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: 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.
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