Texas · Light-touch

Homeschooling in Texas

Texas does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentNothing to file

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction timeNo minimum set

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Texas

Written from Texas's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
Texas does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Cover the subjects the state names
Texas names 5 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Texas does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.

Source: None — Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC) is the primary advocacy and legal support organization; Texas Education Agency (TEA) has no jurisdiction over homeschools per HB 2674. — www.thsc.org. Checked March 2026.

Filing and reporting

Nothing to file

Texasdoes not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Texasdoes not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: ReadingSpellingGrammarMathematicsGood Citizenship
Instruction time: Texas sets no minimum number of days or hours.
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Operate as a private school under Leeper v. Arlington ISD (1994 TX Supreme Court)
No notification to school district required (confirmed by Homeschool Freedom Act, HB 2674, 2025)
Curriculum must be bona fide (genuine, not a sham) and delivered in a visual format covering 5 mandated subjects
Umbrella / cover schools: Umbrella and cover schools (e.g., Texas Christian Academy, Lubbock Christian) are widely available and provide structure/transcripts but are not legally required. THSC serves as the primary advocacy body.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: SB 401 (2025) reverses the opt-in model from the 2021 Tim Tebow Bill and makes UIL participation default-open to homeschoolers. Districts may opt out by September 1, 2025 (August 1 in subsequent years). Students may participate in the nearest non-opting district if local district opts out.
Dual enrollment: HB 3041 (2025) expands homeschooler access to dual credit courses at community colleges and public universities. Students may independently enroll without public school sponsorship.
Diplomas: Texas does not issue state diplomas to homeschoolers. Families self-issue transcripts and diplomas or use accredited programs (Texas Christian Academy, Lubbock Christian University Online, etc.). Accredited programs provide college-recognized transcripts.
College admissions: Texas public universities broadly accept homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores, a parent-prepared transcript, and sometimes a portfolio or interview are typical requirements. HB 2674 (2025) prohibits TEA or any state body from regulating homeschool programs.
Support for additional needs: Homeschooled students do not retain FAPE rights after withdrawal from public school. Families may re-enroll part-time to access IEP services at district discretion, but no legal entitlement exists outside the public system.

Money your family can claim in Texas

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)

Run by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts · payments through Odyssey

The award amount is set by the program and changes from year to year. Check the official page below for this year's figure rather than an estimate.

The program starts with the 2026-27 school year.
Tutoring and teaching services, courses from instructional providers, and instructional materials and technology are all named as eligible.

Source: educationfreedom.texas.gov/providers-vendors/. Checked July 26, 2026. Eligibility and application dates are set by the program — the official page is always the last word.

Questions parents ask about Texas

Is homeschooling legal in Texas?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Texas. Texas is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Texas?

No. Texas does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.

How many instruction days are required in Texas?

Texas does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.

What subjects are required by law in Texas?

Texas requires instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Mathematics, Good Citizenship.

Does Texas require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

No. Texas does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Texas?

No. Texas does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Texas?

Yes. Texas has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. SB 401 (2025) reverses the opt-in model from the 2021 Tim Tebow Bill and makes UIL participation default-open to homeschoolers. Districts may opt out by September 1, 2025 (August 1 in subsequent years). Students may participate in the nearest non-opting district if local district opts out.

Worth knowing about Texas

Texas is among the most permissive homeschool states in the nation. No notice, no testing, no reporting, no teacher qualifications. Curriculum must be 'bona fide' and cover 5 subject areas in a visual format. Legal foundation: Leeper v. Arlington ISD (1994 TX Supreme Court). Further strengthened by HB 2674 Homeschool Freedom Act (2025), which explicitly prohibits any state agency regulation of homeschool programs.

Who to ask in Texas

Regulator: None — Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC) is the primary advocacy and legal support organization; Texas Education Agency (TEA) has no jurisdiction over homeschools per HB 2674.
Official site: www.thsc.org

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Texas's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Texas's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with None — Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC) is the primary advocacy and legal support organization; Texas Education Agency (TEA) has no jurisdiction over homeschools per HB 2674.. This is information for families, not legal advice.

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