Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Texas
This is general guidance based on Texas law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Texas. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
Homeschools treated as private schools (Leeper v. Arlington ISD, 1994). Dual enrollment ages 3-5 with full IEP. TEFA provides $2,000 for homeschool ($30,000 for private school).
Your child's IEP ends when you withdraw to homeschool in Texas. You can dually enroll in public school to access services, or use Texas Education Freedom Account funds for private therapies. Students with IEPs at approved private schools may receive up to $30,000 in state funding.
IEP services end upon withdrawal. Limited equitable services may be available under IDEA Part B at district discretion. Homeschoolers are considered private school students under Texas law.
Federal protections
- ✓Child Find: Your district must evaluate your child for disabilities if you request it, even while homeschooling.
- ✓Proportionate share: The district must set aside a share of federal special education funding for children in private schools, including homeschools.
Primary source: TEC 25.086(a)(1), TAC 89.1096
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment for services
Can dually enroll in public school and qualify for IEP services. Note: dual enrollment with full IEP is specifically for ages 3-5 (early childhood); school-age children may access limited equitable services but do not receive a full IEP while homeschooling.
How to request: Contact your local school district to request dual enrollment and special education services.
Child Find evaluation
Districts must provide annual public notice and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities.
How to request: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)
Homeschooled children may be eligible for equitable services as private school students.
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- Through dual enrollment or Texas Education Freedom Account
- Occupational therapy:
- Through dual enrollment or private providers
- Behavioral therapy:
- Through private providers or Education Freedom Account
TEFA provides funding. Students with IEPs at approved private schools may receive up to $30,000.
Where services are typically delivered: Location varies (school, home, or another setting depending on the service)
Before you withdraw: step by step
These are the steps we recommend before withdrawing from Texas public schools.
- 1
Send written withdrawal letter with child's name and date homeschooling begins
- 2
Request copies of all evaluations, IEPs, and progress monitoring data
- 3
Consider requesting an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting before withdrawing
- 4
Contact district about proportionate share services after withdrawal
Starting mid-year? Ensure withdrawal is processed BEFORE homeschooling begins to avoid truancy charges. Send via certified mail or email with read receipt.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
In Texas: Comparable services immediately; new IEP within 20 school days of verifying eligibility (TAC 89.1055(s)(1))
Texas uses 20 school days (stricter than federal 30 calendar days). If no prior IEP exists, request evaluation (15 school days to respond, 45 to evaluate).
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Know your rights
Some districts push back when families withdraw children with IEPs. Here's what Texas families have encountered and what the law actually says.
The district says: “You need our permission to homeschool”
The law says: No registration or approval required (TEC 25.086(a)(1), Leeper v. Arlington ISD).
What to do: Send withdrawal letter. If pressured, cite Leeper.
The district says: “We will file truancy charges”
The law says: Invalid once withdrawal letter is submitted and bona fide homeschooling has begun.
What to do: Keep dated copy of withdrawal letter. Contact THSC if threats continue.
The district says: “CPS will be called”
The law says: Homeschooling alone is not grounds for a CPS investigation.
What to do: Do not consent to interviews. Contact THSC legal team.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
Disability Rights Texas (DRTx)
1-800-252-9108 · disabilityrightstx.org
State disability rights organization
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Education savings available
Texas offers Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Texas?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Texas?
Can my child still get therapy through the school if we homeschool in Texas?
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Start the Texas wizardRequirements sourced from Tex. Educ. Code 25.086(a)(1). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026