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Texas · Light-touch
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.
VerifiedOctober 2026
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.
Nothing to file
Texas does 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.
No testing or assessment
Texas does 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.
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.
Eligibility and application dates are set by the program. Check the program's official page before you apply.
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?
Texas has a law on this. SB 401 (2025), applying from the 2025-26 school year: a public school that takes part in University Interscholastic League activities must give a non-enrolled student who meets league eligibility the opportunity to take part, unless its board adopts a policy declining by the date set in league rules. If the student's own school has declined, the student may take part for the closest school that has not.
Texas asks very little of homeschooling families: no state registration or notice of intent, no state testing, no reporting and no teacher qualifications. If your child is enrolled in a school now, withdraw them from that school first. Legal foundation: Leeper v. Arlington ISD (Texas Supreme Court, 1994). HB 2674 (2025) adds Education Code section 1.010: TEA, the State Board of Education and the other educational institutions named in section 1.001(a) may not adopt a rule or policy that regulates the educational program of a home school (applies from the 2025-26 school year). Information for families, not legal advice.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Texas's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in October 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with The Texas Education Agency does not regulate, index, monitor, approve, register or accredit home school programs (TEA). Information for families is also available from the Texas Home School Coalition and Texas Home Educators, private advocacy groups.. This is information for families, not legal advice.