Laws regarding homeschooling in Texas are found in the Texas Education Law. According to the Texas Education Agency, the state agency that oversees public education, homeschooling in Texas has been a legal alternative to public schooling since 1994 when the Texas Supreme Court upheld the decision of a lower court in Leeper et al. v. Arlington ISD et al.  This ruling allowed the same exemption to the compulsory attendance requirement that private school students enjoyed (Texas Education Code (TEC), §25.086(a)(1)). 

What do I need to be eligible to be a homeschool parent?

There are no minimum qualifications for you to homeschool your child in Texas.

Do I need to notify the school district of my intent to homeschool my child?

For students who have never been enrolled in public school, no notification is necessary to begin homeschooling.  You can just choose a curriculum and start homeschooling! 

For students who are already enrolled in public school, switching from public school to homeschool status in Texas is simple.  Parents simply need to submit a letter of withdrawal or signed withdrawal form to their school district stating that they intend to homeschool their child(ren) and the start date of homeschooling instruction.  It is recommended that you begin homeschooling the next school day after sending this letter in order to avoid truancy charges.

According to state memo dated July 11, 2019, school districts may also require a letter of assurance stating that the homeschool curriculum “is designed to meet basic goals including reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and a study of good citizenship.”  However, you can mail this letter; you do not need to come to any school office or submit curriculum for review.