Beginning to homeschool your children is a daunting idea. The most frightening aspect of this task may be the thought of fighting your state for the right to teach your child at home. It is necessary to get basic information on homeschooling resources in our area. If this concerns you, then moving to Texas may be a viable option for you. Texas homeschooling laws are designed to provide freedom to parents, as opposed to creating a public school in a home environment.
When to Start and What to Teach:
In Texas, teaching must begin no later than the child's sixth birthday, younger if the child previously attended first grade. The only required subjects are reading, writing, math and citizenship. These requirements are based on the Texas Educational Code, section 25.085b.
What is the History of Homeschooling in Texas
Information on homeschooling laws in Texas is easy to find, and I will provide a synopsis here to help you get started. There are no specific state statutes related to homeschooling in Texas. This created some confusion in 1985 when the state declared homeschooling illegal and began prosecuting homeschooling families for truancy.
A class action lawsuit, Leeper vs Arlington Independent School District, was filed in 1987. The suit actually encompassed all 1,000 school districts in the state. In this suit, several decisions were made that make homeschooling in Texas much easier.
Status of a Homeschool and Curriculum Requirements
Due to this legislation, each family that homeschools is now considered to run their own private school, according to state law. The law requires homeschools to teach spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship through a written curriculum. These are the only requirements regarding curriculum in Texas. Many other states must approve the curriculum ahead of time before they may be used in homeschooling, and certification is required before being able to teach it.
Truancy
In many states the burden of proof falls on the parents to prove that they are homeschooling their children, and not just letting them stay out of school. In Texas, the parent is not required to notify the state of their homeschool status unless the state has a reason to question the parent's intentions. For example, if neighbors report that the children are being neglected, and no education is taking place, then the parents would need to submit a written statement of assurance that asserts the parents homeschool rights and the fact that the children are being taught. The state does not have the right to enter the home or review curriculum or grades at any time.
Accreditation and College
Homeschooling in Texas is granted the same stature as a high school diploma. Colleges are required to accept a homeschooler's decree that they have completed their studies, as well as any applicable SAT or ACT scores, for admission to the school. The court also ruled that the state may not force homeschoolers to take standardized tests.
Homeschooling in Texas provides a freedom that many other states do not offer when teaching your children. When my neighbors were looking to leave their previous state due to the high cost of living, they researched the various state laws and decided that homeschooling in Texas was the best option because of the ease they would have in adhering to the law.
