Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Texas

Here is exactly what Texas requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Not required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Texas homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Texas does not require any notice of intent - you can begin homeschooling without filing with the state.
  • Required subjects: Cover Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Good Citizenship.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

No state filingTexas requires no notice of intent to begin homeschooling.

Getting started in Texas

  1. No notification is required - you can begin homeschooling right away.
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Good Citizenship.
  4. Check your eligibility for Education Freedom Account, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Texas

Texas homeschool families may be eligible for Education Freedom Account. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Education Freedom Account - Administered by Texas Education Agency. Typically covers curriculum & instructional materials, private school tuition & required fees, tutoring services, educational technology, testing & assessment, educational therapies, extracurricular activities. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/school-choice/education-freedom-account

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Texas?
No - Texas does not require a notice of intent.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Texas does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Texas?
Yes. Texas runs Education Freedom Account. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Texas?
Texas requires you to cover Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Math, Good Citizenship. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Texas require?
Texas does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Texas instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Texas department of education or county superintendent.