Texas homeschool families recently encountered an unexpected challenge when a new administrative rule created unintentional confusion about whether homeschool students under age 16 could continue taking dual credit courses. As colleges began interpreting the new rule, some younger homeschool students were denied enrollment or even removed from courses they had already registered for. The important thing for families to know is that Texas law on this issue has not changed. Homeschool students under 16 are still entitled to equal access to dual credit, as they have been for 25 years. 

When this confusion arose, THSC contacted the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for a resolution. Commissioner of Higher Education Wynn Rosser sent a letter to colleges and universities across Texas making an important clarification: state law takes priority over agency rules, and colleges should look to Texas law when determining whether a homeschool student is eligible for dual credit. [Read Commissioner Rosser’s statement to Texas colleges and universities.]

That clarification is already making a difference for homeschool families. THSC has continued working alongside families affected by the confusion, and we have seen students under 16 gain or regain access at Alamo Community College District, Blinn College, El Paso Community College, and Austin Community College. THECB is also working on a longer-term solution by updating the official administrative rule to resolve the confusion. If your homeschool student has been denied dual credit enrollment because they are under age 16, contact THSC if you continue to encounter difficulty.