Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Texas?

No. Texas doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.

What subjects do I have to teach in Texas?

Texas requires: Reading; Spelling; Grammar; Mathematics; Good citizenship.

Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Texas?

None required. A school may test a homeschooled student for placement if they enroll or re-enroll.

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Texas?

Written or visual curriculum (books, workbooks, online materials, or other written materials); Copy of your withdrawal letter, if your child was enrolled in public school; Samples of work and a list of courses (recommended, helpful for re-enrollment and transcripts).

How to homeschool in Texas

No notice requiredChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

In Texas, a homeschool counts as a private school, so you don't register, file a yearly notice, or test. It must be a genuine (bona fide) program using a written or visual curriculum that covers reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship. If your child is enrolled in public school, send a signed withdrawal letter.

Homeschooling in Texas at a glance: no notice of intent required; instruction time: not specified; 5 required subject areas; testing: none required.

Requirements in Texas

Homeschool as a private school · Tex. Educ. Code § 25.086(a)(1); Leeper v. Arlington ISD (Tex. 1994); Tex. Educ. Code § 1.010

Under the Texas Supreme Court's Leeper decision, a home school is a private school, exempt from compulsory public school attendance when it is conducted in a bona fide manner with a written curriculum covering the basic subjects. Since 2025, state education agencies may not adopt rules regulating home school programs.

Notice: Not required.
Instruction time: Not specified.
Required subjects: Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Mathematics, Good citizenship.
Records to keep: Written or visual curriculum (books, workbooks, online materials, or other written materials).
Copy of your withdrawal letter, if your child was enrolled in public school.
Samples of work and a list of courses (recommended, helpful for re-enrollment and transcripts).
Testing / evaluation: None required. A school may test a homeschooled student for placement if they enroll or re-enroll.
Parent qualifications: None.
Also: The program must be bona fide (not a sham to avoid attendance).
A district that learns a child may be homeschooled may ask, in writing, for a one-time letter of assurance that the curriculum meets the basic education goals; it is not an annual requirement.

What the notice must include

Child's name.
Statement that the child is being homeschooled.
Date homeschooling began.
Parent or guardian signature and date.

Checklist

Withdraw from current school in writing if enrolled: before you start homeschooling.
Use a written or visual curriculum covering reading, spelling, grammar, math and good citizenship: ongoing.
Keep records of courses and work samples for transcripts: ongoing.

Leaving a public school

Give the school a signed, dated letter (or its withdrawal form) saying your child is being homeschooled and the date you began. TEA guidance says the school should then withdraw the student, and may not require a meeting or a curriculum review first.

Common questions about homeschooling in Texas

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Texas?: No. Texas doesn't require a notice of intent for this option. If your child is enrolled in a public school, withdraw them in writing first.
What subjects do I have to teach in Texas?: Texas requires: Reading; Spelling; Grammar; Mathematics; Good citizenship.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Texas require?: Not specified.
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Texas?: None required. A school may test a homeschooled student for placement if they enroll or re-enroll.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Texas?: None.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Texas?: Written or visual curriculum (books, workbooks, online materials, or other written materials); Copy of your withdrawal letter, if your child was enrolled in public school; Samples of work and a list of courses (recommended, helpful for re-enrollment and transcripts).

Worth double-checking

HB 2674 (2025) added Tex. Educ. Code § 1.010, barring the Texas Education Agency, State Board of Education, and other covered educational institutions from adopting rules or policies that regulate a home school's educational program, starting in 2025-26.
Texas Education Freedom Accounts (SB 2, 2025) began in 2026-27 and give homeschooled students up to $2,000 a year for eligible expenses. The 2026-27 application window is closed; check EducationFreedom.Texas.gov for 2027-28 dates.
Compulsory attendance applies from age 6 through 18; confirm your child's exact age window with the Texas Education Code.

Sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.