I've Decided to Homeschool--Now What?

You've made the decision to homeschool, so what's next?  The following is some friendly, non-legal advise from me to you based on my experiences and others who also homeschool in Texas.  If you have something you would like to add, please send it to me so that I can add it.

Withdrawing your child from school

The important thing to remember is that homeschools are considered private schools in Texas.  Give some thought as to what this means.  You are withdrawing your child to place her in a private school.  Private schools are unregulated in Texas.

Public schools do not ask private schools to submit their curriculums for approval.  They do not consider children in private school truant.  They do not ask you for attendance records.

You are now a private school.

Nonetheless, just because you know you are a private school, doesn't mean that the public school will know it.  So when you go, you might want to take the following with you:

• A Letter of Assurance: This letter should state that you are withdrawing your child to educate at home.  In it state that per Education Code 25.086, you have a curriculum that  meets basic education goals of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and a study of good
  citizenship.  Also state that you will respond only to school district requests that are put into writing.
  
• TEA Commissioners Letter: You can download this letter from the TEA website.  Basically, it tells districts that you are allowed to homeschool.
  
• Paper and pen: Be sure to write down the names and titles of individuals you deal with that day.  If problems should arise later, you'll want to have your facts.

What not to do:

• Sign anything.  You don't have to sign anything.  The school may request you sign a form stating you're withdrawing your child and for what reasons.  This is often used by the district to maintain their enrollment and attendance records.  Whether or not you choose to sign is up to you.
  
• Show your curriculum.  You don't have to show the school your curriculum or provide it's name or anything else beyond the assurances you state in your letter.