Tennessee Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Tennessee Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes, if Independent Homeschool

3 Options for Homeschooling: Independent Homeschool, Church School, Distance Learning

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: No, if Independent Homeschool

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes, Exemption Available

How to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee

 Withdrawing your child from public school is the first step to homeschooling in Tennessee. Next, you’ll submit your Notice of Intent to homeschool to the school district or enroll your child in an umbrella or online school. 

You’ll have three options to choose from when homeschooling–Independent Homeschool, Church-Related Umbrella School, or Category III schools.

Three Options to Homeschool in Tennessee

Tennessee’s three homeschool options include an independent home school model, enrolling with a church-related umbrella school, or enrolling your child in an online school. Each of these options has its own requirements and unique processes.

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 Independent Home School

This is a more traditional approach to homeschooling and is often what people envision when imagining homeschool. To comply with the rules surrounding this option, you will need to do these things:

• Have a high school diploma or GED. 
• Submit an annual Notice of Intent to homeschool to the school district.
• Keep attendance records for your child and submit them to the school district at the end of each year. Homeschoolers must attend school 4 hours per day, 180 days per year.
• Submit proof of immunizations.
• Have your homeschooler tested through the school district in grades 5, 7, and 9.

 Enroll in a Church-Related School (CRS)

A Church-Related School (CRS) is an umbrella school operated by a bona fide church organization and needs appropriate accreditation. This is a very popular option in Tennessee.

If you enroll your child with a CRS, you do not need to file an NOI. The CRS will determine its own recordkeeping and test requirements for its enrolled students.

The state is not allowed to control the curriculum or textbooks used in a CRS or the credentials of the faculty. 

Each CRS will operate uniquely, but state laws require these things of the CRS:

• Their school term must be the same length of operation as the public school term.
• They must follow the state vaccination requirements.
• The CRS must submit the name, age, and address of each student to the student’s local public school district.
• They have to keep attendance records for each child.

Umbrella schools can be a great option for homeschoolers. Many will offer sports and activities, parental support, official transcripts, and take care of record keeping. 

TIP: If you’re looking into an umbrella school, consider enrollment cost and how much support it offers. 

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Distance Learning Through a Category III School

A Category III school is an online non-public school that is appropriately accredited. After enrolling in a Category III school, parents/guardians need to inform the local school district that their child is enrolled in a valid online program. You may need to provide enrollment proof to the school district. 

The online school will be responsible for submitting students’ attendance information to the public school district. 

Policies differ from one Category III school to the next. If you are considering this option, we recommend reviewing each of the options and understanding their procedures and requirements.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Tennessee

If you choose to operate an independent homeschool instead of enrolling with a CRS or Category III school, you must submit an annual NOI to the local school district. The state has created a form you can use to ensure you include all required information. 

Plan to have immunization documentation for each homeschooled child and proof that you, as the home educator, have a high school diploma or GED.

TIP: If mailing this notice and the necessary materials, we recommend using certified mail to ensure it gets delivered to the right place. 

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have excessive qualifications for parents/guardians planning to operate an independent homeschool. Home educators must have a high school diploma or GED. No further teaching license or credentials are necessary. 

Legal Requirements to Homeschool in Tennessee

Tennessee homeschool laws are friendly to families and allow flexibility. While attendance requirements exist and students must participate in periodic testing and receive immunizations (valid exemptions must be documented), curriculum and subject are not mandated.

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Tennessee Homeschool Subject Requirements

Tennessee does not mandate any subjects, so you may choose the subjects yourself. It’s often helpful to keep records of what subjects your child has learned and a portfolio of their homeschool work. If you decide to enroll a child in public school in the future or need to create transcripts, documentation of their homeschool education will prove invaluable. 

Homeschoolers enrolled in a CRS or Category III school may have specific curriculums they must follow and materials that are required for the homeschool program. 

Tennessee Homeschool Attendance and Age Requirements  

In Tennessee, compulsory attendance laws are in place for children between 6 and 17 years old.

Homeschoolers in Tennessee must document their attendance and submit it to the public school district at the end of each school year. Each child must attend homeschool four hours per day for 180 days during the school term.

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Tennessee Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

As an independent homeschooler, you must have your student participate in the school district’s standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. 

If your child’s state standardized testing results are one year below grade level for two years in a row, you may be required to enroll them in a public or private school. However, this sanction does not apply to children with learning disabilities. 

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Tennessee

Tennessee requires immunizations for all school children, including those enrolled in an independent homeschool, CRS, or Category III online school.

When you submit your NOI as an independent homeschooler, you’ll need to attach proof of immunizations or an exemption. 

CRS and Category III online schools will also need immunization documents for their records and may need to submit them for enrollment.

TIP: Homeschoolers and public school children can get an immunization exemption for medical or religious reasons.

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Tennessee

If you want to enhance your homeschooled child’s education, find socialization opportunities, and get support in your homeschooling journey, consider joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or associations.

These networks can provide a wealth of resources and help you connect with fellow homeschoolers, creating a fulfilling homeschooling experience for your children and yourself.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Tennessee

If you’re a homeschooling family in Tennessee, joining or creating a homeschool group or co-op can be a fantastic way to connect with other families and form a supportive community for your children.

Homeschool groups often organize fun activities like field trips and physical education classes. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet other home educators and share experiences and tips.

Homeschool co-ops let you share teaching responsibilities, exposing your children to different teaching styles and letting them learn alongside kids with a similar upbringing.

To find a group or co-op near you, simply jump online and start your search. There are plenty of great options to choose from in Tennessee. Here are some popular online groups in the area.

Tennessee Homeschool Support

Middle Tennessee Homeschool Support on Facebook

East Tennessee Homeschoolers

Crunchy Homeschoolers of Tennessee

Tennessee Homeschool Friends & Support Group

Jackson Homeschoolers (West Tennessee)

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Another resource for homeschooling families are formal homeschool associations.

Unlike casual groups or co-ops, homeschool associations often have a more organized structure and may require membership fees. Joining a homeschool association can provide opportunities to connect with other families and gain access to valuable resources that help support your child’s education.

These groups offer many advantages, including access to events, legal assistance, information, and advocacy efforts. To learn more, check out Tennessee Home Education Association. The association is statewide, with local chapters supporting homeschooling families in all areas of Tennessee. 

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Tennessee

Homeschoolers in Tennessee can participate in public school sports and join their local school’s teams. If your homeschooler expresses interest in playing for the nearby school, simply contact the school to inquire about tryout dates and available sports.

However, if your homeschooling strategy doesn’t involve participation in public school sports, there are plenty of other ways to get involved in athletic activities. Here are a few popular options in the area:

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Tennessee Homeschool Field Trips 

Field trips are an essential part of homeschooling as they offer hands-on learning experiences that can help students connect to the world. Tennessee is an ideal state for home educators looking for unique field trip options. Here are some popular homeschool field trips in Tennessee:

• Tennessee Aquarium–This world-renowned aquarium features interactive exhibits that showcase marine life from all around the world. Students can learn about aquatic life, participate in behind-the-scenes tours, and even take a riverboat cruise to observe native animals in their natural habitats.

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum–The museum has exhibits that explore country music history and its cultural significance. Homeschoolers can participate in hands-on activities such as songwriting workshops and instrument-making classes.

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park–This beautiful park offers guided hikes that teach students about the ecosystem and wildlife of the area. Students can learn about the park’s plants and animals and observe them in their natural habitats.

• The Adventure Science Center in Nashville –The center offers exhibits and workshops on topics like space exploration, robotics, and the human body. Students can participate in hands-on activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville–This historic site provides a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the 1800s and the role of the plantation in the history of Tennessee. Students can learn about the Civil War and its impact on the state.

• Memphis Zoo–The zoo offers educational programs and guided tours for homeschool groups. Students can learn about the animals that call the zoo home and observe them up close. The zoo also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the animal care facilities and the work that goes into caring for the animals.

Tennessee offers a wealth of unique field trip options for homeschoolers. Whether students are interested in marine life, music, history, science, or wildlife, there’s something for everyone.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Tennessee homeschooling students with special needs are entitled to the same services that other parentally placed private school students receive. 

The state Department of Education recommends that homeschooling families contact their local school districts to see what those services would look like for special education.

Parents who are homeschooling in Tennessee should expect, based upon the law and the Department of Education’s stance, that their child will receive some amount of special education services if they qualify to receive them. 

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Tennessee Homeschool FAQ

How much does it cost to homeschool in Tennessee?

The state doesn’t charge anything to register as homeschoolers. Homeschooling costs vary from family to family. To help save money on homeschooling, we recommend utilizing the local public library for access to books, materials, curriculum, and even educational activities.

Also, many businesses and organizations offer discounts or special programs for homeschoolers on field trips. 

Is Tennessee homeschool friendly? 

Tennessee is a very homeschool-friendly state. Parents have multiple options to homeschool their child. Additionally, homeschoolers in Tennessee have ultimate flexibility in the curriculum and delivery of their child’s education. 

How do Tennessee homeschoolers get a diploma?  

If you are enrolled with a CRS or Category III online school, that organization will dictate the graduation requirements for your child.

If you homeschool independently, you will be in charge of deciding the graduation framework for your child. When you curate the graduation requirements for your child, we recommend researching the requirements for your child’s post-high school plans, whether that be an apprenticeship, college, technical school, or military duty.  

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in Tennessee?  

If you’re considering enrolling your child in Tennessee’s public schools, you’ll be happy to know that the process is straightforward. You can enroll your child in the local public school district at any time, though each district may have slightly different requirements.

To ensure a smooth enrollment process, have good records that show your child’s previous coursework and proficiency. This will help the school determine what grade level to enroll your child in and ensure they receive appropriate academic support.

Is unschooling legal in Tennessee?

Unschooling is a method of homeschooling that is child-led and is a legal option in Tennessee. Plan to document attendance, as that is a state requirement.

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