Texas Homeschool Laws

Texas homeschool laws may seem confusing. Sometimes it may feel overwhelming to jump into homeschooling. You might be worried over whether you are truly following all the rules you are supposed to be following, and doings things right.

Just know that as a parent you are doing
the right thing for your child/children.

Requirement 1

Your schooling must be bona fide : (sincerely; without intention to deceive.)

i.e., not a sham

Requirement 2

Your curriculum must be in visual form.
It may be using a book, workbook or video, or in any combination, including a Co-Op.

Requirement 3

Your curriculum must include the following

reading
spelling
grammar
mathematics
good citizenship (similar to civics).

Where can I find the laws?

The full text of the law regarding homeschooling is found here, from the Texas Constitution and Statutes site. The Texas Education Agency has published the Commissioner’s Informational Homeschool Letter with further generalized information.

There is also legal precedent (a previously reported court opinion that establishes the legal in the future on the same legal question) found in the Leeper case.

What do I do legally if my child has been enrolled in public school?

If your child is or recently has been a student of a Texas public school, you must officially withdraw them. You can do that by submitting a withdrawal letter.

If your child’s school district requests more information or asks for you to come to the school to fill out paperwork, you are not legally required to go to the school in person. Instead, send a letter of assurance, which explains that the child is to attend homeschool.

We recommend to join THSC, you get public school withdrawal support: If you run into any trouble while withdrawing, they’ll work with your school. Thousands of Texas homeschool families have withdrawn from public school to homeschool.