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How to Start Homeschooling in Texas

Thinking about homeschooling but have no idea where to begin? You're not alone!

Starting to homeschool can feel overwhelming. There are curriculum choices to make, schedules to consider, legal requirements to understand, and a million opinions about the "right" way to homeschool.

Homeschooling gives you the freedom to build an education around your child and your families needs. You don't need a classroom, a teaching certificate, or a perfect schedule. Start by learning the law, getting to know your child as a learner, and then choosing resources that fit your family's needs.

The Basics of Homeschooling in Texas

Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. Homeschools are not regulated by the Texas Education Agency, and you do not need to register your homeschool with the state or obtain approval from your local school district to homeschool. Texas also does not require homeschooling parents to be certified teachers or to use an accredited curriculum.

Under Texas law, a homeschool must:

  • Provide bona fide instruction — meaning the homeschool must be a legitimate educational program and not a sham.
  • Use curriculum in visual form — such as books, workbooks, or video/online instructional materials.
  • Include the basic subjects of: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.

That's it. Texas does not prescribe a specific curriculum, number of school days, number of school hours, testing schedule, or teacher certification requirement for homeschools. Families have the freedom to determine what their school year and daily schedule look like.

SOURCE: https://thsc.org/homeschool-in-texas/ 

What If My Child Is Currently Enrolled in Public School?

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, you will need to withdraw your child from the school before beginning your homeschool program. You do not need permission from the school district to homeschool, and you are not required to submit your curriculum for approval. The Texas Education Agency states that a signed and dated letter from a parent or guardian stating that the student is being homeschooled and giving the date homeschooling began is sufficient documentation for withdrawal.

If your child has never been enrolled in a public school, there is generally no registration or withdrawal process to complete.

SOURCE: https://thsc.org/homeschool-in-texas/

Once you understand the law, the rest is about building a homeschool that works for your family.


1. Give Yourself Time to Learn
Before purchasing a stack of curriculum, take some time to learn about homeschooling. There are many different educational approaches, teaching styles, and curriculum options. What works beautifully for one family may be completely wrong for another. A few styles to explore are : Traditional or 'textbook', Classical, Charlotte Mason (aka expository), Montessori, Waldorf, Unit Studies, World Schooling, Delight-Directed, or a mix of all of these, defined as Eclectic. Click HERE for a great resource to start learning about these various styles. 
2. Get to Know Yourself and Your Student(s)
How do you like to teach?  Click HERE for a great resource from the HSLDA on the tendencies we have in teaching styles.  Consider your child's strengths, interests, challenges, learning preferences, and goals.  Students learning preferences can vary and be a combination of auditory, reading and writing, visual, and kinesthetic among others. Homeschooling gives you the opportunity to design an education around the actual child in front of you. Click HERE for a short quiz on what type of learner your student might be!
3. Choose Your Curriculum
There is no single "best" homeschool curriculum. Look for resources that fit your student's academic level, learning style, your teaching style, and your family's budget and schedule.  The options are endless and we are happy to help you build a Curriculum Map for each of your students. You do not have to use the same curriculum for every student and every subject.
4. Start Simple
Especially in the elementary years, don't feel pressured to recreate a traditional school day at your kitchen table. Focus on building strong foundational skills in reading and writing observation and sequencing. Not is the time to develop a love of learning.  As your student reaches middle school and high school, planning becomes increasingly important. This is where curriculum mapping, course planning, transcripts, prerequisites, and long-term academic goals become much more useful. CHSEL's parent organization Lighthouse Home School Support offers FREE advising and curriculum sessions.  Click HERE to book a session!
5. Find Your Community
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that you don't have to do it alone. Connect with other homeschool families, participate in co-ops and enrichment programs, find opportunities for your children to socialize and learn with others, and build a support network for yourself.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

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