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Homeschool 101 for Bryan–College Station

This is not legal advice

This page is a practical starting point, not legal advice. For the current state wording, read the Texas Education Agency’s homeschooling page.

Texas, in brief

Homeschooling is a legal alternative to public school in Texas (Texas Supreme Court, Leeper, 1994). TEA does not regulate, index, monitor, approve, register, or accredit homeschool programs, and the state does not require yearly notice to TEA. A homeschool is treated like a private school for compulsory attendance: families use a bona fide written curriculum that includes reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. If a public district asks, parents may provide a letter of assurance — details on the TEA page.

Records and diplomas

TEA does not issue a homeschool diploma. Texas public colleges must treat a homeschool graduate under the same general undergraduate admission standards as a public-school graduate (see the TEA page). If you may transfer to a district or apply to college later, keeping records is the family’s job.

Seeing curriculum in person

There’s no dedicated curriculum store in Bryan–College Station. Beyond the Page writes its curriculum here and sells it online. The store local families drive to, often carpooling, is The Homeschool Store in northwest Houston (12315 Ann Ln, Houston, TX 77064; about 85 miles, roughly 1½ hours). It stocks new and used pre-K–12 materials in every core subject plus electives, shelved by subject and then by brand, so you can compare programs side by side before you buy. Staff are homeschool parents who will help you choose, no appointment needed; say it’s your first visit and they’ll show you around. There’s seating and a small play area for children.

Bring last year’s books. They buy used curriculum year-round: a buyer looks through what you bring while you shop, typically offers about 25% of retail, and pays the same day. They want current editions, complete, with no writing in student pages.

Usually open Tuesday–Saturday, 10–5, but the days change through the fall and holidays — check the hours on their site or call 281-890-4295 before you make the drive. Each January they hold a winter conference, starting with a Getting Started with Homeschooling in Texas session (advance registration; see their events page).

Start this week in BCS

  1. Get a Bryan + College Station Public Library card, then check the calendar for what’s on.
  2. Browse Classes & groups for standing classes and groups.
  3. Look at Places for field-trip ideas.
  4. See Resources for dual credit and extras.
  5. Know of a co-op or class we’re missing? Suggest it.

Co-ops, classes, tutors

Standing programs — co-ops, classes, tutors — live under Classes & groups; dated things stay on the calendar.

Field trips

Places lists the local sites families take kids to. Some TAMU and city sites are by-request — a tour may need an email ahead.

High school and dual credit

Dual credit details live on Resources (Blinn). Public high-school graduation plans (the Foundation High School Program: 22 credits, plus endorsements) are a reference some families use — TEA’s high school graduation requirements page is the source to check. None of it is required of a homeschool.