Texas Homeschool Requirements

Requirements to notify the state or local district of intent to homeschool.

Texas does not require homeschool families to register with the state, notify any school district, or file any form before beginning to homeschool. Homeschools are treated as private schools under Leeper v. Arlington ISD (1994). If a district contacts a family, the family may voluntarily provide a brief letter of assurance.

Subjects the state mandates be taught.

Texas homeschool families must teach five core subjects: reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. The curriculum must be in visual form (textbook, workbook, or video) and instruction must be bona fide. No other subject mandates exist.

Minimum instructional days or hours per year.

Texas imposes no minimum instructional hours or school days per year on homeschool families. The public school calendar and hour requirements do not apply to private/home schools.

Standardized testing, portfolio review, or other assessment requirements.

Texas does not require homeschool students to take any standardized tests, submit portfolios, or participate in any assessment while being homeschooled. Assessment is entirely at parental discretion.

Records, attendance logs, or portfolios the family must maintain.

Texas law does not require homeschool families to keep any attendance records, grade records, or other documentation. There is no state agency to report to and no audit or inspection process.

Education level, certification, or other qualifications required of the teaching parent.

Texas has no educational or certification requirements for homeschool parents. No teaching license, degree, or diploma is required. The state does not screen, approve, or monitor homeschool instructors.

Immunization, vision/hearing screening, or health requirements for homeschooled students.

Homeschooled children in Texas are generally not subject to mandatory immunization reporting since they are not admitted to a school under Education Code §38.001. No health records or physical exams are required.

Provisions for students with disabilities or IEPs in a homeschool setting.

When parents withdraw a child with a disability from public school to homeschool, the district is no longer obligated to implement the IEP. Districts retain Child Find and equitable services duties under IDEA. The new Texas ESA (SB 2, 2026) offers up to $30,000 for students with disabilities.

Process to withdraw from public school or formally enroll as a homeschool student.

To withdraw from public school for homeschooling, parents should notify the school principal in writing, though no specific form or procedure is mandated. Re-enrollment treats the student like a transfer from an unaccredited private school; districts may assess for placement.

Age range during which education is compulsory.

Texas compulsory attendance applies to children ages 6 through 18 (until their 19th birthday). Homeschool families with children in this range satisfy the requirement by operating a bona fide home school under the §25.086(a)(1) exemption. No compulsory kindergarten.

Rules around issuing a homeschool diploma or equivalent.

Texas does not issue a diploma to homeschooled students, but state law (§51.9241) explicitly recognizes home school completion as equivalent to public high school graduation for college admissions. Parents issue their own diploma and transcript. Texas colleges may not require a GED.

Whether homeschooled students may participate in public school sports or activities.

Texas SB 401 (2025) expanded homeschool access to UIL activities starting 2025-26. Districts must allow participation unless the school board votes to opt out. Homeschoolers must meet standard UIL eligibility and demonstrate academic proficiency via standardized assessment for the first six weeks.