Can I please have any information on homeschooling in Texas?

Question

I have a child that is going to be a Sophmore next year and I am considering homeschooling. I have researched, and can't find any REAL information out there. If you can, please help me get started!!!! Thank you much!

Answer 1

Here is the link that tells the state requirements
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=TX

Basically you have to teach your child how to be a productive citizen and follow the laws of our country (duh) for citizenship, reading, spelling, grammar, and math. You don't even have to teach science or social studies. There are no specific number of days that you have to teach, no records you have to keep, nothing else expected. All you have to do is withdraw your child from school and when they ask where they are transferring tell them homeschool. Get a copy of your childs record for your file and you are good to go.

That is the law. Here is my advice, teach regularlly, have a plan and teach your child all the subjects they would learn in school, just do it the way it works for them, and keep some sort of proof you are doing it. Get an expandable file or a box and keep the papers your child has worked on for the year. That way just in case there is a family member, friend, nosy neighbor, or well meaning teacher who has doubts about homeschooling and its effectiveness and reports you to someone, you can feel confident. I don't personally know anyone this has happened to, but it is always good to be prepared.

As for curriculum, start to work a little with your child each night on their homework now. Sit with them every night, even if you just watch them work, know their strengths and weaknesses. Try to see how they learn best, do they seem to comprehend and remember more if they read it, if they hear it, or if they have a hands on activity? Do they enjoy learning about the people involved in the history events they are learning, or is it give me the facts, let me memorize them and lets move on? Are they better doing worksheets or on the computer? Do you want to teach your child and do you feel comfortable tackling higher level math, science, and language or do you want help? If you want help what do you think will work better for you? A co-op where you teach a subject you are comfortable with while someone else teaches your child some subjects, and you can commit to being there certain days? A DVD of a teacher teaching the lesson? A computer program that explains most of it and you just provide back up? Or a online program where a teacher calls or emails help? Do you want an accredited diploma or are you planning on allowing your child to use SAT and ACT test scores for college admittance or take the GED?

Attend a homeschool convention or book fair. They should be starting soon and they have TONS of curriculums there for you to flip through and ask questions about. Look in your area for a homeschool store. They have new and used curriculum that you can mix and match. Look for a homeschool group in you area, try a few and find one that has kids your kids age and fits your life style and beliefs.

If you need any more help, feel free to email. I am in Spring, just north of Houston, so if you are in the area I can reccomend a few groups or stores. Good luck.

Answer 2

Like previously stated, the laws for homeschooling in Texas are very lax. They do not check on you which is sad because some people say they are homeschooling when in reality they are not. Their kids basically do nothing all day and are not being educated at all. You do need to keep good records of grades, assignements, subjects studied, etc. because eventually the time will come for your child to take the GED which is what homeschooled children do rather than graduate from high school. Unfortunately Texas only requires minimal subjects be taught. On the GED students must pass 5 subjects, several are not required by the state of TX for homeschooling. Fortunately though, if you're child is at a 9th grade level or above then they should have no problem passing it. Something to consider if your interested. Starting in the fall of this year a program called Texas Connections Academy will be started(google this for info). It is run through the school district your child attends and the school will provide everything your child needs - books, assignments, etc(except the computer which you do need). There is a yahoo group called Texas_Connections_Academy you might want to join. They are very informed and can answer all of your questions. The thing with this 'virtual school' is, the child will be required to do the exact same thing, including the TAKS(blah!!) as they would if they were sitting in the classroom at school. So if you're opting to homeschool to get your child out of the whole standardized testing and 'teaching for the TAKS' thing then it wouldn't be right for you. I homeschool my freshman and he's doing well. I'm considering homeschooling my younger son who will be in 4th next school year. I detest the way they are teaching solely for that darn TAKS among other things.....

Good luck to you and your child!
Tori

Answer 3

Tori is WRONG - I don't know of any state that requires the GED for graduation from homeschooling (Texas certainly does NOT). Most states consider homeschools to be private schools (like Catholic schools or whatever) and allow you to issue your own child a diploma.

You've already been given the HSLDA website and that's a great starting place. I would also suggest the THSC website. They even have a sample letter of withdrawal you can "copy" and send to the school (certified mail, return receipt requested, so you know they got it).

Homeschooling in Texas is very easy. I would suggest (in addition to the two websites) that you find a local support group or co-op. There will always be someone there who can answer your questions as they come up. Homeschoolers are usually VERY open and friendly and willing to help out those who are just starting. In fact, you can email me if you want!

Best wishes!

Answer 4

I am starting to homeschool tomorrow. All I had to do was let the school know that I am withdrawing my child to educate him in a homeschool enviroment. After that all you have to do is make sure that they are doing a reading math spelling grammer and goodcitizenship course . Texas is not regulated and you can deceide how you want to teach them be it computer or self teach or a mix of a bunch or one particular company's curriculm. If you want to discuss it more IM me my info is in my profile I have a book of that lists more or less what they should be learning each year.

Answer 5

notifily the school the then check out connections academy.com
there are lots of homeschool help out there.

Answer 6

The Texas Home School Coalition is a great place to start. The address is below.