Hours / Days
180 days per school year; 4 hours per day minimum
State Code
TN
Subjects
0 required
Filing Requirements
Intent to Home School Form
Annually before school year startsFile annual form with your local school district.
How to Comply with Tennessee's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Tennessee
Legal Classification
Home School Education (Three Options)
Compulsory Education Ages
6-17
Available Legal Pathways
Option 1: Independent Home School
Parent or guardian is the teacher of record. Requires high school diploma and submission of Intent to Home School form. Assessment required for grades 5, 7, and 9. Must have high school diploma before administering high school courses.
Option 2: Church-Related School (Umbrella School)
Homeschool operates under the umbrella of a church or religious organization. The CRS sets its own recordkeeping and assessment requirements. Less individual notification needed.
Option 3: Accredited Online/Distance School
Enroll in an approved accredited online or distance learning program. While the child learns from home, this doesn't technically meet Tennessee's home school definition but provides an alternative to traditional school.
Steps to Get Started
Choose Your Tennessee Home School Option
Decide which of the three pathways works best for your family. Option 1 (independent) requires more documentation but offers more autonomy. Option 2 (church-related) provides organizational umbrella and support. Option 3 (online school) is the most structured.
Each option requires the parent to hold at least a high school diploma. Verify you have this credential before proceeding.
Option 1 Only: Submit Intent to Home School
If choosing independent home school, submit an Intent to Home School form to your local school district. This notifies the district that you will be providing home instruction rather than traditional school attendance.
- Contact your school district for the Intent to Home School form
- Complete the form with required student and parent information
- Submit to the superintendent's office before beginning
- Keep a copy for your records
This is a one-time submission unless you move or change options.
Option 2 Only: Affiliate with a Church-Related School
If choosing the church-related school option, work with your church or a recognized religious organization to establish or enroll in their homeschool umbrella program. The CRS serves as your covering and handles certain requirements.
- Contact your church about their homeschool program or umbrella school
- Complete enrollment with the church-related school
- Follow the CRS's recordkeeping and evaluation procedures
- The CRS typically handles communication with the school district
This option appeals to families wanting both autonomy and organizational structure.
Design Your Curriculum and Subjects
Tennessee does not mandate specific subjects for independent home schools or church-related schools. You have freedom to choose your curriculum and what subjects to include. Design an education aligned with your family's philosophy and your child's needs.
- Include core subjects: language arts, math, science, social studies
- Add electives based on your child's interests
- Choose traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, or any approach
- Integrate subjects or teach separately as you prefer
This flexibility allows you to customize education to your child's unique learning style and interests.
Option 1: Meet Assessment Requirements
Independent home school students must be assessed in grades 5, 7, and 9. Assessment can be through the TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) or an approved standardized test. Results don't need to be submitted—keep on file.
- Grades 5, 7, 9: Assessment required (and grade 11 for high school)
- Choose TCAP or another approved standardized test
- Register for testing in spring of the assessment year
- Keep results on file at home
Testing helps you track progress and identify any learning gaps early.
Maintain Attendance and Records
Keep records documenting attendance, instruction provided, and assessment results. These records demonstrate that your program is operating according to requirements.
- Track attendance showing regular instructional days
- Document subjects covered and learning activities
- Save assessment results and test scores
- Maintain work samples and progress documentation
Prepare for High School: Ensure Diploma Readiness
If providing high school instruction (grades 9-12), ensure you hold a high school diploma or equivalent. By the time your student completes high school, they must have earned a diploma. Plan your curriculum to meet diploma requirements.
Tennessee requires that independent home school high school students graduate with a recognized diploma.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in Tennessee public school, submit your Intent to Home School and begin. No formal withdrawal form is needed, but notify the school of the transition. If moving options or stopping homeschooling, notify your school district.
Public School Access
Participation in public school activities and athletics varies by district. Contact your school district's athletic director to ask about eligibility and opportunities for homeschooled students.
Special Education
Tennessee allows families with students who have special needs to homeschool under any of the three options. If your child has an IEP, coordinate with your district about any services or accommodations you want to continue.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Use a calendar or spreadsheet to track instructional days and attendance
- Create subject folders with work samples from each subject area
- Keep assessment results and test scores organized by grade and year
- Save receipts for curriculum and educational materials purchased
- Document field trips, classes, and enrichment activities attended
Assessment Requirements
Testing required only under Options 1 (church-related school) and 2a (registered independent): standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. Other options have different or no assessment requirements.
Record Keeping
Not formally specified.
Key Facts About Tennessee
HSLDA classifies as low-regulation
Two main options: independent or church-related umbrella school
Testing required in grades 5, 7, 9
Parent needs high school diploma
180-day, 4-hour minimum
Ages 6-17 or completion
“Every family's homeschool journey in Tennessee is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Intent to Home School form?
You must file this annual form with your school district before the school year starts. It is a simple notification.
Can I use an umbrella school?
Yes. You can operate as an independent homeschool or enroll in a church-related umbrella school. Each has different requirements.
What testing is required?
TCAP assessment is required in grades 5, 7, and 9. You must administer this test.
Do I need a high school diploma?
Yes. The parent providing instruction must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
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