Please note, this is not intended as legal advice. This is for informational purposes only and should you choose to Homeschool in Tennessee then you need to double check the Tennessee Department of Education website for current regulations.
Tennessee homeschool law outlines 3 specific ways that families can educate their child(ren) from home:
- Registering as an independent homeschool
- Registering with a church-related umbrella school
- Enrolling in an accredited online school
The compulsory attendance law in Tennessee relates to children who are between the ages of 7 and 16 It is completely legal in the state for families to meet those requirements by educating their children at home.
Requirements for Option 1:
- Provide annual notice prior to each school year (Parent/instructor must possess a High School Diploma or GED)
- Maintain attendance records and send to Director of Schools at the end of the school year
- Submit proof of vaccination
- Standardized tests for grade 5, 7 and 9
Requirements for Option 2:
Families may begin homeschooling in Tennessee at any point in the school year. For families choosing the umbrella school option, Tennessee homeschool requirements do not mandate any kind of notification to their local school district.
Requirements for Option 3:
- Ensure that the school you choose has legitimate accreditation status (it must be accredited by either the AdvancED, SACS CASI, NCA CASI, NWAC, MSA, MSCES, MSCSS, NEASC, WASC, NAIS or NCPSA)
- Provide evidence to your local school district that your student(s) is/are enrolled with an accredited online school
The best way to stay on top of changes in homeschool regulations is to connect with other local homeschoolers in Tennessee.
Tennessee Secular Homeschool Groups
Homeschoolers of Memphis Eclectic
“The network’s membership includes various ethnicities and cultures, divergent spiritual and religious worldviews, assorted political and social philosophies, and a broad range of educational approaches involving children from all levels of ability in families of different shapes and sizes.”
Secular Homeschool Families of Southern Middle TN
“Secular homeschool families can be hard to find in our area. Our mission is to offer love, support, kindness, presence, understanding, inclusiveness, and a safe place for each other. “
State of Franklin Homeschoolers
“(SOFH) is an inclusive, secular home education support network, providing social, creative and educational opportunities for homeschooling families. Our homeschooling community supports all current or potential homeschoolers, regardless of their race, religion, creed, personal lifestyle, political ideology, or educational philosophy. Our members come from Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. Most meetings are held in Johnson City, TN or elsewhere in the Tri-Cities area.”
Warren County Inclusive Homeschoolers
“This is a group for all homeschoolers in the Warrren County, TN, area. We are an open-minded group and welcome people of all faiths and cultures.”
