If i go back to school could i get my family in trouble?

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When i was about 12 i did not want to go to middle school because of many reasons and went with homeschooling instead but i ended up learning barley anything for 2 1/2 years so now i am thinking about going back next year which means i will be 15 in 6th grade but the thing i'm currently wondering about is will they start asking why i haven't learned anything for the past 3 years or will they just stick me in 6th grade (or maybe a later grade i'm not sure how this works) without asking any questions? (i live in Texas by the way)

NO RUDE REPLIES PLEASE

Maybe it seems like you haven't learned anything--but maybe you've learned more than you think.

Have you taken standardized tests for those years where you were homeschooled? Did you pass those tests?

Has anybody sent your parents any inquiries pertaining to you enrolling/not enrolling in school?

The standardized tests would be the indication that you are learning SOMETHING.

Also: There should be some evidence that you are pursuing an education on your computer.

It's possible that you might actually not be put in 6th grade, but in a higher grade. I don't believe the authorities think it's in the best interest of anybody to put a 15-year-old in 6th grade.

My brother's wife homeschooled her son for a while, mostly because she thought the schools weren't worth much, but also because he was ADHD and getting bullied. The school system made him take standard tests every year to show that he was keeping up with other kids, so the school board will probably want to see those. I don't think your family would be in trouble, especially if they were following the homeschooling lesson plan. And if they didn't, you do have options. You may need some catch-up classes, or have to do summer school. Your parents might want to hire a tutor if you don't pass the standard tests. I expect they will want to put you with your age group, but the summer school and tutor can help you get up to grade level. If your parents are worried about the cost of tutoring, your autism diagnosis may get you qualified for tutoring. If not, they could hire a college student majoring in education to be your tutor, which might not cost as much.

Lots of people home-school, especially at younger ages, or for religious reasons or because the student was ill, so the people at your high school will know how to get you back into regular school.

First off, Texas is a very hands off state when it comes to homeschooling (not surprised) so the only way the district can question whether you were really schooled or not is if they can prove your parents did not try to educate you and they have to do that without your parents help. If your parents did attempt to educate you and can show that, there is not much the district can do. In fact, many court decisions ties the districts hands when it comes to homeschooling.

That said, they would probably put you in a high school rather than a middle school but within a special education setting rather than a regular classroom if indeed you are still at a 6th grade level. There is no way they would put you in a 6th grade class these days due to all sorts of nightmares to the district.

I would find you your level before going back and then maybe decide to wait until the next school year starts and get some intense tutoring to bring you up to as close to grade level as possible. I would not worry about your parents getting in trouble as I said, Texas is very hands off in that arena.

Excellent advice so far. I'd say you have nothing to worry about in regards to your parents getting in trouble. Texas really is one of the least onerous states in regards to ensuring children get a good education via home schooling. As they say on the Texax Home School Coalition Association website (thsc.org),

"Home schools in Texas have been determined by the Texas Supreme Court to be a type of private school, and private schools are not regulated by the state of Texas. However, there are many public officials who are unaware of the law and how it applies to parents home schooling their children."

Contact your local district & explain your situation. They will want to help you reintegrate into mainstream schooling, and that includes doing what they can to get you up to speed and keeping you with your age peers.

For the most part, I agree with what everyone has said so far and especially the part where it will be virtually impossible to attend a middle school at 15 unless you live in a Billy Madison universe.

You'll be fine honestly, School doesn't officially begin until you are in high school anyway and there is still plenty of breathing room for you to exercise your brain muscles. If you don't want homeschool Have you looked into your local city young-adult course catalogs? They might have some free courses there.. Or summer school to get you all caught up?

Yeah, you shouldn't have to worry about any actual trouble. Rude comments from the school staff, maybe.

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out you're not even "behind" academically.

Should be a matter for the board of education to decide placement, without there being any getting in trouble involved. I have missed a lot of school over the years in favor of home schooling like I'm doing right now. Believe me you're not the only kid in this kind of situation. With you having autism, along with your situation, I'd expect them to put you in special ed.

I was homeschooled most of my childhood, learning very little the whole time and I went to high school for four months and while that didn't last long. Nothing happened other than them placing me in special education classes, I picture them placing you in special education more than placing a 15 year old in 6th grade. You also do not type on a 6th grade level, I believe you have more skill than you give yourself credit for.

Also please see homeschool legal defense, if you homeschool, I strongly recommend paying them. Its like a subscription and you get legal defense should anything arise. My parents paid into it for 20+ years.

Even if you go into Special Ed, always think of the regular high school diploma as your objective, NOT the IEP diploma.

Another option would be a Charter School...smaller classes, more one on one training and in some cases you could finish up before the usual 4 years. These school are usually great for families in the military that move frequently or for those who are behind academically.