Homeschooling in Texas? You’re in luck! Texas is known for being one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country, giving families the flexibility to design a learning path that works for them. Whether you’re just beginning to explore homeschooling or ready to dive in, this guide walks you through the must-knows: legal requirements, graduation expectations, support resources, and how Outschool can help you build a custom-fit education.
What are the laws regarding homeschooling in Texas?
Texas is one of the most flexible states for homeschoolers, with laws that treat homeschools as private schools. Even with that freedom, there are still a few important legal requirements families need to follow. Understanding these requirements up front helps set you, and your learner, up for a confident, stress-free start.
Teach the required subjects
Texas law requires homeschooling parents to teach five core subjects: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. You can absolutely include more subjects (science, history, art, etc.), but these five are required as the legal baseline.
Use a bona fide curriculum
Your instruction must be ‘bona fide,’ meaning it’s real and legitimate. You don’t need to use a specific curriculum or get it approved by the state. You can choose a boxed curriculum, an online program, or build your own plan; it just needs to reflect real, structured learning.
Instruction must be visual
Texas courts have clarified that homeschooling must involve visual learning materials. This can include textbooks, worksheets, videos, educational websites, or other visual tools that support structured instruction. While hands-on or discussion-based learning is fine, it should be backed by something visual.
What are the graduation requirements for Texas homeschoolers?
Texas gives homeschool families complete control over what graduation looks like. Since homeschools are considered private schools under state law, you decide when your learner has completed their high school education without state requirements for courses, credit hours, or standardized exams. A minimum age isn’t required for graduation.
This means that you get to:
Set the graduation standards
As the parent and educator, you decide what it means for your student to finish high school. This could include coursework, hands-on projects, life skills, or even real-world experiences like internships or creative portfolios.
Issue a homeschool diploma
Parents have the legal authority to create and sign a diploma. You don’t need permission from the state or any external organization. Many families create a diploma that reflects their homeschool’s name and graduation date, and it’s valid for jobs, college applications, and beyond.
Create a transcript your way
Transcripts aren’t required in Texas, but they’re useful for college, jobs, or scholarships. You can format yours traditionally (grades and subjects) or use a narrative or skills-based approach. If college is in the plan, it’s smart to check with a few schools early to see what they’ll want to see.
How to get started
Getting started is simpler than you might think. With just a few thoughtful steps, you can begin building an educational journey that truly fits your family’s values, schedule, and goals. Here’s a quick roadmap for you:
- Decide to homeschool, no need to notify the state unless you're withdrawing from public school
- Create or choose a bona fide curriculum that covers Math, Spelling, Reading, Grammar and Good Citizenship
- Start teaching your child using visual materials of your choice
- Keep records for your own peace of mind (not mandated, but helpful)
- Explore local homeschool groups and co-ops for support
- Plan for college, testing, or transcripts if needed
Why Outschool is a great option for homeschooling in Texas
Homeschoolers in Texas enjoy incredible freedom, and Outschool helps you make the most of it. Whether you're looking for a complete curriculum, supplemental classes, or enrichment opportunities, Outschool gives you the flexibility to tailor your child's education.
With Outschool, you get:
- Complete curricula for all grades
- Flexible learning that fits your schedule and goals
- Classes that cover all Texas-required subjects, and much more!
- Test prep, tutoring, and enrichment options to support every learning path
- Specialized classes for learners with unique abilities
Explore subjects you need and topics your learner loves, all in one place!
Find support through homeschool communities in Texas
Homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding journey, but it’s even better with community. Texas has a wide range of communities, both statewide and local, where families can find encouragement, resources, and shared learning opportunities with each other.
Statewide organizations
These groups offer broad support, resources, and events for families across Texas:
- Texas Homeschooling Network– Inclusive support for secular, eclectic, and alternative homeschoolers.
- Texas Education Agency– The official website for the Department of Education in Texas. You can find basic information on homeschooling from the state here.
- Texas Homeschool Expo– Open for homeschooling families of all ideologies, it’s a great way to meet parents across the state and share resources, curricula, service providers, programs, and more.
Local groups & co-ops
Connect with nearby families for classes, field trips, meetups, and shared learning:
- Homeschool-Life– Searchable directory of regional homeschool groups and co-ops.
- Texas Unschoolers– Community and resources for unschooling families across the state.
- Facebook or Meetup groups by city or region– SEA Homeschoolers, for example, host multiple virtual conferences a year and have more than 100,000 families part of their Facebook group.
Frequently asked questions about homeschooling in Texas
Every homeschooling journey comes with questions, especially when you’re starting out or navigating a new state’s rules. This FAQ section covers the essentials that families in Texas often want to know, from legal requirements to graduation, testing, and college admissions.
Is standardized testing required for homeschoolers in Texas?
Texas doesn’t require homeschoolers to take standardized tests. That said, some families choose to use assessments like the SAT, ACT, or PSAT to track progress or prepare for college. Texas homeschoolers can also take AP exams and the PSAT through their local school district, and by law, they must be given the same access and pay the same fees as public school students. While these tests aren’t mandatory, they can be useful tools depending on your learner’s goals.
What subjects are required to be taught in Texas homeschools?
Texas law requires instruction in the following subjects:
- Reading
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Mathematics
- Good citizenship
Beyond these, parents have the flexibility to include additional subjects based on their educational goals and the interests of their children.
What is “good citizenship,” and how do I teach it?
In Texas, “good citizenship” means helping your learner understand their role in society. This can include topics like civics, community service, current events, or ethics. You can teach it through books, discussions, volunteering, or real-world projects, it’s all about raising thoughtful, engaged citizens.
How do homeschoolers in Texas obtain a high school diploma?
In Texas, homeschool parents have the authority to issue a high school diploma to their student upon completion of their homeschool program. There are no specific state requirements for graduation, allowing families to set their own criteria. While not mandatory, maintaining records such as transcripts and course descriptions can be beneficial for future endeavors like college admissions or employment.
Is unschooling a legal homeschooling approach in Texas?
Yes, unschooling is a legal form of homeschooling in Texas. The state requires that instruction be bona fide and include the mandated subjects. Unschooling families can meet these requirements through interest-led learning, provided they document educational activities that align with the state's subject requirements.
What is the cost of homeschooling in Texas?
The cost of homeschooling varies widely depending on the chosen curriculum and resources. Some families utilize free materials, while others choose to purchase curricula and learning tools. On average, expenses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year. Costs may include curriculum, supplies, extracurricular activities, and standardized testing if chosen.
Are homeschoolers required to track high school credits in Texas?
Texas does not mandate the tracking of high school credits for homeschoolers. However, maintaining a record of courses completed and credits earned is advisable, especially if the student plans to pursue higher education, vocational training, or employment. A typical high school credit is equivalent to one year of study in a subject.
Can homeschoolers in Texas attend college?
Absolutely. Homeschooled students in Texas are eligible to apply to colleges and universities. It's important to prepare a comprehensive transcript and, if possible, include standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio of work. These documents can also be useful when applying for jobs or enlisting in the military.
How can a homeschooled student return to public school in Texas?
A homeschooled student can re-enroll in public school at any time. The local school district may assess the student's academic level to determine appropriate grade placement. Detailed records of the student's homeschool education can facilitate a smoother transition.
Do parents need specific qualifications to homeschool in Texas?
No, Texas does not require parents to have specific educational qualifications or certifications to homeschool their children. The primary requirement is that the instruction be bona fide and cover the mandated subjects using a visual curriculum.
Is there a required number of instructional days for homeschoolers in Texas?
Texas law does not specify a required number of instructional days for homeschoolers. Families have the flexibility to create a schedule that suits their educational approach and their children's needs.
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