A homeschool program must teach grammar, mathematics, reading and spelling to be considered legitimate under Texas law. In addition, Texas homeschoolers must study "good citizenship"; studying U.S. history, Texas history, civics and government will satisfy this requirement. No specific homeschool curricula or programs are approved by the state of Texas, because homeschools are considered to be private schools.
Homeschool programs in Texas have no compulsory attendance requirement. While public schools require 170 days of attendance per year, homeschools have no requirements as to days per year or hours per day of required school. Homeschooling parents must disenroll their children from public schools and may need to file a letter of assurance with their local school district in order to begin homeschooling.
Depending on the rules of the local school district, children in homeschool programs in Texas may be allowed to participate in public school classes and extracurricular activities. However, homeschoolers may not participate in athletic competitions and band or choral competitions sponsored by the University Interscholastic League, which requires all participants to be enrolled in public school.