Organizing A Texas Home School

Home schooling in the state of Texas is a little different than most other states. Without any specific state regulation, homeschoolers in Texas are left pretty much on their own when setting up their Texas home school. Since home schools don’t officially exist according to the Texas government, Texas home schools are considered private schools run from an individual’s home.

This can pose some challenges to the parents who have decided to home school. Knowing your legal obligations, choosing the best curriculum and teaming up with a supportive network are all essential activities for the parents involved in home schooling in Texas.

Legal Obligations Of A Texas Home School

As mentioned above, Texas home schools are considered private schools by the state. Private schools in Texas are not regulated by the state so all you have to do to get your child started in to purchase a curriculum and start teaching, provided your children are not being withdrawn from public school. In the event that your child or children are currently enrolled in a public school, first obtain your choice of curriculum and write a letter to the public school notifying them that you have decided to withdraw your child to be educated privately at home.

Be sure to send the letter certified so you have proof of delivery. This should complete your obligation to the school however you may receive a notice requesting you come to the school in person. This is not necessary and should not be done. Be polite, learn the law, follow the law and remember you have the right to home school your children if you wish. Of course if your children are just starting out with school and are not currently enrolled anywhere, all you have to do is choose a curriculum and purchase a lesson plan and materials.

Choosing The Proper Curriculum For Your Texas Home School

All parents will agree that an excellent curriculum is the main ingredient in an effective home school. To be considered a legitimate Texas home school, your curriculum must include the teaching of Basic English such as reading grammar and spelling as well as mathematics and good citizenship. Good citizenship is often considered to imply civics. By covering the basics of government, local politics and country and state history as well as patriotic activities such as the pledge of allegiance will typically ensure this requirement is met.

Although this will cover enough to satisfy the state, many home schooling parents opt to include science, foreign language and/or religious studies to the required curriculum. Having a good support system, including support groups, internet resources, church or neighborhood adviser and non-profit organizations set up to help homeschoolers can be vital in helping you make the right curriculum decision and dealing with the inevitable problems you’ll face while running a Texas home school.

Reach Out To Local Support

While home schooling support groups are set up in every state, the need is more prevalent in Texas since support from the public school and government is nearly non-existent. The Texas Home School Coalition is a valuable group that offers advice and helpful links on their website as well as membership options, at a cost of $85, including legal assistance should problems arise with local school authorities.

The THSC is dedicated to protecting the rights of every Texas home school and the family behind it. The Internet provides a plethora of resources, group discussion boards and chat rooms to help home schooling parents. Local community centers and church organizations may also offer networking options to homeschoolers.