How to Start a Homeschool Co-Op in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide in 2026
- 1 day ago
- 17 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Homeschooling in Texas is on the rise, with over 500,000 children now being educated at home, a number that continues to grow.Starting a homeschool co-op, however, is where many families get stuck.
Parents quickly realize there’s no official checklist. No registration office. No handbook explaining what’s allowed, what crosses a line, or how to keep a co-op from becoming a fragile volunteer project that collapses under burnout.
Some co-ops fail because they grow too fast. Others fall apart over curriculum disagreements, unclear leadership, or confusion about money. Many never get off the ground at all.
This guide explains how to start a homeschool co-op in Texas step by step, what Texas law actually requires (and what it doesn’t), and how to design a co-op that is legally sound, educationally effective, and sustainable over time.
Key Takeways
Texas allows homeschool co-ops to operate freely as long as parents retain control of instruction and the co-op does not function like a private school.
Strong co-ops start small, define clear roles, and scale intentionally to avoid legal and leadership problems.
Growth should focus on shared values, transparent decision-making, and systems that support families without centralizing authority.
Curriculum and structure can support co-ops, but control must remain with parents to stay aligned with Texas homeschool law.
TSHA helps co-ops grow sustainably by offering curriculum structure and planning support without taking over instruction or governance.
What Is a Homeschool Co-Op?
A homeschool co-op in Texas is a collaborative learning group formed by homeschooling families who share educational responsibilities while remaining legally independent homeschoolers.
Under Texas law, homeschooling is classified as private schooling, which means:
Parents retain full legal responsibility for education
Instruction does not need to occur exclusively at home
Families may collaborate freely without state approval
A co-op does not replace a homeschool. Instead, it supplements it by pooling time, skills, and resources.
Homeschool co-ops in Texas typically exist to:
Reduce parent workload
Provide group learning opportunities
Offer subjects that parents feel less confident teaching alone
Create consistent peer interaction for students
What defines a co-op is shared responsibility, not delegation of authority. If a program begins enrolling students, issuing grades, or assuming complete academic control, it may no longer qualify as a co-op under homeschool norms.
Homeschool Co-Op vs Learning Pod vs Tutorial
Families often confuse homeschool co-ops with learning pods or tutorials, but the differences matter in Texas because each model carries different legal, financial, and responsibility implications.
Homeschool co-op
Parents are actively involved
Teaching is shared or rotated
Students remain homeschooled by their parents
Learning pod
Often smaller and short-term
May hire an outside instructor
Less formal governance
Homeschool tutorial or micro-school
Usually drop-off
Parents pay instructors
It can begin to resemble a private school if one is not careful
This distinction matters in Texas because homeschool co-ops remain clearly within homeschool law, while more formal tutorial models may raise legal or liability questions if structured incorrectly.
Why Families in Texas Choose Homeschool Co-Ops
Texas families start co-ops for practical reasons, not ideology alone.
Common motivations include:
Access to group learning without enrolling in a school
Sharing strengths (one parent teaches science, another art)
Providing social interaction for children
Reducing burnout for solo homeschooling parents
Offering classes that are hard to teach at home (labs, debates, group projects)
A well-run homeschool co-op provides structure without sacrificing flexibility, which is why it works so well under Texas homeschool law.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Texas? What You Need to Know
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Texas, and the state offers some of the most flexible homeschooling laws in the U.S. In fact, Texas is highly favorable to homeschooling families due to its minimal regulatory requirements and emphasis on parental rights in education. Here are some key homeschooling laws in Texas:
Unlike some other states that have strict homeschooling regulations, Texas keeps things relatively simple. Here’s what you need to do to homeschool in Texas legally:
Notify the State: Texas does not require formal approval from the state to homeschool. However, parents must notify their local school district if they plan to withdraw their child from public school to begin homeschooling.
This is typically done by submitting an affidavit of intent to homeschool, but it’s a one-time notification and not a recurring requirement.
Curriculum Requirements: The curriculum you choose for homeschooling in Texas does not need to be state-approved. However, the law does require that the curriculum be “bona fide” or “genuine,” and it should cover basic educational subjects such as:
Reading
Spelling
Grammar
Mathematics
History
Science
While parents have the freedom to select the curriculum that best fits their child’s learning style, it must meet the minimum standards for these core subjects.
Instructional Time: Texas law mandates that homeschooling hours be at least 180 days per year and that instruction occur for at least 3 hours per day in elementary grades (K–6).
While the state doesn’t provide formal tracking, this is an important guideline to follow for compliance and to ensure your child is receiving a proper education.
Record Keeping: Texas law does not require parents to submit records or formal reports to the state. However, it’s a best practice to keep records of lessons, grades, and any assessments you conduct, especially in case of any future inquiries from the school district.
You’ll also want to maintain a portfolio of work completed throughout the year, which can serve as valuable evidence of educational progress if needed.
Disclaimer: This section is informational, not legal advice. For the most current baseline, check official Texas guidance and your district’s process for withdrawals and transfers.
Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Texas
Understanding these legal details brings clarity and relief when planning homeschooling in Texas. Learning about rights and requirements protects against unnecessary confusion or stress.
Here are the key legal steps that shape your legal homeschooling in Texas.
Leeper v. Arlington ISD
The 1994 Leeper decision established home education as a private school under Texas homeschool law. That ruling protects parental authority and confirms homeschooling rights in Texas. Citing that case builds confidence in legal homeschooling practices without additional oversight.
Bona Fide Instruction & Visual Curriculum
Texas requires bona fide instruction using visual materials within a Texas homeschool curriculum model.
In Texas, bona fide instruction means genuine, intentional teaching that covers required subjects (reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship).Visual materials include textbooks, workbooks, printed lessons, videos, or other instructional resources used to support learning.
Withdrawal Protocol
Submitting a letter of intent when transitioning from public school avoids truancy concerns under Texas homeschool law. That small step protects your family’s legal standing and maintains homeschooling rights in Texas. Meeting this requirement ensures smooth course changes while maintaining control over curriculum choices.
No Oversight or Standard Requirements
State agencies do not require testing, teacher credentials, registration, or instructional hours under Texas homeschool law. That lack of regulation gives you the freedom to choose a curriculum and schedule based on your child’s needs. This freedom affirms the core of homeschooling rights in Texas and keeps administration simple and stress-free.
Homeschool Freedom Act of 2025
The Homeschool Freedom Act codifies that no state agency may ever regulate homeschool programs in Texas. That law reinforces your rights and ensures legal homeschooling in Texas remains protected for future changes. With that protection, families gain confidence in planning education without fear of sudden regulation.
Compulsory Attendance Exemption
Homeschooled children are not subject to Texas’s compulsory attendance laws because homeschools count as private schools. That means your decision to homeschool removes any risk of truancy charges, one less worry when making the switch. This exemption stems directly from the Texas Education Code and relevant court rulings.
Immunization Rules Still Apply
Even as a homeschooler, your child must meet Texas immunization requirements, though exemptions are available. Knowing this in advance helps avoid surprises when healthcare documentation is needed. This keeps your child ready for public activities like sports, co-ops, or clinics.
Diploma Recognition and College Admission
Texas treats successful homeschool completion as equivalent to a public high school diploma under Education Code 51.9241. Colleges and employers cannot discriminate against that diploma, making future transitions smoother. Keeping clear records or transcripts can help strengthen college or job applications.
Access to Extracurriculars
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, school districts must offer homeschool students the opportunity to participate in UIL activities unless they officially opt out. That means more access to sports, music, and academic contests, provided your district doesn’t opt out. Stay aware of your own district’s policy before signing your child up.
The School House Anywhere offers structured resources and documentation tools to help Texas homeschool families meet state requirements with clarity and confidence.
6 Types of Homeschool Co-Ops in Texas
Before planning logistics, you must define the type of co-op you are building, because the structure determines sustainability.
Co-Op Type | What It Looks Like in Practice | Best Fit For | Key Things to Know |
Academic | Scheduled classes in subjects like math, science, writing, or history. Parents or instructors teach; students may get assignments. | Families needing support in core academics, especially upper elementary to high school | Requires consistent attendance, clear academic expectations, and stronger coordination |
Enrichment | Hands-on learning such as art, music, STEM projects, drama, or life skills. Minimal homework. | Younger students or families prioritizing creativity and social learning | Easier to manage and more flexible; less pressure on curriculum alignment |
Parent-Led | Parents rotate teaching or assisting roles; shared responsibility model | Budget-conscious groups and community-focused families | Requires high parent commitment and precise role distribution |
Instructor-Led | Subject specialists teach classes; parents act as facilitators | Families wanting expertise without teaching themselves | Higher costs; parents still retain legal homeschool responsibility |
Family Participation | Parents stay on-site, volunteer, assist, or teach | New co-ops and younger age groups | Builds accountability and community; easier to supervise |
Drop-Off | Parents leave during class time; co-op handles supervision | Older students and structured programs | Requires stricter policies, insurance, and background checks |
Tip:Start simpler than you think you need. Most sustainable co-ops begin as enrichment or hybrid models.
7 Steps to Start a Homeschool Co-Op in Texas
Starting a homeschool co-op in Texas is less about paperwork and more about planning.
Texas law gives homeschoolers flexibility, but that freedom also means structure has to come from the group itself. Each step below explains not only what to do but also why it matters.
Step 1: Clarify the Purpose Before Anything Else
Every successful co-op starts with a clear purpose. Without it, disagreements quickly surface over curriculum, teaching style, and parent involvement.
Ask these questions first:
Is the co-op academic, enrichment-focused, or social?
Are parents teaching, rotating, or hiring instructors?
Is this meant to supplement homeschooling or replace specific subjects?
Purpose determines scheduling, fees, class rigor, and family fit. A co-op that mixes goals without clarity usually struggles with burnout and conflict.
Step 2: Decide how the Co-Op Will Be organized
Texas does not require homeschool co-ops to register with the state, but the organization still matters for accountability and trust.
Most Texas co-ops operate as informal, unincorporated associations. This works because:
It avoids unnecessary legal complexity
It allows flexible leadership
It fits small to mid-sized groups well
What needs to be decided:
Who handles finances
How decisions are made
How leadership transitions happen
Even informal groups should keep finances separate and transparent to avoid disputes.
Step 3: Choose a Location That Matches Your Goal
The meeting location shapes how the co-op functions.
For example:
Churches work well for larger, structured co-ops
Homes suit small, discussion-based groups
Parks fit nature or play-based models
Before committing, confirm:
Liability or insurance requirements
Space limitations
Set up and cleanup responsibilities
Many co-ops collapse when location issues arise mid-year. Clarifying expectations upfront prevents disruption.
Step 4: Set Clear Participation Expectations
Texas homeschool co-ops rely heavily on parent involvement. If expectations are unclear, a few parents often end up doing most of the work.
Explain clearly:
What parents are expected to contribute
Whether teaching is required
How absences are handled
Behaviour expectations for children
This step protects both leaders and families by ensuring everyone joins with the same understanding.
Step 5: Design a Sustainable Weekly Structure
New co-ops often fail by trying to do too much too soon.
Effective Texas co-ops usually:
Meet once per week
Focus on 2–3 classes per session
Leave core instruction to families at home
It prevents exhaustion, keeps costs manageable, and allows families to remain in control of their homeschool approach.
Step 6: Create Only the Policies You Actually Need
Policies are meant to prevent confusion, not create bureaucracy.
At minimum, clarify:
Membership rules
Safety and supervision
Financial expectations
Conflict resolution
Short, clear policies work better than long documents that no one reads.
Step 7: Start Small and Treat the First Term as a Trial
Launching with a pilot group lets you test systems without the pressure.
A strong pilot:
Involves a limited number of families
Runs for one semester
Focuses on learning what works
After the trial, you can adjust structure, leadership, and scope before growing.
Curriculum and Class Planning
Texas homeschool co-ops must align with state requirements for a "bona fide" curriculum covering reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship, but parents choose materials freely without approval; co-ops supplement home instruction.
Focus on shared classes in parents' strengths, like labs or arts, to avoid overstepping into full academic control that could blur homeschool lines. Start by surveying families' needs, then select affordable, flexible resources such as workbooks, online modules, or free printables that work for multiple ages.
Popular Texas co-op classes include enrichment like art, cooking, STEM projects (robotics, circuits), music, nature hikes, and life skills (sewing, basic repairs), meeting weekly for 1-hour sessions to keep burnout low.
Academic options cover history debates, writing workshops, or math manipulatives, with minimal homework to respect home pacing. Use multi-age grouping for efficiency, rotating parent teachers quarterly.
Sample weekly structure for a 3-hour session (e.g., Fridays):
Time | Activity |
9:00-9:30 | Arrival & Announcements |
9:30-10:30 | Class 1 (e.g., Science Lab) |
10:30-10:45 | Break |
10:45-11:45 | Class 2 (e.g., Art/PE) |
11:45-12:15 | Lunch/Socialize |
12:15-12:45 | Clean-up & Dismiss |
Pilot 2–3 classes first, gather feedback via surveys, and adjust, ensuring visuals like books or videos meet legal basics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Homeschool Co-Op in Texas
Starting a homeschool co-op can feel straightforward at first, but many groups struggle or dissolve because of avoidable planning mistakes. Understanding these early can save time, relationships, and momentum.
Area | Common Mistake | Why It Causes Problems | Best Practice |
Legal understanding | Assuming the co-op functions as a school | Creates confusion about legal responsibility, records, and authority | Clearly define the co-op as a supplemental group, with each family responsible for its own homeschool compliance |
Purpose & vision | Starting without a defined goal | Families join with different expectations, leading to early conflict | Clearly state whether the co-op is academic, social, faith-based, or enrichment-focused |
Membership growth | Allowing unlimited or rapid growth | Overwhelms leadership and disrupts class quality | Start small, pilot systems, then expand intentionally |
Leadership structure | Avoiding formal roles to “keep it casual.” | Leads to burnout and decision paralysis | Assign clear leadership roles with defined responsibilities |
Parent expectations | Assuming everyone understands the participation requirements | Create an uneven workload and resentment | Clearly communicate time, teaching, and volunteer expectations upfront |
Policies & guidelines | Relying only on verbal agreements | Disputes become personal without shared reference points | Create simple written guidelines covering behaviour, attendance, and decision-making |
Time commitment | Underestimating planning and coordination time | Leads to missed classes and inconsistent quality | Plan realistic schedules and distribute responsibilities |
Conflict handling | Ignoring issues until families quietly leave | Eroses trust and destabilizes the group | Establish a basic, respectful conflict-resolution process |
Instructional approach | Trying to replicate a traditional school | Removes the flexibility that homeschool families value | Design learning that supports autonomy and varied pacing |
Sustainability | Depending on one person to run everything | High risk of burnout and collapse | Share leadership and rotate responsibilities annually |
Cost, Fees, and Budgeting for a Homeschool Co-Op in Texas
Cost planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of starting a homeschool co-op in Texas, yet it often determines whether the co-op survives beyond the first year. Even informal, volunteer-led co-ops require some level of financial structure to remain fair, transparent, and sustainable.
Unlike private schools, homeschool co-ops are not profit-driven. However, shared learning still involves shared expenses. Establishing a clear budget early prevents confusion, resentment, and last-minute fee increases.
Understanding the True Cost of Running a Co-Op
Many first-time organizers assume costs will be minimal, especially if families volunteer their time. In practice, most co-ops encounter recurring expenses such as:
Facility usage: Even when using churches or community spaces, there may be rental fees, donations, or cleaning charges. Some venues also require insurance coverage as a condition of use.
Instructional materials: Science labs, art supplies, math manipulatives, printing, and shared curriculum resources add up quickly when spread across multiple classes.
Administrative essentials: Communication platforms, shared calendars, file storage, website hosting, or scheduling tools are often necessary once the group grows beyond a few families.
Enrichment and specialist instruction: Many Texas co-ops bring in external instructors for subjects such as music, robotics, foreign languages, and labs. These costs should be anticipated rather than added mid-term.
Understanding these costs upfront allows organizers to set realistic expectations rather than react to expenses as they arise.
Common Fee Models Used by Texas Homeschool Co-Ops
There is no single “correct” pricing structure. Successful co-ops choose a model that matches their size, goals, and level of parent involvement.
Flat family fee: Families pay a single fee per semester or year. This works best for small to medium co-ops where participation levels are similar and scheduling is consistent.
Per-class or per-student fees: Families pay only for the classes their children attend. This model is more equitable for larger co-ops or those offering electives and mixed-age programs.
Supply-only fees with volunteer teaching: Parents teach classes, and families contribute only toward materials. This keeps costs low but requires strong volunteer commitment and clear role definitions.
Hybrid structure: A small base fee covers shared costs (space, admin), while class-specific fees cover materials or instructors. This is the most flexible and commonly adopted approach.
The key is choosing a model that families can understand easily and plan for financially.
Budgeting Best Practices for New Co-Ops
Budgeting for a homeschool co-op should be a deliberate planning step, not an afterthought. Many co-ops experience conflict or burnout not because costs are high, but because financial expectations were never clearly defined.
Strong budgeting practices create fairness, prevent misunderstandings, and allow families to commit with confidence.
Effective co-ops typically take the following approach:
Create a written budget before collecting fees: A simple budget outlines expected expenses such as space usage, supplies, and administrative tools. This ensures fees are based on real needs rather than estimates made after money is collected.
Clearly explain what each fee covers and what it does not: Families should understand whether fees pay for materials, instructors, facility costs, or shared resources. This reduces disputes and prevents assumptions about what is “included.”
Keep costs conservative during the first year: New co-ops benefit from starting small. Conservative budgeting allows organizers to evaluate attendance, participation, and actual expenses before expanding programs or raising fees.
Review and adjust fees annually, not mid-term: Changing fees mid-semester creates frustration and instability. Reviewing costs once per year allows families to plan and keep the co-op predictable.
Avoid building large surpluses without a defined purpose: Excess funds should serve a clear goal, such as future materials or facility upgrades. Undefined surpluses can create mistrust and confusion about financial intentions.
Starting lean allows organizers to test systems, identify real costs, and grow sustainably rather than overcommitting early.
Managing and Tracking Co-Op Finances Responsibly
Even small, informal homeschool co-ops benefit from basic financial accountability. While one person may manage finances initially, transparency is critical for maintaining trust and long-term participation.
Responsible financial management does not require complex accounting, but it does require consistency and clarity.
Effective co-ops typically:
Use a dedicated bank account or digital payment platform: Separating co-op funds from personal finances reduces confusion and simplifies tracking, especially as membership grows.
Maintain simple, organized income and expense records: Basic tracking of fees collected and costs paid helps leaders make informed decisions and answer questions confidently.
Define who has authority to approve spending: Clear boundaries prevent impulse purchases and ensure expenses align with agreed priorities.
Share financial summaries at regular intervals: Periodic updates, even brief ones, reassure families that funds are being managed responsibly and in line with the plan.
When families understand how money is handled, they are more likely to remain engaged, contribute willingly, and support leadership decisions.
A well-structured budget does not make a homeschool co-op expensive. It makes the co-op stable, predictable, and sustainable.
How to Find and Recruit Families for a Homeschool Co-Op in Texas
One of the most common roadblocks to starting a homeschool co-op in Texas is not the legal setup or curriculum planning; it’s finding the right families.
A successful co-op is built on shared expectations and compatible commitment levels, not just numbers. Recruiting too broadly or too quickly often leads to mismatched goals and early conflict.
Start with a Small, Intentional Core Group
Most sustainable Texas homeschool co-ops begin with 5–8 families, not dozens. A smaller group allows you to:
Test structure and scheduling
Establish culture and norms
Adjust expectations before growth
Avoid leadership burnout
It is far easier to grow a healthy co-op slowly than to scale back one that expanded too fast.
Where Texas Families Commonly Find Co-Op Members
Homeschool families in Texas typically connect through informal, community-driven channels rather than official listings.
Effective places to recruit include:
Local Facebook groupsSearch using city or county names combined with “Texas homeschool” or “homeschool co-op.” These groups are often very active and geographically relevant.
Church homeschool ministries or bulletin boardsEven if your co-op is not faith-based, churches often serve as community hubs for homeschool families.
Libraries and community centresMany homeschoolers frequent libraries for classes, clubs, and study spaces. Posting a simple flyer or networking with librarians can be surprisingly effective.
Word of mouth through enrichment classesMusic lessons, sports programs, nature groups, and robotics clubs are common gathering points for homeschool families.
How to Present Your Co-Op Clearly
When inviting families, clarity matters more than enthusiasm. Vague invitations attract families with wildly different expectations.
A simple recruitment message should clearly state:
Age range of students
Type of co-op (academic, enrichment, hybrid)
Level of parent involvement required
Whether it is parent-led or instructor-led
Meeting frequency and general location
This helps families self-select and reduces misunderstandings later.
Avoid Open Enrollment in the First Year
Many new organizers feel pressure to accept every interested family. In practice, selective enrollment protects the group.
Best practice in Texas co-ops is to:
Limit first-year enrollment
Use an interesting meeting or information session
Treat the first term as a pilot
Reassess growth after systems are proven
Intentional recruitment is not exclusionary; it is foundational to long-term stability.
Tools and Platforms to Run a Homeschool Co-Op Smoothly
Texas homeschool co-ops benefit from the state’s legal flexibility, but that freedom also means the organization must be self-managed. Even small co-ops quickly discover that informal communication alone is not enough.
The right tools reduce confusion, prevent burnout, and keep expectations clear without turning the co-op into a bureaucracy.
Communication Tools
Clear communication is essential when multiple families share responsibility.
Commonly used options include:
Private Facebook groupsEasy to set up and familiar to most parents, but it can become cluttered for official updates.
Email lists or newslettersUseful for formal announcements, schedules, and policy reminders.
Group messaging apps (WhatsApp, Signal)Best for quick reminders, not long-term documentation.
Many co-ops use one platform for announcements and another for discussion to avoid missed information.
Scheduling and Calendar Management
As soon as a co-op meets regularly, scheduling becomes critical.
Helpful tools include:
Shared Google Calendars for class dates and events
Sign-up tools for teaching rotations or volunteer roles
Simple spreadsheets for attendance tracking
Consistency matters more than sophistication. Choose tools families will actually use.
Payments and Budget Tracking
Even informal co-ops benefit from basic financial systems.
Common approaches include:
Digital payment platforms for collecting fees
Shared spreadsheets showing income and expenses
Clear approval rules for spending
Keeping finances transparent is one of the strongest trust-builders in a homeschool co-op.
File Storage and Resource Sharing
As lesson plans, policies, and resources accumulate, having a shared storage space prevents information loss.
Many co-ops use:
Cloud folders for policies and schedules
Shared lesson resources for parent-taught classes
Centralised documents for leadership continuity
This is especially important when leadership rotates annually.
Keep Tools Simple in the First Year
One of the most common mistakes when learning how to start a homeschool co-op in Texas is overbuilding systems too early.
Strong co-ops typically:
Start with minimal tools
Add structure only when needed
Prioritise clarity over complexity
The goal is to support families, not overwhelm them with platforms.
Join The School House Anywhere for Homeschooling
The School House Anywhere delivers a proven framework that simplifies homeschooling while keeping learning engaging and personalized.
Every tool, resource, and support service is designed to help you teach with confidence and track progress seamlessly.
What you get when you join:
Access to the full American Emergent Curriculum with adaptable lesson plans for multiple grade levels.
Transparent Classroom platform to track assignments, create portfolios, and manage compliance records easily.
Year-round enrollment with flexible start dates to fit your schedule.
Direct access to credentialed educators for guidance and feedback on lessons.
24/7 support through live chat, email, and scheduled virtual meetings.
Access to a resource library of materials, activities, and enrichment projects.
Community connection through virtual events, workshops, and peer meet-ups
Conclusion
Starting and scaling a homeschool co-op in Texas is about more than logistics; it’s about protecting parental control, legal clarity, and community trust as more families join.
Texas law gives homeschoolers freedom, but that freedom can disappear quickly if a co-op becomes too centralized, too rigid, or too school-like.
The strongest co-ops grow intentionally: shared values, clear boundaries, and systems that support families without taking authority away from them.
If your co-op is reaching a point where planning, alignment, or leadership strain is becoming a challenge, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a way forward. It provides structure, curriculum clarity, and parent support without turning your co-op into a school.
Explore TSHA to see how it can help your homeschool co-op scale sustainably while keeping families in control and learning in a truly homeschool-centered way.
FAQ
1. Is it legal to start a homeschool co-op in Texas?
Yes. Texas law allows homeschool co-ops as long as they do not operate as private schools and as long as parents remain responsible for their children’s education.
2. Do homeschool co-ops in Texas need to register with the state?
No. Texas does not require homeschool co-ops to register, license, or seek approval, provided they remain parent-directed.
3. When does a homeschool co-op become a private school in Texas?
A co-op may be viewed as a private school if it controls curriculum, sets mandatory schedules, grades students, or removes instructional authority from parents.
4. Can homeschool co-ops charge fees?
Yes. Co-ops may charge membership or class fees, but payments should support shared resources or facilitators, not tuition for a school-style program.
5. How large can a Texas homeschool co-op grow?
There is no legal size limit, but larger co-ops should use clear governance, defined leadership roles, and flexible structures to avoid becoming school-like.
6. Can a homeschool co-op use a shared curriculum?
Yes, as long as participation is optional and parents retain the right to adapt or opt out. The curriculum should support families, not replace them.
7. How does TSHA support homeschool co-ops in Texas?
TSHA provides curriculum structure, planning tools, and educator support while keeping instructional authority with parents, helping co-ops grow without losing legal clarity or flexibility.
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