Homeschool benefits and savings in the Snyder Independent School District
Snyder ISD (Independent School District) lets homeschooled students in grades 7-12 who live in its attendance zone join UIL (University Interscholastic League) sports, band, cheer, and other UIL activities, with district transportation to games and competitions. The 2026-27 application window closed July 23, 2026, so watch the district's Homeschool UIL Participation page for the next year's dates. Other options include college classes and scholarships.
Snyder ISD homeschool UIL
Who qualifies
Lives in the attendance zone
Your child must live in the Snyder ISD attendance zone. Upload a gas, water, or electric bill with your current address.
Scores average or above
Submit official scores from a norm-referenced test such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, or NWEA MAP (offered through Snyder ISD). You arrange and pay for testing each year.
Is homeschooled only
Students enrolled in a non-Snyder ISD online charter, public, or private school cannot join. A student who leaves public school after the first day waits until the next school year.
Skips homeschool leagues
Your child cannot play in a homeschool league the same year or take private coaching in the activity between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on school days.
What your child can join
The terms come from Snyder ISD's Homeschool UIL Participation page and its 2026-27 Homeschool UIL Handbook.
- Activities
- UIL activities only, including athletics, marching band, cheer, and dance
- Transportation
- District transportation to contests and events
- Practices and workouts
- You drive your child
- Campus access
- District photo ID and parking permit
- Participation fees
- Same as enrolled students
- Diploma
- Not included; you keep your own curriculum
Meeting the rules does not guarantee a roster spot: tryouts, auditions, roster size, and coach selection still apply, and athletes are in the random drug testing program.
How to join
- By July 23, 4 p.m.
Send the interest form
Upload a photo for the district ID, proof of residency, and this year's test scores with the Homeschool Interest Form.
- By August 1, 4 p.m.
Finish enrollment
Complete Skyward registration, Rank One forms, an in-person visit to sign the handbook, and a sports physical if needed.
- Each six weeks
Report grades
Email written verification of passing grades to the head coach or sponsor by 4 p.m. on each due date. For 2026-27 the first was September 24, 2026.
- Each year
Reapply
Test scores, the compliance form, and Rank One forms are required again every year, including for spring-only activities.
What it includes
Included
- UIL athletics
- Marching band and other UIL activities
- Transportation to contests and events
- District photo ID and parking permit
Not included
- Rides to practices and workouts
- Testing costs
- A Snyder ISD diploma
- Non-UIL classes and CTE courses
Who to contact about participation
The athletic secretary answers questions about Rank One forms and physicals, and coaches and sponsors handle activity questions.
athletics@snyderisd.net 325-574-8900 Homeschool UIL Participation
Western Texas College Opportunity Tuition Waiver
Who qualifies
Lives in Scurry County
The waiver is for Scurry County students. Homeschool students apply through Western Texas College's Early Admission route.
Completes community service
Your student volunteers at least 20 hours with approved Scurry County organizations, such as the Scurry County Library, the City of Snyder, local churches, or Snyder Lions Club, and reports the hours.
Applies to the college
Your student needs a Western Texas College admission application on file, then submits the online Opportunity Tuition Waiver Application.
What it is worth
Western Texas College's catalog, dated December 1, 2025, charges Scurry County residents $69 tuition plus a $41 general fee per credit hour.
- One class (3 hours)
- $330
- Two classes (6 hours)
- $660
- Full-time semester (12 hours)
- $1,320
- 15-hour semester
- $1,650
- Same 3 hours, out-of-county Texas resident
- $489
Textbooks, access codes, and some course fees stay with you, and the college's 2026-27 estimate lists in-district tuition and fees at $3,240 a year, so ask the Business Office for the current hourly rate.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Log 20 service hours
Volunteer with one or more approved Scurry County organizations and keep track of the hours at each one.
- Before the semester
Apply to WTC
Submit the Western Texas College application for Early Admission if your student has not applied before.
- Before the semester
Submit the waiver form
Fill out the online Opportunity Tuition Waiver Application, list each organization and hours, and certify the information. It replaces the old paper contract and timesheet.
- Each renewal
Apply again
Returning students submit the waiver application again to renew it.
What it pays for
Covered
- Tuition
- General use fee
Not covered
- Textbooks
- Access codes
- Some course fees
Good to know
Scurry County homeschool students can apply
Western Texas College lists Scurry County homeschool students seeking Early Admission among the students who should apply.
Who to contact
Dr. Melissa Perryman, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, answers questions about the waiver.
melissa.perryman@wtc.edu 325-574-7689 Opportunity Tuition Waiver
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Texas
You do not have to file a homeschool notice to the state.
Texas sets these rules:
- Subjects: Instruction in Texas must include reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.
- Testing: No routine annual homeschool standardized test is required. UIL participation and public-school transfer can have separate testing requirements.
- Records: Texas does not require homeschool records, but keeping them is recommended.
- Teachers: Texas does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate.
Texas also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) awards $2,000 a year to selected home-education students for approved expenses. Applications for 2026-27 closed March 31, 2026; families who missed that cycle can join the 2027-28 interest list.
Read the Texas homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Texas
Questions parents ask
- How does a homeschooled student qualify for Snyder ISD UIL activities?
- Your child lives in the Snyder ISD attendance zone, is in grades 7-12, scores in the average range or higher on an approved norm-referenced test, and stays passing in every subject.
- Does my child have to take Snyder ISD classes to join UIL?
- No. Participation is limited to UIL activities, but your child attends the required practices, workouts, meetings, and activity class periods.
- Where can my student volunteer for the Opportunity Tuition Waiver?
- Any approved Scurry County organization, such as Snyder ISD, Western Texas College, the Scurry County Museum, local churches, city and county offices, or nonprofits like Snyder Rotary Club. You track the hours.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Local classes cover the subjects they offer. We teach the remaining subjects, so a local class can stay part of the year without becoming the whole curriculum.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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