Home School
In Tennessee, parents have the option to educate their children at home, an option known as home schooling or home education. Parents in Tennessee may choose to home school their own children in grades K-12. The Tennessee Home School law (Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3050) states: "A home school is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children." Parents desiring to home school their own children may do so by choosing one of the following three options.
Independent Home School
Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3050 by registering with their local school district. Parents must provide
annual notice to the local director of schools prior to each school year of the
parent-teacher’s intent to conduct a home school. For the purpose of
reporting only, submission to the director of schools of the names, number,
ages and grade levels of the children to be home schooled, the location of the
school, the proposed curriculum to be offered, the proposed hours of
instruction and the qualifications of the parent-teacher. Parents must maintain
attendance records and submit these records to the Director of Schools at the
end of each school year; and submit
proof of vaccination and receipt of any health services or examinations as
required by law.
Parents
choosing this educational option should begin by contacting the local school
district. The
parent will be required to complete an Intent to Home School form and provide
evidence of a high school diploma or GED. Student attendance (at least 4 hours
per day, 180 days per year) must be reported to the local school district at
the end of the school year. Testing of independent home school students is
required in grades 5, 7, and 9 and coordinated through the local school district.
Category IV - Church Related Umbrella Schools
By authority of the same statute, parents may also home school their own children by registering with a church related "umbrella" school as defined by TCA 49-50-801. Parents who choose this option will be required to provide evidence to the local school district that their child is enrolled in a church-related school. An Intent to Home School form is not required for students who are enrolled in a church-related school. The church-related school will determine record keeping and test requirements for students enrolled in an umbrella school.
Accredited Online School
Parents may also enroll their child in an accredited online school. Parents choosing this educational option must be sure to determine that the school has legitimate accreditation status and will be required to provide evidence to the local school district that their child is enrolled in an accredited online school.
Additional information may be found on the Tennessee Department of Education Home School webpage.