Created by the University of Texas in 1909, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) "....exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests." UIL eligibility requirements state that participants must be, "...full-time, day students in the school..." The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has essentially the same policy. Therefore, homeschoolers are not eligible for UIL or TAPPS-sanctioned activities. Local school officials may be sympathetic but have their hands tied on the issue.
While eligibility requirements rule out interscholastic competition, Texas school districts have discretion in allowing homeschoolers to participate in classroom and non-competition extracurricular activities. Policy varies from district to district so parents need to contact their local school officials to state their case. Concerning subjects that require specialized facilities, such as laboratories or music rooms that are impractical for homeschools, parents need to be prepared to negotiate and pay lab fees or other associated costs.
Homeschool students may be able to access public school facilities such as sporting venues and libraries. Again, policy varies depending on the district. Some school libraries, such as the Meadows Library in Midlothian operate as both a high school and public library. Some schools allow the public to access sport facilities at certain times of the day. Access may be limited during school hours and scheduled practices and events.
The local school district is not be the only public school option. Texas community colleges, including Tarrant County Community College and McLennan Community College offer private or group lessons in music, math, horseback riding and other subjects. During the summer they offer educational camps for children. High school juniors and seniors may be eligible to take dual-credit courses in which they fulfill high school requirements while earning college credit. Prerequisites must be met and tuition will be required.