Filed: January 2003.

Nature of Case: The Simmons family has already graduated one homeschool student. They decided to homeschool their teenage son, and withdrew him from the public school after he got into some trouble with the law.

This homeschool teen was stopped by the police and put in juvenile detention for two weeks over the Christmas holiday with the only stated reason being truancy. The judge would not release the child even though the school district was notified of his homeschooling.

The court then ordered the family to present proof that they were using an accredited curriculum.

Ruling: On January 22, 2003, HSLDA attorney Tom Sanders convinced the court to drop its requirement that the family use an accredited curriculum. Both the judge and the district attorney agreed that this was not required under Texas law.

Status: The family is now free to homeschool their son.

Last Updated: April 21, 2003.