Homeschooling in Texas
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Texas site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Texas
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Texas
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Texas
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Texas
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Texas has to offer!
Resources
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Texas
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Texas.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Texas, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Texas
Support from outside groups and associations is very beneficial for homeschooling families. Most states in the U.S. have statewide homeschool associations that advocate for at-home educations.
In addition to homeschool associations, families can find support through homeschool support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups are a wonderful way to meet other families and get advice from people who find homeschool to be a great fit for them. Homeschool groups also give students opportunities to socialize with peers.
On the other hand, homeschool co-ops focus on education by offering different learning environments and give students the chance to learn alongside other homeschooled students. Ideally, you will be able to find a homeschool support group that is close to home.
In Texas, there are many options for homeschool support groups and co-ops. You can find groups based on location and religion. The THSC provides a long list of homeschool groups that have partnered with them. You can also find many different homeschool groups on Facebook.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in TEXAS
If you have decided that homeschool will be a great option for you, the next steps are fairly easy. You will want to withdraw your student from their public or private school, we recommend that parents officially unenroll their student from their current school. Doing this will prevent any truancy concerns.
Power Homeschool’s curriculum covers the necessary Texas required subjects as well as various electives, foreign languages, and health courses. Our online portal makes it easy for parents to keep records and monitor progress.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips Texas
Field trips can enhance any homeschool curriculum and allow students to see concepts come to life. Homeschoolers in Texas have many options when it comes to field trips since it is geographically large and home to several major cities. Students can study animals, learn about art, and see their state’s history firsthand.
The following are ideas for places to visit or things to experience for Texas students, including zoos, aquariums, art exhibits, science museums, and much more!
FIELD TRIPS IN AUSTIN
- Texas State Capitol: Learn about Texas history and government at the state capitol. Guided tours of the Texas State Capitol are available at no cost.
- Austin Zoo: Visit this animal sanctuary and see wildlife species like lions, monkeys, and many more. Austin Zoo’s mission is to help animals through rescue and rehabilitation as well as wildlife education.
- Austin Aquarium: Sharks, reptiles, stingrays, and tropical fish are only a few examples of the animals that students get to see when visiting the Austin Aquarium. The aquarium provides educational tours and special events for homeschool students.
- Bob Bullock Museum: Homeschoolers can tour the Bob Bullock Museum to learn about Texas history, see hundreds of artifacts, and participate in various family programs.
FIELD TRIPS IN DALLAS
- Dallas Zoo: Explore wild-life species at the oldest zoo in Texas. Dallas Zoo hosts a homeschool day and field trips at discounted rates for homeschool groups.
- Dallas World Aquarium: Learn about penguins, tortoises, and many different species from different regions of the world at Dallas World Aquarium.
- Trinity River Audubon Center: Homeschool students can learn about conserving our environment with workshops and other educational opportunities.
- Cedar Hill State Park: At Cedar Hill State Park, homeschoolers can participate in guided hikes to learn about the history and native species of the land.
- Dallas Museum of Art: Help your student explore their artistic skills at the Dallas Museum of Art. This museum offers numerous family and school programs, clubs, and summer camps.
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Homeschoolers can explore life and earth science at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Homeschool programs are available with suggested grade levels for participants.
FIELD TRIPS IN FORT WORTH
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Homeschool students can tour exhibits and visit the planetarium to learn about different scientific and historical topics. The museum offers learning opportunities to homeschool students throughout the year.
- Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: This botanical garden is the oldest in Texas, presenting beautiful gardens with plants native to all different areas of the world.
- Fort Worth Zoo: Homeschool classes are available for students of all ages. Homeschoolers can attend live animal presentations, guided Zoo hikes, and themed lessons.
FIELD TRIPS IN HOUSTON
- The Health Museum: Learn about health science through exhibits, programs, and classes. The Health Museum offers homeschool day camps for those in the Houston area.
- Space Center Houston: Homeschool students can learn about space exploration, meet real astronauts, and hear what it is like to live on a space ship.
- Children’s Museum of Houston: Visit the interactive, hands-on exhibits, including EcoStation and Invention Convention. The Children’s Museum of Houston hosts special events for homeschool students throughout the year.
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: This art museum offers various family programs and educational tours for students of all ages.
FIELD TRIPS IN SAN ANTONIO
- The Alamo: This museum remembers important parts of Texas history with tours of the battlefield, history talks, and exhibits.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: Students can explore caves and pan for gems and fossils on one of the many educational tours that the Natural Bridge Caverns offers.
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: Home to hundreds of animals, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch allows visitors to see zebras, ostriches, and many other species roam freely from their car.
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