New to Homeschooling

Hello and Welcome!

The purpose of this page is to explain some of the different modes of learning outside of the traditional classroom and give more information on homeschooling. We understand that this is new for everyone and how hard these decisions are.

Remember that you do not have to have it all figured out right now. It is okay to change your curriculum choice later if it is not working, even in the middle of the school year. You may want to start with something more simple or low cost until you figure out your teaching style, your child’s learning style, and your family routine. Also consider if your child will work independently or if you will be teaching alongside them.

Public School at home-

This would include using the virtual option from your Independent School District and other Public School at home options like K-12, Texas Connections Academy and others. The parent makes sure that the student is doing the assignments given by the teacher. There are usually certain times daily that the student must be on the computer or they may have packets from the school. There is little flexibility for the parent to make changes to the curriculum and schedule, but this may be an easier transition from public school and if you plan to return to public school.

Traditional Homeschooling-

To legally homeschool in Texas, you are required to do the following:

• The instruction must be bona fide (i.e., not a sham).

• The curriculum must be in visual form (e.g., books, workbooks, video monitor).

• The curriculum must include the five basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship.

TEA's letter on Homeschooling

The following lists are by no way exhaustive, and the listing of the following is not an endorsement by CenTex Christian Homeschool. What makes homeschooling so wonderful is that you are able to choose what works best for your family and for each student.

Homeschool through a school/program-

There are home school programs that you can join that will provide your curriculum, either all subjects or certain ones with you choosing the curriculum for the remaining subjects. These can be online or in person, and will usually have set class days that you are responsible for following their schedule for assignments. You then set your schedule during the non- meeting days, making sure that the work is finished for the next class as well as any subjects not covered by the program.

University model schools like Providence Prep and One Day Academy

Cooperative programs like Classical Conversations

Online homeschool programs like AOP and Abeka Academy

Homeschool on your own-

This is where you have complete choice in your curriculum. You can choose an all in one package that includes everything you need for that grade level or you can build your own by choosing which curriculum will be the best fit for your student for each subject. Curriculum choices can be online or in textbook form. You the parent are the teacher, and you choose the style of homeschooling, the curriculum, and the pace. Many of the homeschool companies that offer an all in one package will also let you can pick and choose if you would like to use part of their program but not every subject. Then there are thousands of companies big and small that produce only one or two subjects.

You can get a look at more things offered by searching for your student’s grade level or by subject at online retailers like Rainbow Resource, Christianbook.com, and Mardel.

There are state and nationwide homeschool organizations that have a lot of information on the requirements of homeschooling in Texas and help for starting homeschooling. You can read through a lot of their information without joining their associations, but if you decide to join, you can get a discount to some of them by being a member of our group, CenTex Christian Homeschool.

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA.org) $15 discount

Texas Home School Coalition (THSC.org) $20 discount

Texas Home Educators (TexasHomeEducators.org) no discounts offered

Other posts on beginning homeschool-

I want to Homeschool, Now What?

Quick Start to Homeschooling

How to Choose the Best Curriculum

The Ultimate List of Homeschool Curriculums- A Guide

The Truth about Deschooling

On the Fence About Homeschooling? Written by Sonlight so their links will promote their curriculum

Great Homeschool Conventions

Teach Them Diligently

Getting Started Homeschooling by curriculum publisher Apologia. Free ebooks

HSLDA Simple Steps to Start Homeschooling Videos- These are put out by HSLDA and they do advertise their membership

The listing of these websites and curriculum options is not an endorsement by CenTex Christian Homeschool Coalition, but an attempt to give information.