Tennessee

Overview

Notice Requirements

Assessment Requirements

Curriculum & Qualifications

Additional Notes

Tennessee's church school umbrella pathway (Option 2) is the most popular and most flexible — no state testing, no subject mandates, school sets its own requirements. Independent path (Option 1) requires TCAP in grades 5, 7, 9 and a parental HS diploma. The Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA at tnhomeed.com) is the primary advocacy organization.

Tips for Homeschooling in Tennessee

1. 1

   File your notice on time: "Independent path: submit Intent to Home School form to local school district before beginning and annually thereafter; church school path: enroll with school — no state notice required". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

2. 2

   Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Independent path: TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) standardized test administered in grades 5, 7, and 9 — required at public school or approved site, Church-related school (umbrella) path: testing determined and administered by the individual church school — state TCAP not required. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

3. 3

   Teacher qualification note: Independent path: teaching parent must hold a high school diploma or state-approved GED equivalent. Church school path: parent-teachers of grades 9–12 may be required by the church school to hold a high school diploma — varies by school. No teaching certificate required for either pathway.. Keep a copy of your credentials with your homeschool records.