Texas K-12 Online School at Forest Trail Academy
Forest Trail Academy is an accredited Texas K–12 online school that provides students across Texas and beyond with a flexible, fully online learning experience. Established in 2007, the school has supported more than 10,000 students by delivering a high-quality education from elementary through high school. Forest Trail Academy offers a structured yet adaptable online environment designed to accommodate different learning styles, academic goals, and personal schedules.
Through its comprehensive curriculum, students receive clear instruction, consistent academic support, and coursework aligned with recognized educational standards. The online model allows families to balance academics with other commitments while ensuring students stay on track for grade-level progression and graduation. With a focus on accessibility, academic integrity, and student success, Forest Trail Academy continues to serve as a trusted option for families seeking a reliable online education.
Why Choose Our Texas K-12 Online School
Forest Trail Academy offers a complete online school pathway designed to meet the academic and lifestyle needs of today’s students and families in Texas.
Established online school with 10,000+ students since 2007
100% online learning with flexible, self-paced options
Graduates accepted into colleges and universities worldwide
Accredited regionally, nationally, and internationally
Our programs are designed for families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling while maintaining academic excellence.
Accredited Online Education for Texas Students
As a fully accredited online school, Forest Trail Academy provides students in Texas with a recognized and respected education. Our accreditation ensures that coursework meets rigorous academic standards and that students earn credits and diplomas accepted nationwide and internationally.
We proudly hold accreditation from:
MSA-CESS
Accreditation International (Ai)
NCPSA
Flexible Online School Programs Across All Grade Levels
Forest Trail Academy delivers a complete Texas K-12 online school experience with programs designed to support learners at every stage.
Online Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5)
Students build strong foundations in reading, writing, math, science, and core subjects through engaging, age-appropriate instruction.
Online Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Learners transition into deeper academic exploration while developing critical thinking, independence, and study skills.
Online High School (Grades 9–12)
Our Texas online high school program prepares students for college and career readiness with flexible scheduling, certified teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum.
Who Benefits from Our Online School in Texas
Our programs are ideal for:
Homeschool families seeking accredited curriculum
Students needing flexible schedules
Learners pursuing athletics, arts, or other commitments
Families looking for a safe, structured online learning option
Students seeking credit recovery or alternative education paths
Self-Paced Learning with Certified Teachers
Students enrolled in Forest Trail Academy benefit from:
Certified and licensed teachers
Personalized academic support
Self-paced coursework with structured guidance
Year-round enrollment options
This flexible model allows students to learn at their own pace while staying on track academically.
Texas K-12 Online School Enrollment
Forest Trail Academy welcomes students from Texas and across the U.S. Our online school provides the flexibility families need without compromising educational quality.
Inquire Now to learn more about enrollment, curriculum options, and how our Texas K-12 online school can support your child’s academic success.
Programs for Diverse Student Needs
Forest Trail Academy, proudly accredited by Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International (Ai), and NCPSA, offers flexible and inclusive online high school programs designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, regions, and learning goals. Our online school delivers the hallmark of truly effective traditional education programs through certified instruction, a standards-aligned curriculum, and personalized academic support. This structured yet adaptable learning experience allows students worldwide to earn a U.S.-recognized high school diploma while progressing at a pace that fits their individual needs and preparing for college and future opportunities.
This online high school program is ideal for student athletes and performers who need flexible scheduling to balance academics with training, competitions, or performances. As an accredited online school, students are able to learn at their own pace while maintaining academic progress without sacrificing professional or athletic commitments. This flexible structure supports consistent learning and makes the program well suited for students managing demanding schedules.
Our American online high school program supports Asian students who want access to a U.S.-based education while studying from their home country. Forest Trail Academy offers an accredited curriculum aligned with U.S. standards, helping students build strong academic foundations, improve English proficiency, and prepare for college admissions worldwide through our flexible online school environment.
European students benefit from an internationally accessible online high school program that delivers a U.S.-recognized diploma through a fully accredited online school model. Flexible pacing, instruction from certified teachers, and a globally recognized curriculum support academic progress and university preparation in the United States, Europe, and other international destinations.
This online high school program allows Latin American students to earn a U.S. high school diploma without relocating. Our online school emphasizes academic consistency, English-language development, and college readiness, making it easier for students to transition into higher education while studying in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
Middle Eastern students can enroll in an accredited online high school to access a high-quality American education from anywhere. The program offers a structured yet flexible online learning experience that supports diverse educational needs while preparing students for international college pathways and future career opportunities.
This program provides African students with access to an internationally recognized U.S. curriculum through our accredited online school. Our online high school program supports academic growth, critical thinking, and college preparation while allowing students to study remotely with flexibility and personalized guidance from certified educators.
Start Your Texas Enrollment Inquiry
Fill this out and we will reply within one business day with a course plan for your child. Enrollment is open every week of the year.
Tuition starts at $266 per month with flexible payment plans, and every fee is listed up front. Forest Trail Academy also accepts enrollees through education savings account (ESA) programs in participating states. If your family has access to an ESA, a scholarship account, or other education funding, tell our admissions team and they will help you check whether it can be applied to tuition.
Quick answer: To homeschool in Texas, you formally withdraw your child from their current school, then teach good-faith, written-curriculum instruction in reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and good citizenship. You do not register with the state. A family can also enroll the child in a private online school, which keeps the records and issues the diploma.
Homeschool in Texas: What the Law Asks of Parents
Texas treats a home school the way it treats a private school. In Leeper v. Arlington ISD, the Texas Supreme Court held that children taught at home are exempt from compulsory attendance to the same extent as private school students, as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) home schooling page explains. Attendance is required from age 6 until the 19th birthday unless an exemption applies, and Texas Education Code section 25.086 exempts a child who “attends a private or parochial school that includes in its course a study of good citizenship.”
In practice, a Texas homeschool family does these things:
- Withdraws from the current school. TEA says you do not need to notify the agency, but you do need to contact your child’s school to formally withdraw your child. A dated letter gives you a record.
- Teaches the five subjects. The TEA letter on home schools names reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and a study of good citizenship as the goals a home school curriculum is designed to meet.
- Uses a written curriculum and teaches in good faith. HSLDA’s Texas guide describes the Leeper standard as a “bona fide” program with some form of written curriculum, and notes that online programs meet the written curriculum requirement.
- Keeps a letter of assurance ready. A district can ask in writing for a letter from the parents confirming that the child is homeschooled.
TEA does not regulate, approve, register or accredit home school programs. HSLDA’s Texas summary lists no state requirement for notification, parent qualifications or testing. Most families keep attendance notes, work samples and grades, because those records become the transcript later.
Three Ways to Educate a Child at Home or Online in Texas
Parent-directed homeschool
You choose the curriculum, teach, grade and keep the records. It gives you the most say over pace and materials.
Enrollment in a private school, including a private online school
The child becomes a student of that school. The school supplies courses, teachers, grades and transcripts, and the parent guides the school day at home. Texas law exempts students in a private school that includes a study of good citizenship, so ask any school you consider how its courses cover that subject.
A tuition-free public virtual school
The Texas Virtual School Network Online Schools program offers full-time online instruction through approved public districts and charter schools. TEA states that TXVSN online schools are free public schools. A student must meet the requirements for enrollment in the Texas public education system, and some campuses add their own requirements. TEA’s page for the program refers to Senate Bill 569 from 2025, so confirm current details with TEA and the campus.
Home School, Private Online School and Public Virtual School Compared
| Parent-directed home school | Private online school | Texas public virtual school | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of record | None. The parent directs the program, and TEA does not register it. | The private school. | The Texas district or charter school that runs the online campus. |
| Paperwork | Formal withdrawal from the current school. A letter of assurance if the district asks. | Formal withdrawal from the current school, plus the new school’s enrollment forms and records. | Public school enrollment with the campus. Some campuses ask for prior public school enrollment. |
| Testing or evaluation | HSLDA lists no state testing requirement for Texas homeschools. | Set by the school’s own policies. | Set by the district or charter. Ask the campus. |
| Cost | Curriculum and materials, bought by the parent. | Tuition set by the school. Forest Trail Academy lists current tuition rates. | No charge, according to TEA. |
| Diploma | Issued by the parent. Texas does not award a state diploma to homeschooled students. | Issued by the school, with an official transcript. | Issued by the district or charter school. |
Accredited Homeschool Programs in Texas
TEA states that its authority is limited to Texas public schools, so it does not accredit any private or online program. Accreditation comes from outside agencies, and it is optional. TEA lists the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission and the International Association for Learner Driven Schools as places to ask about accredited private schools.
Forest Trail Academy is an accredited private online school. Its accreditors are Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International and NCPSA, and each is listed with its certificate on the accreditation page. Our guide to accredited and non-accredited homeschooling covers what accreditation changes for transfers and college applications.
Free Homeschool Programs in Texas
Texas homeschool families choose their own curriculum, since TEA does not approve home school programs. Parent-directed homeschooling costs the price of the materials you choose, and the tuition-free public virtual schools described above cost nothing to attend.
The Texas Comptroller also administers the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program for families who choose private school or homeschool. Eligibility, award amounts and participating schools are published on the program site.
Graduation and Diplomas for Texas Homeschool Students
TEA says Texas does not award a state diploma to homeschooled students. It also says Texas considers completing a home school education equivalent to graduating from a public high school, and that Texas colleges still apply their usual admission standards, including test score requirements. A parent can issue a diploma and transcript for a parent-directed homeschool. A private school issues its own.
Most districts assess the mastery of courses a student took at home when the student returns to public school, and the result can set grade placement or credit. A transcript from a school gives the district a record to review.
At Forest Trail Academy, full-time students earn the General Diploma (21 credits) or the College Prep Diploma (24 credits). Credits already earned are reviewed at enrollment. Graduates have been accepted at 1,000+ colleges.
Where an Online Private School Fits for a Texas Family
A private online school suits families who want the school to handle instruction, grading, transcripts and the diploma while the child studies at home. Forest Trail Academy has served 10,000+ students since 2007. Courses are self-paced, certified teachers support each student, and enrollment is open in any week of the year. Explore online elementary school, online middle school, online high school and the homeschool programs. For a step-by-step plan, read how to start homeschooling.
Homeschool in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register with TEA to homeschool in Texas?
No. TEA says you do not need to tell the agency. You do need to formally withdraw your child from the school they attend now.
What subjects do Texas homeschoolers have to teach?
The TEA letter on home schools names reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and a study of good citizenship. Many families add science, history and electives, which colleges look for on a transcript.
Do Texas homeschoolers have to take state tests?
HSLDA lists no assessment requirement for homeschools in Texas. A private school or public virtual school sets its own testing rules.
Are there free homeschool programs in Texas?
Texas public virtual schools through the Texas Virtual School Network are tuition-free for eligible students. Parent-directed homeschooling costs the price of materials you choose.
Does Texas give a diploma to homeschoolers?
No. The parent issues the diploma for a parent-directed homeschool, and a private school issues its own diploma.
Can a Texas student enroll in an accredited online private school?
Yes. Texas law exempts students who attend a private school that includes a study of good citizenship. Ask any school how its courses cover that subject, and keep the enrollment record and withdrawal letter together.
Does Texas offer funding for private school or homeschool?
The Texas Comptroller runs the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. Read its official program page for eligibility and participating schools, and confirm with any school before you enroll.
Questions about grade level, records or credits? Book a call with admissions.
Start Your Texas Enrollment Inquiry
Fill this out and we will reply within one business day with a course plan for your child. Enrollment is open every week of the year.
Tuition starts at $266 per month with flexible payment plans, and every fee is listed up front. Forest Trail Academy also accepts enrollees through education savings account (ESA) programs in participating states. If your family has access to an ESA, scholarship account, or other education funding, tell our admissions team and they will help you check whether it can be applied to tuition.
