How to Comply with Texas’s Homeschool Law

In Texas, homeschools are considered private schools. To legally homeschool, you will need to follow these requirements:

1. Teach the required subjects.

The required subjects are:

• Math,
• Reading,
• Spelling and grammar, and
• A course in good citizenship

Although science and history are not required by state law, any college your student applies to will require them for admittance, so you’ll want to make sure to teach those too.

2. Use a written curriculum.

The private school law as interpreted by the Texas Supreme Court requires that you use some form of written curriculum (online programs meet this requirement) and that you operate your homeschool in a “bona fide” manner.

What to do if you are contacted by the public school about where your child is enrolled:

If you are contacted by the public school wanting to know where your child is enrolled in school, you should send a letter assuring the school that your children are being legally taught at home. (If you are an HSLDA member, use the form letter below.)

Please note: The information on this page has been reviewed by an attorney, but it should not be taken as legal advice specific to your individual situation.

Analysis of the Gates Social Worker Case

This memo analyzes Gates v. Texas Dept. of Protective and Regulatory Services and how it impacts homeschooling in Texas.

This is an exclusive members-only resource!

Legal Memorandum on Homeschooling in Texas

This is an exclusive members-only resource!

Texas Statement of Assurance

Homeschools in Texas are legally presumed to be bona fide if the parents provide an assurance that the five subjects delineated in Leeper (reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and the study of good citizenship) are being taught. Use this form to provide such assurance.

This is an exclusive members-only resource!