FAQ

What is NTHEN?
The North Texas Home Educators’ Network (NTHEN) is a faith-based 501(C)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1989. NTHEN is the largest regional homeschool organization in Texas, serving local support group leaders in more than 80 counties and from more than 160 support groups throughout north and northeast Texas. NTHEN conducts special meetings, leads regional activities, co-hosts leadership seminars and retreats, provides consultations, and offers helpful online information that supports and promotes the homeschool community at large.

Where is NTHEN located?
NTHEN is located in Allen, Texas. You can find us on the web at www.nthen.org.

IS NTHEN a Christian organization?
NTHEN is a faith-based organization, which is not aligned with any one particular religious denomination/affiliation. NTHEN operates based on conservative Biblical doctrine.

What is NTHEN’s relationship to HSLDA?
NTHEN has partnered with HSLDA to conduct joint research and promote homeschooling to the local, regional, state and national media.

What is the purpose of NTHEN?
NTHEN supports local homeschool leaders through education, mentoring, and promotion of the homeschool community at large. NTHEN hosts two conferences and bookfairs for homeschool families and hosts an annual graduation and commencement exercise for graduating homeschool students and their families. NTHEN also serves as a liaison between local homeschool support groups throughout north and northeast Texas.

How does a student graduate from homeschool?
Homeschool students graduate the same way as students in traditional public and private schools. Graduation and commencement exercises can be hosted by the homeschool family, or the student can participate in a region-wide ceremony. NTHEN hosts graduation commencement each May for senior-level homeschool students. Traditional “pomp and circumstance” prevails during this exciting event as students wear the customary cap and gown, walk the aisle, have their diploma conferred and participate in a post graduate reception to honor them and to recognize their accomplishments. Under law, the diploma of a home educated graduate carries the same weigh/influence as the diploma from another private or a public school.

Is it legal to homeschool in Texas?
Yes. Because of the lengthy legal battles fought in the mid 1980’s to the mid 1990’s, Texas is now one of the most homeschool-friendly states in America. In Texas, homeschools are legally recognized as private schools. Private schools are not regulated by any government entity. Thus, parents, or those with legal authority over a child, have all rights and responsibilities for the education of their children without interference by the public education system.

Do I have to register my homeschool children with my local public school district?
No. If a child has never attended public school in Texas there is no need to register them, nor is it required. If a child is currently enrolled in public school and you are withdrawing them, please refer to the Removing Your Child From Public School section of our website for more information. There is a protocol we recommend you follow in withdrawing your child from the public school system.

What subjects am I required to teach my homeschool children?
According to Texas law, a homeschool must use a written curriculum teaching the core subjects of reading, grammar, math, spelling, and good citizenship, in order to be legal. There are no special teach or testing requirements. However, we strongly recommend parents teach a variety of subjects in addition to what is required, such as science, history, chemistry, health, physical education, etc.

Are Texas homeschool students subject to the TAKs test or other standardized tests?
No. The TAKS test is a tool used by Texas public schools to determine a student’s proficiency on specific subjects. Homeschools are considered private schools under Texas law and thus are not subject to the TAKS test. Texas does not require any other standardized tests for homeschoolers. However, some parents have their homeschooled students take various standardized tests as a gauge of how their child compares with public school students.