How to Homeschool in Tennessee
Wondering how to homeschool in TN? You’re in the right place! Homeschooling in Tennessee is simple. In fact, Tennessee is considered a “homeschool-friendly” state due to its minimal requirements!
Tennessee homeschool laws give parents plenty of freedom over their child’s education. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about homeschool laws in Tennessee so you can start homeschooling with confidence!
Homeschooling in Tennessee at a Glance
Tennessee – The Volunteer State
| Item | Independent School | Church-Related School | Accredited Online School |
| Required Age | 6-17 | 6-17 | 6-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Independent school students must test in grades 5,7, and 9. | Students in grades 3-11 must test annually in ELA and math. | Students in grades 3-11 must test annually in ELA and math. |
| Subjects | None | None | English language arts (ELA), mathematics, social studies, and science |
| Time Requirements | 4 hours per day for 180 days | 180 instructional days for 6.5 hours per day | 180 instructional days for 6.5 hours per day |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent | Determined by the church-related school | Determined by the accredited online school |
| Special Requirements | Proof of vaccination not required | Immunizations required for all students | NA |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Option 1: Registering As An Independent School
Option 1 is a great choice for parents who are looking for a traditional homeschool experience.
To begin homeschooling under this option, you’ll need to:
- Have either a high school diploma or a GED
- Submit a Notice of Intent to the superintendent of your local school district
- Maintain attendance records and submit them to your local superintendent at the end of each school year
- Submit proof of immunization
- Administer standardized tests to your students in grades 5, 7, and 9
Option 2: Registering With a Church-Related School
A church-related school (CRS) is an accredited school operated by a church organization. Parents who choose this option must notify their local school district of their choice before enrolling in the CRS.
To find local church-related schools, find your chapter on the TNHEA map! Each CRS has their own requirements and processes. Be sure to contact your local church school for more information.
Option 3: Enrolling In An Accredited Online School
Under Option 3, parents may enroll their children in an online distance learning school. You can choose any school accredited by an approved agency. You can view the list of recognized accredited programs on the Tennessee State Board of Education website. Just like in Option 2, you’ll need to notify your local school district before you enroll.
Parent Qualifications
You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child you intend to homeschool, regardless of which option you choose. If you choose to register as an independent school, the parent must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Notice of Intent
For homeschooling families who choose the independent school option, you will need to file a Notice of Intent (NOI). This form is due to your local public school’s home school coordinator annually, before the school year begins. If you decide to start homeschooling in the middle of the school year, you may file your notice at any time. You’ll also need to file it with a copy of your high school diploma, as well as your child’s immunization records or exemption.
Attendance
TN homeschool laws require students to receive 4 hours of instruction each school day for at least 180 days of the year. Attendance records will need to be sent to your superintendent at the end of each school year.
Homeschool Curriculum
In Tennessee, there are no subject teaching requirements. The state gives parents ultimate freedom over their child’s education.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Independent home school students are required to take the Tennessee state test (TCAP) in 5th, 7th, and 9th grade. Your student can take these tests at your local public school or at a third-party testing administrator.
For students who homeschool with a CRS or umbrella school, testing will be determined and administered by those private organizations.
Record Keeping
TN homeschool laws only require you to keep track of attendance. However, a homeschool portfolio can be a valuable tool to track your child’s progress. You can include documents such as:
- Report cards
- Standardized test results
- Documentation of extracurricular activities
If you choose to enroll your student in a CRS, or an umbrella school, the school will most likely handle all record keeping for you.
Transcripts
While Tennessee homeschool requirements don’t include making a transcript, transcripts are often vital for college applications. A transcript should include all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned in grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Tennessee, parents are able to determine when their child is ready to graduate. In addition, parents are also responsible for providing a high school diploma.
With so little state oversight, it can be difficult to know when your student is ready to graduate.
Many parents find it helpful to look to the state’s graduation requirements for public schools to get a better understanding of what their student should know by the end of 12th grade.
Umbrella school and CRS graduation requirements are determined by the school itself.
Financial Resources
Tennessee offers an Education Savings Account (ESA) program for eligible students to allocate state and local funds to cover educational costs, including tuition and fees at sanctioned private schools. To learn more about the Tennessee ESA, visit them online at the Tennessee ESA Program website.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Tennessee, check out:
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Tennessee homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What are the rules for homeschooling in Tennessee?
To homeschool in Tennessee under the independent school option, you must:
- Have either a high school diploma or a GED
- Submit a Notice of Intent to the superintendent of your local school district
- Maintain attendance records and submit them to your local superintendent at the end of each school year
- Submit proof of immunization
- Administer standardized tests to your students in grades 5,7, and 9
Is unschooling legal in Tennessee?
Yes, unschooling is legal in Tennessee. As long as you meet the basic requirements, you have the freedom to teach in any way that works best for your family.
Information accurate as of: 05/15/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.