Texas Law

Texas is a model state for homeschooling. In Texas, homeschools are legally recognized as private schools. According to Texas law, a homeschool must use a written curriculum and teach the five core subjects: reading, grammar, math, spelling, and good citizenship. Contrary to what many public school officials believe, Texas homeschools do not have to register with the school district, submit to home visits, or submit their curriculum for approval by the school district. Homeschool students are also not required to take standardized tests.

Because homeschools are considered private schools, they are exempt from compulsory attendance (according to Section 25.086(a)(1)). Unfortunately, many school officials and law enforcement agencies do not understand the compulsory attendance law as it relates to homeschooling, which can create questions about truancy. We advise all homeschool families to know the law and their rights. To learn more about the Texas Education Code and Compulsory School Attendance, please visit the Texas Legislature Online.

If you are unsure of your rights as a homeschool parent, contact us for more information, or contact The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA is a non-profit organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms.

HSLDA has played an integral role in fighting for parental rights to homeschool throughout the United States. In Texas, HSLDA joined with several Texas homeschool families and curriculum providers to bring a class action civil rights suit. They sued more than 1,000 school districts in the state of Texas and the Texas Education Agency for violating the homeschoolers’ civil rights. In April 1987, the Tarrant County District Court ruled in favor of the homeschoolers. A Texas Appellate Court decision in 1991 followed by a Texas Supreme Court decision in 1994 both upheld the lower court ruling and it is these court decisions under which homeschools operate today.

You can also find information about your homeschool rights by visiting the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) website.