Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about our programs, curriculum, and enrollment to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or seeking extra support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Legal Requirements

How do I legally start homeschooling? What paperwork or notification do I need to submit to my school district or state? Homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states; however, each state has its specific notification and record-keeping requirements. (See article, Homeschooling in Texas.)

Texas is a Low Regulation State

Considered a private school.
Exempt from the compulsory attendance.
Does not regulate the number of days.
Must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.
Provide bona fide instruction.
Must be in visual form with materials.

What subjects and attendance requirements are in place? The specifics vary: many states require instruction in core subjects and a set number of days or hours, but the details depend on local law.

In Texas, your curriculum must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. It is also required to:

Provide bona fide instruction. (i.e., “sincerely; without intention to deceive; authentic.” ).
Must be in visual form with materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, or online programs.

You can choose and adapt the educational materials and methods that best suit your children’s needs.

Do I need a teaching credential or special certification? Some states require a high school diploma or a basic teaching certificate for parents or tutors; others have no qualification requirements. Texas does not have a credential or registration requirement.

How long do I need to report homeschooling? Until what age or grade must I file intent and assessments? Most states require notice starting around age 5–7 and continuing until mid-teens or 18, but the exact ages vary. There is no reporting requirement in Texas.

What if we move to a new state? Do we need to renotify or follow different rules? Typically, you must follow the new state’s homeschool laws immediately, so plan to notify the new district and comply with their requirements.

Know What You Want to Accomplish

Stay focused on what matters most for your family.
Choose the right curriculum and learning resources.
Track progress in ways that reflect your values, not just standardized benchmarks.
You can adjust your approach when things aren’t working as expected.

Curriculum Choices

How do I choose a curriculum? With so many options (pre-packaged kits, textbooks, online programs, unit studies), how do I find a good fit? There are hundreds of curricula to choose from. Focusing on your curriculum choices that best fit your child’s learning style and interests typically works best.

Once you have followed the steps in our “Getting Started” pages, review our articles on determining your child’s specific learning style on our Individualized Education page. You can also research curriculum options under our Parent Resources page.

Can I use online or virtual classes? Are accredited online schools or courses an option? In Texas, you can choose your curriculum as long as it is a legitimate curriculum. You can also blend your educational delivery methods as you see fit.

What will homeschooling materials cost, and where can I save money? The costs of homeschooling materials vary widely, with some estimates suggesting a yearly price of around $300 to $500 per student. Many families lower their costs by using libraries, used book sales, free online resources, and community co-ops.

Learning Challenges

Aphasia

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by brain damage, such as a stroke, head injury, or neurodegenerative disease, that affects speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Dysphasia is an outdated term that was once used to describe partial language loss due to brain damage. Today, aphasia is the preferred and more accurate medical term.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. It involves ongoing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity patterns that can disrupt daily life and vary in severity.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects how the brain interprets sounds, not hearing itself. People with APD hear normally but struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy settings. Early diagnosis and support can significantly improve learning and communication.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, learn, and behave. It involves a range of challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication. The term “spectrum” reflects the broad diversity in how autism presents in each person.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood mental health condition marked by chronic irritability and frequent, intense outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. While similar behaviors may appear in children with autism, they often stem from sensory or processing challenges, and the root causes differ even when the two conditions co-occur.

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material affects development and results in the physical and intellectual characteristics associated with the condition. It’s one of the most common chromosomal disorders.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It is sometimes referred to as “number dyslexia” because, like dyslexia for reading, dyscalculia makes it difficult to process mathematical information.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that affects writing skills, making it hard to write clearly, spell correctly, and organize thoughts on paper.

Dyspraxia / DCD

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition that affects writing skills, making it hard to write clearly, spell correctly, and organize thoughts on paper.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurological learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing. It often runs in families and involves difficulty with phonological processing—the ability to recognize and work with the sounds in spoken language.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety is a normal response to stress, such as relationship changes, public speaking, or major decisions. However, when it becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, it may indicate a mental health disorder. Anxiety and depression often occur together—nearly half of those with depression also have an anxiety disorder.

Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder (MRELD)

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (MRELD) is a communication disorder that affects both understanding and expressing language. Individuals with MRELD struggle to comprehend spoken language and have difficulty forming words or sentences to communicate clearly.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition marked by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavior disorder marked by ongoing uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. Children with ODD often cause more difficulty for others than for themselves.

Sensory Process Disorder (SPD)

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain struggles to process multisensory input effectively, leading to inappropriate responses to environmental demands. It commonly occurs in individuals with dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.

Visual Process Disorder (VPD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition marked by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Regular interaction with peers.
Practice teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
Group activities, such as field trips, clubs, and events.
Leadership and/or monitoring opportunities.
Potential long-term friendships and networking.
Offers for presentations, science fairs, or performances.

Socialization

How will my child make friends? Will they have enough peer interaction? Many families are concerned about providing their children with connections to their peers. Often, they join park days, co-ops, sports teams, youth-related groups, and other activities to facilitate these connections.

Should we join a homeschool co-op or group? Many families do, as homeschool co-ops offer group classes, field trips, and playdates that help children meet peers and learn cooperatively.

Can my homeschooler participate in public school teams or join music and band programs? In many areas, the answer is yes.

Many states permit homeschoolers to enter public school sports, bands, theater programs, or clubs. Homeschool families commonly participate in community sports leagues or school activities, just like other students.

In Texas, participation in UIL and sports teams is dependent upon the local school district.

Is online or social media interaction enough? Today, children often make friends online through gaming and social networks. These virtual interactions help develop social skills and are likely balanced with in-person activities.

Assessment is more than a test—it’s a tool!

Evaluate your child’s progress and mastery.
Identify gaps in understanding or areas of struggle.
Adjust your teaching methods or curriculum.
Provide encouragement and accountability to both student and teacher.

Assessments and Testing

Are homeschoolers required to take standardized tests? Do I have to do annual tests or submit scores? It depends on the state. Check your specific state’s laws for details. There are no testing requirements in Texas.

Do I need to make transcripts or give a diploma? For younger kids, you usually don’t. In high school, many parents prepare their transcripts and a diploma certificate. Homeschoolers commonly use college-prep classes, AP exams, or SAT/ACT scores when applying to college. Check with the institution that your child wants to attend and follow their requirements for homeschoolers.

How do I measure my child’s progress? Should I assign grades, maintain a portfolio, or issue report cards? Many use various methods. Some create a portfolio of tests, writing, and projects to aid in documenting their child’s work. Others write informal report cards or use third-party tests.

There is no requirement in Texas to measure your student’s progress; however, families involved in court matters may find this documentation necessary. Additionally, if your child is seeking to attend college, a trade school, or join the military, your documentation of grades 8 through 12 is essential.

What Can You Do to Stay Ready?

Choose the Right Type of Schedule.
Use a Visual Weekly Calendar.
Digital Calendar Tools are Helpful.
Plan Weekly, Adjust Daily.
Build in Buffer and Flex Time
Anchor the Day with Routines.
Use Themes or Focus Days.
Keep Track for Records.
Reassess Monthly.

Daily Schedules

What does a typical homeschool day look like? How many hours should we allocate for studying? It varies depending on the parents’ circumstances and schedules, as well as the child’s age and grade level.

You will find the article “Age Appropriate Educational Time” helpful.

How long is the homeschool year, and should we follow a 180-day public school calendar? Many homeschoolers follow a 36-week instructional schedule, similar to public schools, but they often eliminate busywork and maintain flexibility. You can choose any 36 weeks (e.g., starting in August or November) and build in additional vacation or break days. Texas does not have a compulsory attendance requirement for homeschoolers.

Can we be flexible with the schedule? You can set your start times, take vacations at any time, or even homeschool year-round in shorter sessions. For example, one approach is to pick a start date, count out your weeks of curriculum, and adjust around holidays and sick days.

You will find the article “Scheduling and Calendar Tips That Actually Work” helpful.

How do we handle multiple children? Many families teach siblings together for specific subjects, such as reading or history, while handling other lessons individually. Common strategies include rotating turns at the table and using online programs for independent work. The article “Homeschooling Multiple Children” will help.

Tips for Homeschooling Teenagers

What daily routines are “required”? No, homeschooling is very relaxed about routines. However, families educating children with learning challenges or disabilities find a structured routine with frequent breaks essential to their homeschooling success.

The important part of homeschooling is that learning happens, not that it is structured like public school. We recommend deschooling.

Instructors and Aids

Cherisa Chapa

I am a dedicated homeschooling parent and educator who creates engaging, personalized learning experiences. My student-centered approach integrates innovative methods and real-world applications to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

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