Texas Home School Details
Friday, December 7th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
A Texas home school differs somewhat from those in other states. Officially by law, there are no “home school” in Texas. Therefore on paper, a parent that home schools their child is actually setting up a little private school in their own home.
Therefore, any parent in Texas wishing to home school their child will need to understand clearly what they are getting into. 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.
What Does The Law Say About Texas Home School?
To start, it is important to understand that all home school in Texas are considered to be private schools. 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to do to get your child started in to purchase a curriculum and start teaching, provided your children are not being withdrawn from public school.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.
One way to be sure that this arrives is to send it by FedEx and track it, or send it certified mail. 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.
Curriculum For A Texas Home School
Curriculum is an important part of helping your child in their education. 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.
Develop A Network Of Support
It is critical that you don’t attempt to educate your child completely on your own. You need to reach out to others in your community for support. 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.
In closing, you will want to understand how your child will be assessed by the state and a university so you can make sure that your curriculum is matched up. Your little private Texas home school is only as good as you make it.
