How to Start Homeschooling in Dallas
As a new homeschooler in Dallas you may be overwhelmed as you try to figure out your rights and responsibilities, the logistics of homeschooling, and how you can find support and exciting opportunities.
We can help you get started with all of that. You are in an exciting city with others who have walked the path before you. You may need just a little direction, so you can make this adventure fun and successful for both you and your child!
- How to Homeschool in Dallas
- Time4Learning Curriculum for Homeschooling in Dallas
- Field Trips in Dallas and Beyond
- Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Texas
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Homeschool in Dallas
Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular, and Dallas is a great place to homeschool. As with anything, there are certain steps you should take. These include:
- Research Texas homeschool laws, including your rights and responsibilities.
- Although notification is not necessarily required, you may want to inform your local school district that you will be homeschooling your child.
- Explore different curriculum options, and choose the best homeschool curriculum that fits both your homeschooling style and the learning profile of your child.
- Reach out to Dallas homeschool groups and other Texas homeschool groups and co-ops (or find homeschool groups online!) for networking support, learning opportunities, and social events.
- Have fun learning together!
Time4Learning Curriculum for Homeschooling in Dallas
When choosing a homeschool curriculum, you want to make sure that your choice offers the benefits you need but is also within your homeschool budget. Since homeschooling in the state of Texas is largely unregulated, you simply need to make sure you cover required subjects with an authentic curriculum that suits you and your child.
Dallas homeschoolers have the freedom to choose their preferred method of homeschooling and how to deliver instruction. Many other students who are part of a hybrid homeschool in Dallas also choose Time4Learning as their main educational partner for its flexibility and engaging materials.
Whichever approach you choose, Time4Learning’s mission is to provide high quality education for PreK-12 students and make parents’ path into home education as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Homeschoolers in Dallas also love Time4Learning because:
- All the required subject areas of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and citizenship are covered in our curriculum. Plus there’s an additional 14 electives for high schoolers to choose from.
- Our engaging, self-paced lessons and activities can be individualized for your child and are adaptable for children with special learning needs.
- Your child can learn through a growth process by reviewing Time4Learning content and retaking quizzes and tests for mastery.
- You do not have to worry about record keeping, our reporting system is fully customizable and easy to use.
- Time4MathFacts, a gamified curriculum that builds math fact fluency mastery is included in our elementary curriculum.
- It works great as your main curriculum or to supplement other programs, including after school or as a summer learning tool.
- You can include other add-ons such as Time4Languages.
- Time4Learning is a monthly subscription that can be started and stopped any time, so there is little risk to you for trying it!
Field Trips in Dallas and Beyond
One of the greatest advantages to homeschooling in Dallas, TX is the flexibility. As a homeschooler, you have the perfect opportunity to explore your city’s educational places.
Many zoos, museums and other sites offer homeschool classes in Dallas and surrounding areas. Below are just a few examples of field trip destinations Dallas homeschoolers can enjoy:
Dallas World Aquarium — This is both an aquarium and zoo where visitors can explore exhibits such as Mundo Maya (e.g., ocelot, American flamingo, hourglass tree frog), Orinoco (e.g., ocellate river stingray, Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, emerald tree boa), South Africa (e.g., radiated tortoise, panther chameleon, black-footed penguin), and Borneo (e.g., Matschie’s tree kangaroo, rhinoceros hornbill, shoebill stork). Its aquarium is home to many varieties of coral, fish, shrimp, giant clams, and more. Visit the website to learn more about each of the featured animals.
Trinity River Audubon Center — Located ten miles south of downtown Dallas, Trinity River Audubon Center is your gateway to the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. This is the largest urban hardwood forest in the US that includes forest, wetland, and prairie habitats and a diverse community of plants and animals. If you can’t make it there in person, or want to prepare before your visit, check out the website’s virtual learning content from home.
Cedar Hill State Park — This is a place to explore nature by hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, geocaching, or just nature watching. You can also swim and enjoy a gravel swimming beach or fish in the 7,500-acre lake. Self-guided tours are also available where you can explore Penn Farm Agricultural History Center and learn how farming has changed over the years.
Dallas Zoo — This 106-acre zoo is the largest in Texas and is home to thousands of animals and a host of family activities. Enjoy a Keeper Chat, Giraffe Feedings, a visit to Birds Landing, or an Animals in Action experience. Catch a Wonders of the Wild presentation or a Rainforest Rendezvous meeting with a feathered friend. Take a ride on the T-Rex Express Mini-Train or the Endangered Species Carousel. Check out the Field Trip Planner if you have a homeschool group to bring.
Looking to explore beyond Dallas? Check out other Texas Field Trips for Homeschoolers! Don’t forget to check out the comments section for tons of other ideas provided by other parents.
