A Legacy of Liberty
Forty years of protecting the rights of Texas families. Explore the milestones, the legal battles, and the victories that paved the way for the freedom to homeschool.
Forty years of protecting the rights of Texas families. Explore the milestones, the legal battles, and the victories that paved the way for the freedom to homeschool.
Major Moments
Growth & Community
Legislative Action
Legal Defense
Family Freedom Project
1981
Homeschoolers Prosecuted
The Texas Education Agency changed their interpretation of the law and decided homeschooling was not legal.
Leeper v Arlington ISD
The legal battle for homeschooling begins in Tarrant County when Shelby Sharpe files a class action suit against the school district.
1985
1986
THSC Started
Kirk and Beverly McCord, attorneys and key leaders for Texas homeschoolers, founded the THSC PAC, HOPE for Texas, and Hearth & Home Book Fair.
Leeper Win at District Court
The District Court rules that homeschooling is legal.
1987
1991
Leeper Win at Court of Appeals
Kirk and Beverly McCord, attorneys and key leaders for Texas homeschoolers, founded the THSC PAC, HOPE for Texas, and Hearth & Home Book Fair.
First Capitol Days Event
A chance to be at the heart of the Texas government, visiting legislative offices, learning how laws are made, and showing your kids the power of their voices.
1993
1994
Leeper Win at SCOTX
The decision in the Leeper v Arlington ISD case appealed to the Supreme Court of Texas and was unanimously upheld, officially making homeschooling legal in Texas.
Homeschooling Defended Nationally
H.R. 6, proposed legislation, would have required all teachers (including homeschool parents) to be state-certified, homeschoolers opposed it in record numbers, forcing the bill to be amended and securing a parental right victory.
1994
1995
THSC Helps Establish Freedom
After the Leeper win the previous year, homeschoolers were still being harassed by school districts. THSC met with the Texas Commissioner of Education, to draft a universal policy for HOW homeschoolers would be treated fairly, this policy was instituted & is still in effect today.
Review Magazine
Publication focused on Texas-specific homeschooling news, curriculum review, and advocacy, proficing practical advice, legal updates, and encouragement for homeschooling families.
1996
1996
First THSC Gala
An unforgettable event, the THSC Gala is a Lone Star-studded evening to celebrate the continued work of the Texas Home School Coalition in preserving and protecting the rights of families.
Leadership Training Conference
Created to equip, connect, and empower regional homeschool leaders and support group organizers across Texas.
1998
1999
Homeschoolers Access Protected
The Texas Administrative code that directs the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and admission into proprietary schools was modified to include homeschool students.
Houston Convention & Membership
Launched our flagship State Convention in Houston and introduced a statewide membership program to directly support Texas families.
2001
2001
Dual Credit Access
A new law is adopted requiring junior colleges to make dual credit courses available to homeschoolers.
78th Legislative Session Wins
- Texas Education Code is amended to require public colleges and universities to treat homeschool graduates the same as public school graduates for admission.
- Completing a non-traditional secondary education is considered equivalent to graduating from a Texas public high school.
2003
2003
78th Legislative Session Wins (cont.)
- The Family Code was amended to require child support to continue past age 18 for homeschooled children (for applicable court orders after Sept. 2003).
- DFPS allows waivers for homeschooling in certain cases, including foster children n permanent placements and families in the adoption process.
Continuing Legal Education Seminars
THSC offers Continuing Legal Education seminars to teach judges and attorneys the pertinent areas of home school law.
2006
2007
80th Legislative Session Win
Initially ineligible for state college financial aid, home school graduates became eligible for programs like the TEXAS Grant and B-On-Time loans after legislative changes.
81st Legislative Session Win
THSC prevailed in securing Governor Perry’s veto of SB 1440, which would have expanded CPS authority and undermined parental rights.
2009
2010
Election Impact
THSC helped unseat the sponsor of SB 1440 by supporting his Republican challenger, a key win for parental rights.
First Parental Rights Case
With THSC’s support, Jim Loose fought a three-year custody battle against his in-laws after his wife’s death and ultimately won, despite losing property and declaring bankruptcy during the fight.
2011
2011
82nd Legislative Session Progress
THSC had its first policy employee in Austin for the legislative session, successfully moving TPRRA out of committee despite strong opposition and advancing the UIL bill in the Senate, though both ultimately did not pass.
Election and Legislative Preparation
- THSC PAC engages in elections to support homeschool and parental rights advocates.
- THSC meets with state education and child protection leaders to advance its legislative agenda and secure policy updates.
- THSC provides CLE training to attorneys to defend innocent families against CPS actions.
2012
2012
Parental Rights Victory
With THSC’s support, Heather Moody successfully defended her homeschooling and parental rights in a high-profile custody case, resulting in an agreeable custody settlement and affirming homeschooling as a valid educational choice.
83rd Legislative Session
- Watchmen Program launched to defend homeschooling and parental rights, meet with legislators, and track legislation.
- Hosted U.S. Senator Ted Cruz at the THSC Gala.
- Continued daily defense of homeschool families.
- Hosts one of the largest conventions in the country.
2013
2014
Advocacy Wins
- Launched CPS attorney hotline to assist families in need.
- Filed suit against TEC over nonprofit free speech and challenged unconstitutional TEC rules affecting associations.
- Launched the Ranger Program to support political campaigns and assist key state elections, including Lt. Governor and Attorney General races.
DFW Convention
THSC Convention begins in DFW, building on the McCords’ Hearth & Home Book Fair.
2015
2016
CPS Overreach
In a years-long battle, the Tutt children were removed and kept from their family without evidence of abuse, with homeschooling used against the parents—until sustained advocacy, including support from THSC, helped expose the injustice and push the case toward resolution.
85th Legislative Session
- THSC and the THSC Watchmen successfully passed nine CPS reforms.
- THSC took a stand for innocent Texas families like the Tutts who have suffered injustices in court battles with CPS.
- THSC made significant progress on parental rights reforms through the Family Unity Act.
- THSC pushed the Tebow Bill further than ever before in the legislative process.
2017
2017
Free Withdrawal Tool Launched
The THSC Free Withdrawal Tool is a no-cost resource that equips Texas families with everything they need to legally withdraw their child from public school. It provides the appropriate documentation and guidance to ensure families comply with Texas law and can confidently begin their homeschooling journey.
Bring Drake Home
THSC defended the Pardo family after Child Protective Services (CPS) removed their young son, Drake, based on unproven allegations. The Supreme Court of Texas intervened and ruled that CPS had failed to show any danger, ordering Drake’s immediate return to his parents—leading to the dismissal of the case and full reunification of the family.
2019
2020
Homeschool Surge
In 2020, homeschooling in Texas surged, and THSC stepped up with coaching calls and expert guidance to help families navigate the process with confidence.
Parents’ Rights Upheld
In a landmark 2020 ruling, the Supreme Court of Texas sided with Chris Clay, overturning a lower court’s order that would have given partial custody of his daughter Ann to a non-relative—affirming that fit parents’ rights come first.
2020
2021
87th Legislative Session
- The UIL “Tebow Bill” expanded homeschool students access to participate in public school extracurricular activities, giving families more flexibility and choice.
- Major CPS reforms strengthened parental rights and helped reduce child removals by 50%.
The Family Freedom Project was launched by the Texas Home School Coalition to defend the God-given right of parents to raise their children. It protects families’ ability to make their own choices—about education, medical decisions, and child-rearing—by actively challenging threats to parental rights with legal and legislative expertise.
2022
2022
Fit Parent Challenged
In the Kalinec case, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled in favor of Treigh Kalinec, rejecting an in-law’s attempt to gain partial custody of his children despite his being a proven fit parent. Supported by both THSC and the Family Freedom Project, the case secured a major victory for parental rights—reinforcing that courts cannot override a parent’s authority without evidence of real harm to the child.
1981
Homeschoolers Prosecuted
The Texas Education Agency changed their interpretation of the law and decided homeschooling was not legal.
1985
Leeper v Arlington ISD
The legal battle for homeschooling begins in Tarrant County when Shelby Sharpe files a class action suit against the school district.
1986
THSC Started
Kirk and Beverly McCord, attorneys and key leaders for Texas homeschoolers, founded the THSC PAC, HOPE for Texas, and Hearth & Home Book Fair.
1987
Leeper Win at District Court
The District Court rules that homeschooling is legal.
1991
Leeper Win at Court of Appeals
Kirk and Beverly McCord, attorneys and key leaders for Texas homeschoolers, founded the THSC PAC, HOPE for Texas, and Hearth & Home Book Fair.
1993
First Capitol Days Event
A chance to be at the heart of the Texas government, visiting legislative offices, learning how laws are made, and showing your kids the power of their voices.
1994
Leeper Win at SCOTX
The decision in the Leeper v Arlington ISD case appealed to the Supreme Court of Texas and was unanimously upheld, officially making homeschooling legal in Texas.
Homeschooling Defended Nationally
H.R. 6, proposed legislation, would have required all teachers (including homeschool parents) to be state-certified, homeschoolers opposed it in record numbers, forcing the bill to be amended and securing a parental right victory.
1995
THSC Helps Establish Freedom
After the Leeper win the previous year, homeschoolers were still being harassed by school districts. THSC met with the Texas Commissioner of Education, to draft a universal policy for HOW homeschoolers would be treated fairly, this policy was instituted & is still in effect today.
1996
Review Magazine
Publication focused on Texas-specific homeschooling news, curriculum review, and advocacy, proficing practical advice, legal updates, and encouragement for homeschooling families.
First THSC Gala
An unforgettable event, the THSC Gala is a Lone Star-studded evening to celebrate the continued work of the Texas Home School Coalition in preserving and protecting the rights of families.
1998
Leadership Training Conference
Created to equip, connect, and empower regional homeschool leaders and support group organizers across Texas.
1999
Homeschoolers’ Access Protected
The Texas Administrative code that directs the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and admission into proprietary schools was modified to include homeschool students.
2001
Houston Convention & Membership
Launched our flagship State Convention in Houston and introduced a statewide membership program to directly support Texas families.
Dual Credit Access
A new law is adopted requiring junior colleges to make dual credit courses available to homeschoolers.
2003
78th Legislative Session Wins
- Texas Education Code is amended to require public colleges and universities to treat homeschool graduates the same as public school graduates for admission.
- Completing a non-traditional secondary education is considered equivalent to graduating from a Texas public high school.
- The Family Code was amended to require child support to continue past age 18 for homeschooled children (for applicable court orders after Sept. 2003).
- DFPS allows waivers for homeschooling in certain cases, including foster children n permanent placements and families in the adoption process.
2006
Continuing Legal Education Seminars
THSC offers Continuing Legal Education seminars to teach judges and attorneys the pertinent areas of home school law.
2007
80th Legislative Session Win
Initially ineligible for state college financial aid, home school graduates became eligible for programs like the TEXAS Grant and B-On-Time loans after legislative changes.
2009
81st Legislative Session Win
THSC prevailed in securing Governor Perry’s veto of SB 1440, which would have expanded CPS authority and undermined parental rights.
2010
Election Impact
THSC helped unseat the sponsor of SB 1440 by supporting his Republican challenger, a key win for parental rights.
2011
First Parental Rights Case
With THSC’s support, Jim Loose fought a three-year custody battle against his in-laws after his wife’s death and ultimately won, despite losing property and declaring bankruptcy during the fight.
82nd Legislative Session Progress
THSC had its first policy employee in Austin for the legislative session, successfully moving TPRRA out of committee despite strong opposition and advancing the UIL bill in the Senate, though both ultimately did not pass.
2012
Election and Legislative Preparation
- THSC PAC engages in elections to support homeschool and parental rights advocates.
- THSC meets with state education and child protection leaders to advance its legislative agenda and secure policy updates.
- THSC provides CLE training to attorneys to defend innocent families against CPS actions.
Parental Rights Victory
With THSC’s support, Heather Moody successfully defended her homeschooling and parental rights in a high-profile custody case, resulting in an agreeable custody settlement and affirming homeschooling as a valid educational choice.
2013
83rd Legislative Session
- Watchmen Program launched to defend homeschooling and parental rights, meet with legislators, and track legislation.
- Hosted U.S. Senator Ted Cruz at the THSC Gala.
- Continued daily defense of homeschool families.
- Hosts one of the largest conventions in the country.
2014
Advocacy Wins
- Launched CPS attorney hotline to assist families in need.
- Filed suit against TEC over nonprofit free speech and challenged unconstitutional TEC rules affecting associations.
- Launched the Ranger Program to support political campaigns and assist key state elections, including Lt. Governor and Attorney General races.
2015
DFW Convention
THSC Convention begins in DFW, building on the McCords’ Hearth & Home Book Fair.
2016
CPS Overreach
In a years-long battle, the Tutt children were removed and kept from their family without evidence of abuse, with homeschooling used against the parents—until sustained advocacy, including support from THSC, helped expose the injustice and push the case toward resolution.
2017
85th Legislative Session
- THSC and the THSC Watchmen successfully passed nine CPS reforms.
- THSC took a stand for innocent Texas families like the Tutts who have suffered injustices in court battles with CPS.
- THSC made significant progress on parental rights reforms through the Family Unity Act.
- THSC pushed the Tebow Bill further than ever before in the legislative process.
Free Withdrawal Tool Launched
The THSC Free Withdrawal Tool is a no-cost resource that equips Texas families with everything they need to legally withdraw their child from public school. It provides the appropriate documentation and guidance to ensure families comply with Texas law and can confidently begin their homeschooling journey.
2019
Bring Drake Home
THSC defended the Pardo family after Child Protective Services (CPS) removed their young son, Drake, based on unproven allegations. The Supreme Court of Texas intervened and ruled that CPS had failed to show any danger, ordering Drake’s immediate return to his parents—leading to the dismissal of the case and full reunification of the family.
2020
Homeschool Surge
In 2020, homeschooling in Texas surged, and THSC stepped up with coaching calls and expert guidance to help families navigate the process with confidence.
Parents’ Rights Upheld
In a landmark 2020 ruling, the Supreme Court of Texas sided with Chris Clay, overturning a lower court’s order that would have given partial custody of his daughter Ann to a non-relative—affirming that fit parents’ rights come first.
2021
87th Legislative Session
- The UIL “Tebow Bill” expanded homeschool students access to participate in public school extracurricular activities, giving families more flexibility and choice.
- Major CPS reforms strengthened parental rights and helped reduce child removals by 50%.
2022
The Family Freedom Project was launched by the Texas Home School Coalition to defend the God-given right of parents to raise their children. It protects families’ ability to make their own choices—about education, medical decisions, and child-rearing—by actively challenging threats to parental rights with legal and legislative expertise.
Fit Parent Challenged
In the Kalinec case, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled in favor of Treigh Kalinec, rejecting an in-law’s attempt to gain partial custody of his children despite his being a proven fit parent. Supported by both THSC and the Family Freedom Project, the case secured a major victory for parental rights—reinforcing that courts cannot override a parent’s authority without evidence of real harm to the child.
2023
88th Legislative Session
See key events from latest Texas Legislative session.
