The Best Secular Homeschool Programs Texas Families Love
Secular homeschool programs Texas families can trust aren’t always easy to find—but after homeschooling my kids here for over a decade, I’ve discovered some gems worth sharing. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to begin, just know you're not alone. I’ve been there too, staring at a pile of curriculum catalogs while trying to cook dinner and keep a toddler from eating crayons.
Why We Chose Secular Homeschooling in Texas
When we first decided to homeschool, we knew we wanted an education that was inclusive, critical-thinking based, and free of religious doctrine. We weren’t anti-religion—we just wanted a clear line between personal beliefs and academic subjects. Secular homeschooling gave us that freedom and clarity. Plus, Texas has some of the most homeschool-friendly laws in the country, which made getting started a whole lot less scary.
What Makes a Program “Secular” Anyway?
This tripped me up in the early days. Just because something isn’t labeled “Christian” doesn’t mean it’s truly secular. I’ve bought a few “neutral” programs that snuck in creationist views or moralizing language that didn’t fit our values. A secular homeschool program should be grounded in science, history, and literature that reflect real-world facts and diverse perspectives.
Our Favorite Secular Homeschool Programs in Texas
Over the years, we’ve tested a bunch of programs—some were amazing, others ended up in the resale bin. Here are a few that stuck with us and made our homeschool days not only educational but actually enjoyable:
Build Your Library
If your kid loves books and you love snuggling up on the couch with read-alouds, this is a winner. We used BYL for years and fell in love with how it blended literature, history, and even science. It’s secular, Charlotte Mason-inspired, and works well for independent learners.
Moving Beyond the Page
This one has a more structured feel and is great if you’re balancing multiple ages. It’s hands-on, concept-based, and Texas families love that it aligns well with TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)—without any religious bias.
Outschool and Other Online Resources
Sometimes you just need a break or a little help from an expert. We’ve used inclusive online classes that cover everything from creative writing to coding to Texas history. Outschool has been a lifesaver, especially during those “mom-needs-a-coffee-alone” weeks.
Everyday Life as a Secular Homeschooling Family
One of the best things about homeschooling is how it blends into everyday life. Some of our richest lessons happened outside the curriculum:
- Exploring a fossil bed in Glen Rose and talking about geological time over PB&J sandwiches
- Using a baking day to teach fractions and chemistry (and patience!)
- Volunteering at the local food bank and writing persuasive essays about community impact
- Watching documentaries during a rainy afternoon and sparking debates about ethics and history
These are the moments that reminded me I made the right choice for my kids—and for myself.
Homeschool Laws in Texas: What You Should Know
Texas keeps it refreshingly simple. There’s no registration, testing, or reporting required. As long as you teach reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship using a visual curriculum, you’re good to go. That flexibility gives secular families the space to choose programs that align with their values and learning styles.
Support for Secular Homeschoolers in Texas
In the early days, I felt a little alone—like I was the only mom in my co-op who wasn’t following a faith-based program. But I quickly found out there’s a strong and growing secular homeschooling community here. Check out:
- Secular Homeschoolers of Texas Facebook group
- Texas Unschoolers events (even if you’re not a full-on unschooler, it’s worth connecting!)
- Local library events, museums, and nature centers that offer homeschool days
- Other families online sharing secular curriculum tips
How to Know If a Secular Program Is Right for You
If your child asks “why?” a lot (like, a LOT), if you want history that includes all voices, and if you cringe at rewriting science lessons with more accurate info—you’re probably a good fit. Trust your gut. You don’t have to be perfect. Just present, willing, and curious alongside your child.
Final Thoughts
Choosing from the many secular homeschool programs Texas families are exploring might feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Start small. Ask other parents. Try a few resources and see what clicks. Remember, you know your child best, and you have the freedom to create an education that fits your unique family. That, to me, is the ultimate gift of homeschooling.
FAQ
Are there secular homeschool programs that align with Texas standards?
Yes! Programs like Moving Beyond the Page align well with Texas standards while keeping the content secular and inclusive.
Is homeschooling legal in Texas without using a religious program?
Absolutely. Texas has no requirement for religious content. You just need to cover basic subjects using a visual curriculum.
Where can I connect with other secular homeschoolers in Texas?
Online communities like Facebook groups and local library homeschool events are great places to start.
Can I mix secular and faith-based resources?
Of course. Many families blend materials based on what works best for their kids. The key is staying true to your family's goals.
Join the conversation