One of the biggest arguments against home schooling is that students are to some extent isolated, unable to interact with a diverse group of peers in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.
But more than 30 states allow home-schooled students to participate in public school athletics as well as activities like choir and debate.
Texas may soon join that number.
On Thursday, the state House of Representatives passed legislation that would permit such students to take part in public and charter school University Interscholastic League extracurricular competitions under certain conditions.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration, where passage seems certain. State senators have passed similar bills three times in the past, but they never made it to full vote in the House
The Texas High School Coaches Association opposes the bill, saying it would make some rules public school students must follow - including "don't pass, don't play" - much more difficult to enforce.
But supporters point out that home-school families pay property taxes to support public schools and their children should have some access to programs and facilities.
Should the bill become law, whether or not to allow home-school students to compete will be up to individual school districts. That could be problematic and could lead to court battles with home school parents and districts that opt out.
But for the most part the bill is a good idea. It would benefit home-schooled students and, potentially, districts. And it would certainly be more equitable for their property-tax-paying parents.