How to Homeschool in Texas: Insider Tips from a Mom of 5
If you need some guidance on how to homeschool in Texas, here are five easy steps to getting started, how to find a homeschool community, and what you need to know about homeschool laws in Texas.
Author
Kristy Howard
Published:
March 2025
Key takeaways
- • Texas is very homeschool-friendly, with minimal regulations and no required qualifications for parents.
- • Homeschoolers must use a written curriculum and cover state-required subjects.
- • There are no state fees, testing requirements, or specific school hours needed.
I was homeschooled in Texas. I have homeschooled my five kids in Texas since 2008. With communities in every region, ample access to support and resources, and user-friendly Texas homeschooling laws, the state is arguably one of the best places for home educators to thrive.
If you’re new to Texas, new to homeschooling, or just want insider tips on how to start homeschooling in Texas, here are five simple steps for getting off to a strong start.
1. Talk to homeschooling moms about how to homeschool in Texas
No one can give you better information about how to homeschool in Texas than a mom who’s doing it. One of the easiest ways to connect with home educators is through Facebook groups! They’re free to join, brimming with resources and encouragement, and most areas have a dedicated group for local homeschooling families.
Here’s a great one to join as a newbie: Texas Homeschooling 101.
2. Choose a curriculum
This step can feel daunting, but here’s the important thing to remember: you have the right to change your mind. Most homeschoolers switch up curriculums at least a few times, depending on their kids’ academic needs and learning styles.
(Attending a homeschool convention is a great way to preview curriculum up close and talk to educators who actually use it. Great Homeschool Conventions comes to Texas every summer and is a fantastic resource.)
And don’t forget: you have access to quality online courses, apps, and evening tutoring!
Here are a few to check out right away:
Whether you’re looking for the best homeschool math or handwriting curriculum, the most important thing is to stay flexible and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to try something new or a bit unconventional.
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3. Get involved in a homeschool community
Once you’ve talked to a few homeschool moms and hopefully found a Facebook group in your area, taking the next step and plugging into a homeschool community will probably feel pretty natural.
I’ve homeschooled with and without the support of a local community, and I do not recommend trying to go it alone! No matter if you’re a veteran homeschooler or a newbie, you (and your kids) need support and friendship from like-minded families.
Here a few benefits a thriving homeschooling community may provide:
- Extracurricular activities
- Weekly classes or lessons
- Labs, robotics, or STEM
- Theatre, sports, or music opportunities
- Field trips
- Social activities for students
- Mom’s nights out
Not sure where to find a homeschool community in your area? Make sure you haven’t skipped step one: talk to other homeschooling moms!
4. Set up a simple schedule
The biggest answer to “How to homeschool in Texas?” is this: Just keep it simple! Have a plan in place, but don’t overthink it (especially your first year).
One of the biggest perks of homeschooling in Texas is the freedom to create an academic routine that fits your lifestyle. So don’t worry about trying to make home education mirror the traditional classroom or school year.
Over the years, my kids and I have taken long breaks at the holidays, embraced a four-day school week, and enjoyed off-season vacations as a family. You have tons of freedom to create a homeschooling schedule that suits your family, so find what works for you and tweak as needed.
5. Learn about homeschool laws in Texas
Texas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S., which is good news for families wanting to learn more about how to start homeschooling in Texas.
It’s also important to know that the Texas Supreme Court acknowledges that homeschooling is a “private school,” and as such is not regulated by the state.
Here are homeschool laws in Texas at-a-glance:
- The compulsory ages for homeschooling in Texas is 6 to 18 years
- Homeschoolers must use some form of written curriculum (online programs count!)
- Teachers (parents) do not have to meet certain qualifications
- There are no testing requirements
- There are no minimum school hours required
- There are no immunization requirements
- Homeschoolers must adhere to state-required subjects (reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship)
FAQs about the Homeschooling in Texas
The important thing to note here is that schools are accredited, not curricula. Since the rules applying to schools do not apply to homeschoolers, there are no requirements for using a certain kind of curriculum in Texas (other than it must be a “written” curriculum). So the short answer is, no, your curriculum does not have to be accredited.
Homeschooling in Texas can be as inexpensive as spending a few hundred dollars on books, to enrolling in communities or classes that cost thousands of dollars per year. The choice is completely up to you! There are no state fees for homeschoolers.
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), parents must simply write a letter of intent to the public school where their kids were previously enrolled. No other steps or getting permission from the state are required.
No. At this time, Texas does not have a school voucher program for homeschoolers.
Homeschooling parents are not required to keep or turn in records. However, it’s a good idea to start a transcript once your child begins high school. Here’s a free step-by-step guide to creating a perfect homeschool transcript.
About the Author
Kristy Howard
