📌 School Choice in Texas: The Big Picture

Texas families have access to a range of education options—including:

• Traditional public schools

• Public charter schools

• Magnet schools

• Private schools

• Homeschooling

• Online public schools

• Microlearning communities

Thanks to school choice policies, many families can enroll their child in a school outside their assigned district, apply to tuition-free public charter or magnet schools, or receive support for homeschooling and online learning.

📊 A Snapshot of Texas Education (2023–2024)

According to the Texas Education Agency and other state organizations:

• 5.5 million students were enrolled in traditional public schools

• 422,930 students attended public charter schools

• Approximately 290,000 students attended private schools

• Public school enrollment grew 7.4% over the past 10 years

So while most Texas families still use public schools, more and more are exploring other options to find the best educational fit for their kids.

🔎 A Closer Look at Your Options

1. 🏫 Traditional Public Schools (ISDs)

Texas public schools are free and open to all students. Each neighborhood is assigned a school, but thanks to open enrollment, many districts allow families to request transfers to schools outside their assigned zones—if space allows.

✅ Real examples:

• STEM Academies in Dallas ISD

• Dual Language Programs in Austin ISD

• Career and Technical Education programs preparing students for high-demand jobs

2. 🏫 Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate independently of traditional school districts. They often have a unique mission or curriculum—and may focus on college readiness, STEM, arts, or social-emotional learning.

✅ Real examples:

• Harmony Public Schools – project-based STEM learning

• IDEA Public Schools – college-prep model

• KIPP Texas – focus on character development and academic rigor

• Great Hearts Texas – classical education model

👉 Search for charter schools here: Texas Charter School Directory (select “Charter” under “District Type”)

3. 🎭 Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that specialize in a certain subject or theme, such as science, engineering, medical studies, or the arts. Some are affiliated with universities and offer college-level experiences to high schoolers.

✅ Real examples:

• Baylor College of Medicine Academy in Houston

• Arts magnet programs in Dallas ISD

• STEM magnet schools across the state

👉 Learn more at: MySchoolChoice.com

4. 🏡 Homeschooling

Homeschooling gives parents full control over their child’s education. You pick the curriculum, design the schedule, and guide the learning.

It’s legal in Texas and doesn’t require state approval, but you must teach specific subjects like reading, math, and spelling.

✅ Tools to get started:

• Discovery K12 – free homeschool curriculum

• Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) – legal support, curriculum options, and co-op directories

5. 💻 Online Public Schools

Online public schools are free and follow state curriculum standards—but everything is done virtually. Teachers, assignments, and grading are provided by the school, not the parent.

This is a great option for students who need flexibility or learn better from home, but still want licensed educators and structured lessons.

✅ Examples:

• Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

• Texas Connections Academy

• Texas Tech K-12

👉 You can explore more options at THSC.org

6. 🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Microlearning Communities

Microlearning is a newer, creative way to educate. It usually involves small pods of students learning together, sometimes in homes, libraries, or co-working spaces, with support from a parent or teacher.

Some families use it part-time—pairing it with public school, homeschool, or online programs.

👉 Learn more about microlearning at: MySchoolChoice.com (search “microlearning”)

🏫 Other School Types to Know

While this guide focused on the most common school models, there are others worth knowing:

• Private Schools – Funded by tuition or donations; can offer religious instruction, small classes, or specialized programs.

• University-Model Schools – Hybrid of home and classroom learning, usually faith-based or college-prep.

• Montessori & Waldorf Schools – Focus on hands-on, developmental learning.

• Alternative Schools – Serve students needing behavioral or emotional support or a non-traditional approach.

👉 Curious about private or alternative schools in your area? Use the TEPSAC School Finder

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be an expert to make an informed decision.
You just need honest, accessible information—and that’s what we’re here for.