How to homeschool in Texas

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: No

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

An illustration of judiciary scales within a simple house outline to illustrate homeschooling laws.

Texas homeschooling laws and options

Texas offers a flexible legal framework for homeschooling, giving parents the freedom to educate their kids at home with little interference from the state. Homeschooling is considered a type of private education, allowing families to create a personalized learning experience while following state guidelines.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Texas homeschooling laws:

Notification requirements: Parents don’t need to notify the school or district when you start homeschooling.
Parent education requirements: No specific education or certifications are needed for parents to homeschool in Texas.
Required subjects: Homeschool curricula should cover reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.
Recordkeeping requirements: There’s no legal requirement to track attendance, instructional hours, or coursework.

To learn more about homeschooling laws in Texas, visit the Texas Education Agency’s official homeschooling page.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Texas

Getting started with homeschooling in Texas is a straightforward process. Here's how Time4Learning can help families begin and thrive:

Set your goals: Decide why you’re homeschooling and what type of curriculum works best for your family.
Create your curriculum: Texas requires specific subjects to be covered, and Time4Learning offers tools to check those boxes. Our platform includes engaging, interactive lessons in reading, math, spelling, grammar, and more.
Plan your schedule: Time4Learning’s flexible system allows you to adapt to your family’s needs, ensuring a personalized education.
Keep records: While Texas doesn’t require them, keeping a portfolio of work can be helpful, especially if your child transitions back to public school or applies for college.

Time4Learning supports homeschoolers by providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use platform to meet your child’s educational needs.

FPO lifestyle image

An illustrated graduation cap above a rolled up diploma with a seal.

Texas high school graduation and diploma requirements

Graduating as a homeschooler in Texas is different from traditional schools—parents decide when their student meets the graduation requirements and issue a homeschool diploma. Since Texas doesn’t mandate specific high school coursework for homeschoolers, families can tailor their student’s education to align with future goals.

Customize your graduation plan: Most families include core subjects like math, science, language arts, and history.
Credits and transcripts: Parents can create their own transcript, detailing courses completed, grades, and credits earned. Time4Learning offers tools to make this process easier.
Homeschool diplomas: A diploma issued by the parent is legally valid and widely accepted by employers and colleges.

An illustration of a laptop with a circle and check mark, and a multiple choice question layout with one answer selected on screen to illustrate online standardized tests.

Standardized test requirements for Texas homeschoolers

Texas does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized tests. However, families may voluntarily have their children take tests such as the SAT, ACT, or PSAT if they plan to apply to colleges. Time4Learning offers resources to help students prepare for these exams.

Illustration of a college like building with columns and a small dome on roof.

Applying to college as a homeschooler in Texas

Homeschoolers in Texas have unique experiences and skills that make them stand out in college applications. Here's how to shine:

Highlight achievements: Homeschoolers often have diverse extracurriculars and project-based learning experiences.
Prepare a transcript: A well-documented transcript showcasing key coursework and achievements helps colleges assess a student’s eligibility.
Ace standardized tests: Strong performance on exams like the SAT or ACT can further demonstrate academic readiness.
Showcase recommendations: College applications often include letters of recommendation. Reach out to mentors or tutors to provide support letters.

Homeschoolers are accepted at prestigious universities across Texas and the nation.

An illustrated simplified structure with columns and a dollar sign within a circle, to illustrate financial aid options for homeschool students.

Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Texas

Currently, Texas does not offer Education Savings Accounts (ESA) for homeschool families. This means you’ll need to fund your child’s curriculum and resources independently. Look out for any future updates from the Texas Education Agency regarding ESA opportunities.