

Answer 6

Honestly, you don't need to belong to either.  I didn't for a number of years, but now I do belong to HSLDA.  

THSC is just a group for Texas Homeschoolers, as far as I understand.  If you are in Texas, they might be worth supporting.  Texas has some of the best rules for homeschoolers in the country.  It is one of the easiest states to homeschool in.  Through that group you should be able to find local support groups and information important to homeschooling in your state.

HSLDA is everywhere!  They help homeschoolers in all states.  In addition to helping individual homeschoolers in cases where their state/district aren't following the rules, they also help at the state level when any state legislature is trying to pass laws that might hurt the HS community.  They get the word out to homeschoolers so that they can mobilize and attend meetings, write letters, make phone calls etc.  For example, when California just had problems with the judges declaring homeschooling illegal, HSLDA was there with a team of lawyers.  They are also trying to help some German homeschoolers where it is illegal.  They were active in NH recently, when they were trying to pass new laws in my state.

How people feel about HSLDA depends on where they come from.  HSLDA does try to sometimes come across as representing the homeschool community.  Some HS people are very happy to have them do that.  On the other hand, some HS do not feel that HSLDA represents them, and they have resented them coming into their state and lobbying for things that some local HS did not want.  They are also a Christian/Protestant organization, and this will either be a good thing or bad thing depending upon your own belief systems.

I know on this board, there are homeschoolers who go through a public charter school.  If this is the case, then I don't believe HSLDA will allow membership, but I could be wrong on that one.  Their main emphasis is for independent homeschoolers.