A Guide to Tennessee Homeschool Law

Homeschooling in Tennessee is a well-established option for families seeking to take control of their child’s education. The state offers parents the freedom to tailor their educational approach while maintaining a clear legal framework to ensure children receive a quality education. Understanding Tennessee homeschool law is essential for parents who wish to homeschool their children legally and effectively.
Legal Pathways for Homeschooling
Tennessee law recognizes three main legal options for homeschooling:
1. Independent Homeschooling: Parents who wish to homeschool independently must submit a notice of intent to their local school district. This notice should be filed annually and must include the child’s name, age, grade level, and curriculum plan. Parents are required to provide at least 180 days of instruction during the academic year, and they must maintain attendance records for each child.
2. Church-Related Schools: Another option is to homeschool under the oversight of a church-related school. These schools operate under a religious institution and offer families guidance, curriculum support, and record-keeping. While parents remain responsible for daily instruction, the church-related school monitors compliance with state regulations.
3. Accredited Distance-Learning Programs: Tennessee also allows homeschooling through accredited online or distance-learning programs. This method provides a structured curriculum with built-in progress monitoring and meets the state’s requirements for instruction days and academic standards.
Essential Requirements
All homeschooling options require parents to keep accurate attendance records. Additionally, homeschooled children must undergo standardized testing or an alternative form of evaluation to demonstrate academic progress. These evaluations typically occur at key grade levels, such as 5th, 7th, and 9th grades.
Parents who homeschool high school students must ensure their children receive instruction in core academic subjects, including math, science, English, and social studies. A minimum of four and a half hours of instruction per day is required.
Conclusion
Tennessee Homeschool Law law provides parents with flexible options for home education while ensuring that students meet basic educational standards. Whether through independent homeschooling, a church-related school, or an accredited program, parents can find a legal framework that fits their family’s educational goals.