Guide to Homeschooling in Tennessee

Resources

Tennessee Homeschool Laws and Requirements

If you are looking to implement a Homeschool program for your students, be sure to do independent research about the laws and requirements specific to the state of Tennessee. More information may be found through the Tennessee Department of Education page, but much will be covered here.  The Tennessee Homeschool law states: “A homeschool is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children.”

In Tennessee, Homeschooling is permissible by enrolling your student in one of the three types of schools: Independent Home school, Church-Related School (CRS), and Accredited Online School.

Here we will primarily focus on the requirements of an Independent Home School:

1. TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS

   You do not need to have a teaching certificate to home school your kids!  A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is all that is required.

    

2. NOTICE OF INTENT

   Parents must file a notice of intent to homeschool before the start of each school year to your local school district’s superintendent (LEA – Local Education Agency). Information required includes students’ names, ages, grades as well as the location of your home school and the curriculum you will be using (specific subjects are not required).  You will need to include the proposed hours of instruction as well as your qualifications (High school diploma or GED is required).

3. PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION

   Immunization proof or a medical/religious exemption for your child is required to accompany your notice of Intent.

    

4. HOURS OF INSTRUCTION

   When homeschooling in Tennessee, you are required to provide instruction for a least 4 hours per day, for 180 days (each academic year).

    

5. ATTENDANCE RECORDS

   You must maintain attendance records and submit them at the end of each school year to the LEA. An attendance reporting form is available on the Tennessee Department of Education’s website.  These records must be available for inspection at all times.

    

6. STANDARDIZED TESTING

   In grades 5, 7, and 9, your child must take a standardized test based on the grade level state curriculum in Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Resources

Tennessee State Testing and Graduation Requirements

Resources

Homeschooling Groups & Support in Tennessee

The organization is split into seven districts, with each district having a designated chapter. Many of the THEA’s resources and assistance are available to everyone; however, members get some additional perks, including annual Rally Days, high school proms, a members-only portion of chapter websites, used books, discounts, and newsletters.

In addition to Tennessee’s statewide association, homeschool families can join homeschool support groups and co-ops. Homeschool support groups offer support and advice as well as field trips and other learning activities. Co-ops are more focused on academic enrichment through group learning. Some co-ops concentrate on a certain subject, while others are structured around religious beliefs. No matter what your beliefs are or where you live, you’ll be able to find a homeschool support group or co-op in your area. To find either of these groups, you can start by searching your town or region on Facebook.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• C.H. Nash Museum in Memphis: Visitors can learn about the vibrant cultures of Native Americans that lived in the Memphis area long before Europeans settled in the land. The Prehistoric Chucalissa Archaeological Site offers a hands-on archaeology lab and prehistoric American Indian mound complex.
• Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis: Homeschoolers can enhance their nature studies through environmental education, nature walks, and various exhibits that teach them about the wildlife and habitats native to the region.
• Discovery Park of America in Union City: This museum offers exhibits that display Native American history, military history, natural history, regional history, science, space technology, and so much more! It also hosts homeschool days on the third Tuesday of each month.
• Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh: With three different battlefields, a national cemetery, monuments, and Indian mounds, this park is a great way to supplement lessons about the Civil War.
• Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville: The state capitol’s museum offers free guided tours of the historic site, which makes this a perfect field trip to learn about Tennessee’s government, history, and culture.
• Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga: Explore various species of fish, sharks, penguins, and so much more as you make your way through the Chattanooga’s top attraction. The aquarium offers educational opportunities and homeschool days for children of all ages.
• Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend: As part of the earth’s oldest mountain chain, these caverns serve as a great spot to learn about geology, mineralogy, tectonic plates, and underground water formations.