Since the Leeper decision, Texas homeschools operate as unaccredited private schools: no notice, no testing, no reporting — just a written curriculum taught in good faith covering five subjects.
Homeschooling is not just legal in Texas — your homeschool is legally a private school, thanks to the Texas Supreme Court's Leeper decision. That means no registration with the state, no notification to your district, no standardized testing, no attendance reporting, and no parent qualification requirements. Texas is one of the freest states in the nation for homeschooling.
The legal standard from Leeper is simple: teach your children in a bona fide (genuine) manner, using a written curriculum, covering reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. 'Written curriculum' just means real instructional materials — books, workbooks, or an online program all qualify.
None. Texas does not register, approve, or track homeschools. If your child is currently in public school, send a withdrawal letter so the school removes them from the rolls — that prevents truancy confusion, and it's the only letter you'll ever write.
Reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship (essentially civics). Most families teach far more, but that's the legal core, delivered through a written curriculum in a bona fide manner.
Nothing is required or collected. Keeping a record of curriculum used and yearly work samples is smart practice — especially for building a high school transcript you'll issue yourself.
If your child is enrolled, send a brief withdrawal letter to the school stating you're homeschooling under Texas private school law, and keep a copy.
Assemble a written curriculum covering the five Leeper subjects.
Set a rhythm that works for your family — Texas sets no days or hours.
Start a light record folder: curriculum list, work samples, and (from 9th grade) a transcript.
Choose a curriculum that satisfies the 'written curriculum' standard while adapting to each child's actual level — the substance Texas trusts you to provide.
Whatever Texas asks for — attendance, subject coverage, progress evidence, transcripts — Cullinan Academy tracks it automatically as your kids learn: verified mastery records, time-on-task, printable transcripts with GPA, and state report templates. No spreadsheet required.
No. There's no state or district notification. The only letter is a withdrawal notice if your child was enrolled in public school.
That you're genuinely educating — not evading school — using real instructional materials. Purchased curricula, library-based plans, and online programs all count.
No. Any testing is private and optional. Many families use periodic assessments just to track progress.
Texas law now allows homeschoolers to participate in UIL activities at districts that opt in — availability varies, so ask your local district.
You issue the diploma and transcript as the private school administrator. Texas public colleges are required to treat homeschool graduates the same as other applicants.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool law changes, and districts sometimes apply it differently. Verify current requirements with your state's department of education or a local homeschool association before filing anything. Content last reviewed 2026-07.