Homeschooling in Tennessee
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Tennessee site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Tennessee
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
How to Start an Independent Homeschool in Tennessee
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Tennessee
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Tennessee
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Tennessee has to offer!
Resources
Tennessee Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Tennessee, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
How to Get Started Homeschooling in TENNESSEE
Deciding to homeschool your children can be nerve-racking. If you are starting to homeschool in Tennessee for the first time, there are certain things you can do to ensure a smooth transition for your whole family. After researching the homeschool laws and requirements in Tennessee, you will want to select a homeschool curriculum.
Power Homeschool’s online curriculum is available for K-12 students with courses available in a variety of subjects, including mathematics, language arts and reading, science, social studies, foreign languages, health, and other electives. Both parents and students have access to numerous services that enhance the learning experience. Start your homeschooling journey with us today!
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!
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Tennessee
One of the benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to go on field trips more frequently than students in traditional schools. Tennessee has no shortage of museums, state parks, historical sites, and many more educational experiences for learners of all ages.
- 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.
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