How to homeschool in Tennessee

Options for homeschooling

: 3

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: Yes

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Tennessee homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling is a legal educational option in Tennessee, offering several pathways parents can take depending on their preferences. Tennessee’s compulsory education laws require children aged 6 to 18 to attend school, whether through public, private, or homeschool options.

Here are the three primary options to legally homeschool in Tennessee:

Enroll as an independent homeschooler by providing annual notification to your local school district.
Register as a homeschooler under the umbrella of a church-related school.
Enroll in an accredited online school that meets specific requirements.

Quick Overview of Requirements:

Notification: Notify your local superintendent annually when homeschooling independently.
Parent education requirements: Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or GED.
Subjects required: Reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Required records: Parents need to keep a portfolio of their child's work, which should include samples of work in each subject, dated records of educational activities, and reading logs. Tennessee law requires parents homeschooling under the independent homeschool option to maintain these records for at least three years.

For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Education homeschool page.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Tennessee

Time4Learning is an efficient, flexible option for Tennessee homeschoolers. Getting started is simple—follow these steps to kick off your homeschooling adventure:

Choose your homeschooling option: Decide whether you’ll homeschool independently, under an umbrella school, or through an accredited online school.

Fulfill notification requirements (if applicable): Notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool as an independent parent.
Develop your educational plan: Tennessee requires instruction in core subjects like reading, math, and science. Time4Learning offers comprehensive, standards-based lesson plans covering all required subjects.
Keep records: Track attendance and maintain records of student progress. Time4Learning includes reporting features to help simplify recordkeeping.
Tailor your child’s education: Use Time4Learning’s self-paced, engaging curriculum to meet your child’s unique needs and learning style.

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Tennessee’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschooling high school in Tennessee is flexible, and parents have control over graduation requirements and issuing diplomas. There are no specific state-mandated graduation requirements for independent homeschoolers. However, if your child is homeschooling through an umbrella school, the school may establish its own diploma criteria.

Typical graduation goals include earning 22-26 credits in core subjects like English, math, science, and history along with electives. Parents can issue a homeschool diploma or have one issued through the umbrella school.

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Standardized test requirements for Tennessee homeschoolers

Tennessee does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers unless they are in grades 5, 7, or 9 and are independently homeschooling without a church-related umbrella school. In these cases, students must take a state-approved test administered by their local school district.

While not required, some parents use optional standardized assessments as a way to evaluate their child’s progress. Time4Learning’s curriculum includes tools that help build test-taking skills, making it easier to prepare if needed.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Tennessee

Tennessee homeschoolers often stand out in the college application process due to their unique, often customized educational experiences. Colleges and universities recognize the value of homeschooling and readily accept applications from homeschool graduates.

Here are a few tips for pursuing higher education as a homeschooler in Tennessee:

Transcripts and records: Maintain a detailed transcript that includes course descriptions, grades, and credits earned.
Standardized test scores (if applicable): Many colleges require SAT or ACT scores.
Highlight special projects: Unique homeschool projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work give your application an exciting edge.

Homeschoolers can thrive in college using their independent learning skills and self-direction to their advantage.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Tennessee

Tennessee offers an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that provides eligible families with financial support for educational expenses. The ESA can be used for homeschooling-related costs, including curriculum, supplies, and educational activities.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Education ESA page to check eligibility requirements and see how you can use this resource to support your homeschooling goals.