Texas Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Great news: Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. The laws are straightforward, and you have a lot of freedom in how you educate your children.

In 1994, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in Leeper v. Arlington ISD that homeschools operate as private schools under Texas law. This is the legal framework that protects your right to homeschool.

What Texas Requires

Texas homeschool curriculum must meet three simple requirements:

  1. It must be bona fide — meaning it’s a genuine educational program, not a sham to avoid compulsory attendance laws.
  2. It must be taught in a visual medium — this includes textbooks, workbooks, video courses, or online programs. (Yes, that covers just about everything.)
  3. It must cover five subjects: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.

That’s it. Those are the legal requirements.

What Texas Does NOT Require

This is where Texas really shines for homeschool families:

  • ❌ No notification to the state or your school district
  • ❌ No standardized testing
  • ❌ No teacher certification for the parent
  • ❌ No specific curriculum approval
  • ❌ No attendance records submitted to the state
  • ❌ No grade-level requirements

What About College?

Homeschool graduates in Texas can absolutely attend college. Most Texas colleges and universities have specific admissions processes for homeschool students. Many accept SAT/ACT scores, portfolios, and transcripts created by the parent.

Your Best Resource

The Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) is the leading organization for homeschool families in Texas. They provide legal support, resources, and advocacy.

👉 Visit THSC for the most up-to-date information on Texas homeschool law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell my school district I’m homeschooling? No. Texas does not require you to notify anyone. However, if your child is currently enrolled in public school, you do need to formally withdraw them (we cover that in the next step).

Can I homeschool if I don’t have a college degree? Absolutely. Texas has no education requirements for homeschool parents.

Will my child receive a diploma? As a private school, you as the parent can issue a diploma to your homeschool graduate.

What about special education services? If your child has been receiving special education services through public school, those services end when you withdraw. However, many homeschool curricula can be adapted for different learning needs, and private therapy services are available.