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Homeschooling in Texas: laws, requirements, and what you file

Texas is one of the simplest states to homeschool in. Here is what the Education Code and the Texas Education Agency actually say.

In Texas you file nothing: the state asks for no notice, sets no days or hours, and requires no test, according to the Texas Education Agency and the Education Code. Parents must follow a course of study that includes good citizenship; a district may ask for a letter of assurance covering reading, spelling, grammar, math and citizenship, but not every year.

Checked October 27, 2026.

By Peabody editors.

This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.

Do I have to register or tell anyone?

No. The TEA says it does not regulate, monitor, approve, register or accredit home school programs. A district that learns your child may be home schooled can ask in writing for a letter of assurance that you are; the TEA's policy letter says that letter is not required each year.

What does the What-to-file box say for Texas?

From the box on the [Texas page](/texas), read against the record checked October 27, 2026.
LineTexas
FileNothing. Texas asks for no notice to the state or the school district.
ToNo one. A district that learns your child is home schooled may ask for a letter saying so; the TEA says it need not be yearly.
ByNo date.
KeepNo record-keeping rule. Many families keep attendance and a book list anyway, for a move back to school.
TestNone required. A district may test a child who later enrolls, for placement or credit.

How many days or hours, and which subjects?

We found no required number of days or hours. Since September 1, 2025, Education Code section 1.010 says the TEA and the State Board of Education may not adopt a rule or policy that regulates a home school's educational program. The subjects are a course of study that includes good citizenship; a district's letter may ask for assurance of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship.

Who has to be in school?

A child who is at least six (or younger and already enrolled in first grade) and not yet 19. Texas treats a home school like a private school for this rule because of a 1994 Texas Supreme Court ruling, Leeper v. Arlington ISD.

How do I take my child out of public school?

Give the school written notice: a signed withdrawal form or a letter. The TEA says you do not have to appear in person or show your curriculum. A homeschooled child can enter public school at any time, and many districts test for placement or credit then. Peabody's withdrawing page walks through it.

Is there money for Texas homeschoolers?

Texas Education Freedom Accounts pay $2,000 a year to an awarded homeschooled child for approved expenses. When the record was checked, 2026–27 applications had closed on March 31, 2026. We did not find the program saying the money changes your home school status. Details on the Texas money page.

What about a diploma?

The state does not award one to a homeschooled student, but the TEA says Texas colleges must hold a home school graduate to the same general standards as a public high school graduate. You write the transcript.

Keep a record anyway

Texas asks for none, but a move back to school or a college application goes easier with one. Peabody's attendance record and Tap Clock keep days and hours on your device, with a printable sheet and a signature line.

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