{"id":4089,"date":"2023-06-09T00:37:59","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T00:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4089"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:31:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:31:04","slug":"homeschool-in-tennessee","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschool-in-tennessee\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeschool in Tennessee 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering how to homeschool in TN? You\u2019re in the right place! Homeschooling in Tennessee is simple. In fact, Tennessee is considered a \u201chomeschool-friendly\u201d state due to its minimal requirements!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tennessee homeschool laws give parents plenty of freedom over their child\u2019s education. In this article, we\u2019ll go over everything you need to know about homeschool laws in Tennessee so you can start homeschooling with confidence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Tennessee at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tennessee – The Volunteer State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/td>Independent School<\/strong><\/td>Church-Related School<\/strong><\/td>Accredited Online School<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>6-17<\/td>6-17<\/td>6-17<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Independent school students must test in grades 5,7, and 9.<\/td>Students in grades 3-11 must test annually in ELA and math.<\/td>Students in grades 3-11 must test annually in ELA and math.<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td>English language arts (ELA), mathematics, social studies, and science<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>4 hours per day for 180 days<\/td>180 instructional days for 6.5 hours per day<\/td>180 instructional days for 6.5 hours per day<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td>Determined by the church-related school<\/td>Determined by the accredited online school<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Proof of vaccination not required<\/td>Immunizations required for all students<\/td>NA<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Option 1: Registering As An Independent School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Option 1 is a great choice for parents who are looking for a traditional homeschool experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To begin homeschooling under this option, you\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Have either a high school diploma or a GED<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Submit a Notice of Intent to the superintendent of your local school district<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Maintain attendance records and submit them to your local superintendent at the end of each school year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Submit proof of immunization<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Administer standardized tests to your students in grades 5, 7, and 9<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Option 2: Registering With a Church-Related School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A church-related school (CRS) is an accredited school operated by a church organization. Parents who choose this option must notify their local school district of their choice before enrolling in the CRS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To find local church-related schools, find your chapter on the TNHEA map<\/a>! Each CRS has their own requirements and processes. Be sure to contact your local church school for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option 3: Enrolling In An Accredited Online School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Under Option 3, parents may enroll their children in an online distance learning school. You can choose any school accredited by an approved agency. You can view the list of recognized accredited programs<\/a> on the Tennessee State Board of Education website. Just like in Option 2, you\u2019ll need to notify your local school district before you enroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child you intend to homeschool, regardless of which option you choose. If you choose to register as an independent school, the parent must have a high school diploma or equivalent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For homeschooling families who choose the independent school option, you will need to file a Notice of Intent<\/a> (NOI). This form is due to your local public school\u2019s home school coordinator<\/a> annually, before the school year begins. If you decide to start homeschooling in the middle of the school year, you may file your notice at any time. You\u2019ll also need to file it with a copy of your high school diploma, as well as your child\u2019s immunization records or exemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    TN homeschool laws require students to receive 4 hours of instruction each school day for at least 180 days<\/a> of the year. Attendance records will need to be sent to your superintendent at the end of each school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In Tennessee, there are no subject teaching requirements. The state gives parents ultimate freedom over their child\u2019s education.<\/p>\n\n\n