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TEXAS EDUCATION CODE EXCERPT

Below are portions of the Texas Education Code which deal with compulsory attendance. Home schools are exempt from compulsory attendance according to Section 25.086(a)(1) because they have been determined by the Texas courts to be private schools. Included are the portions of greatest interest to Texas home educators. The complete Texas Education Code can be found on the Internet at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/ed.toc.htm .

Sec. 25.085. Compulsory School Attendance.

(a) A child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided.

(b) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a child who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not completed the academic year in which the child's 18th birthday occurred shall attend school.

(c) On enrollment in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school.

Sec. 25.086. Exemptions.

(a) A child is exempt from the requirements of compulsory school attendance if the child:

(1) attends a private or parochial school that includes in its course a study of good citizenship...

(5) is at least 17 years of age and:

(A) is attending a course of instruction to prepare for the high school equivalency examination; or
(B) has received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate...