Homeschooling in Tennessee
If you have chosen to homeschool in Tennessee, you may need information, resources, and curriculum that will help you get started. You’re likely wondering things like how to enroll in homeschool, what legal requirements there are, what your curriculum options are, and how to find local support.
Let Time4learning guide you through the process of homeschooling in the Volunteer State. Below, you will learn about the key areas you most need to know about, including:
- How to Start Homeschooling in TN
- Tennessee Homeschool Laws
- Tennessee Umbrella Schools
- Tennessee Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- Tennessee Homeschool Associations
- Homeschool Field Trips in TN
- Tennessee Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in TN
- How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12 in TN
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee
To begin homeschooling in Tennessee, families have three different options to legally homeschool a child: as an independent homeschool, under an umbrella school, or by enrolling in an online school. Each of those options has different requirements attached to it. Once you’ve made your decision on which option to homeschool under, you will simply need to follow the regulations of your preferred path.
Tennessee Homeschooling Laws
There are three homeschool options in Tennessee. Families can choose to either:
- Operate as an independent homeschool
- Enroll with a church-related umbrella school
- Enroll in an accredited online school
Learn how to comply with the Tennessee homeschool requirements for each of these options on our Tennessee Homeschool Laws page.
Tennessee Umbrella Schools
The most common method families in Tennessee use for homeschooling is via an umbrella school. Here are the steps to homeschooling in Tennessee using a church-related umbrella school:
- Research all your umbrella school options in the state
- Choose a school that best fits your family’s needs, homeschool goals, and budget
- Enroll with the school during their open enrollment period
- Follow the school’s individual policies regarding curriculum choice, record keeping, and tuition/fees
For more information on how umbrella schools work in TN visit our Tennessee Homeschool Umbrella Schools page.
Tennessee Homeschool Associations
Statewide homeschool associations provide homeschooling families with the most up-to-date information about home education in a state. The organization serving Tennessee homeschoolers has eight different chapters across the state, each with different approaches, but all which provide information on getting started with homeschooling, keep their members informed about changes/updates to homeschool regulations, and provide services and support for local homeschooling families. Find out more about the organization and its local chapters on our Tennessee Homeschool Associations page.
Tennessee Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Homeschool groups and cooperatives are usually the chief local support system for homeschooling families. New homeschoolers can get recommendations about home school programs in TN, and all families involved benefit from a shared camaraderie around their educational choice. Can’t locate a group near you? You can still get valuable advice on Time4Learning’s Tennessee homeschool forum. Find out more about the homeschool support groups and cooperatives around the Volunteer State on our Tennessee Homeschool Groups and Co-ops page.
Tennessee Homeschool Field Trips
“Flexibility.” That is the word most used by homeschool families to describe their favorite part of homeschooling. Taking your child’s education into your own hands often means taking it on the road in order to explore science, history, math, and arts experientially. Tennessee has a wealth of natural, historical, and cultural treasures that will enhance your overall homeschool experience. Visit our Homeschool Field Trips in Tennessee blog post to discover ideas for your next learning adventure. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.
Tennessee Homeschooling by City
Homeschoolers in Tennessee can explore the many outings available throughout their state. Find out what opportunities are available for homeschoolers in the Volunteer State below:
Tennessee Standardized Testing and Test Prep
In Tennessee, any families who register as independent homeschoolers must submit to standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. For families enrolled with an umbrella school, testing requirements are up to the individual schools. Some parents use yearly standardized tests as a benchmark system to note how much progress students are making. Others use them to identify any potential gaps in their curriculum or their child’s retention of it. Time4Learning’s standards-based curriculum builds the skills that students are tested on normed tests.
Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in Tennessee
Whether you came to the idea of home education by choice or are an accidental homeschooler, you can benefit from a program that is easy to use. Here are just a few of the reasons why Time4Learning is so popular with homeschoolers in Tennessee:
- No need to purchase a large package of materials you may or may not use. Time4Learning’s monthly subscription model allows you to use the program exactly as much and as long as you need.
- Your subscription gives you access to the grade below and above your registered level in grades 1-7 so you can review or even accelerate where needed.
- Lesson planning, record-keeping and assessments are taken care of. Simply sit down with your child and enjoy the engaging, multimedia lessons together.
How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12
Homeschool curriculum choices have expanded over the last decade. Parents have much more to choose from than typical textbooks, workbooks, and other traditional schooling methods. Online courses, interactive videos, personal computers, laptops, and tablet devices provide exciting and engaging materials for children to experience. But all of these new methods often confuse parents, especially those who are new homeschoolers. Eventually, parents come to realize that mixing different tools and activities usually keeps their children stimulated and eager to learn. For more information review How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12.
Tennessee Unit Study Supplement
Help your homeschooler learn interesting history and geography facts about Tennessee in the Time4Learning unit study supplement.
Online Curriculum for Homeschool, Afterschool and Summer Use
In addition to being an award-winning choice for homeschool families, Time4Learning also offers an online after school program to help build your child’s skills. View our lesson demos and discover why thousands of Tennessee families are already using it!
Give your student the chance to get back on track or explore exciting electives and get ahead for the next school year with Time4Learning’s online summer school. Our educational materials will engage and challenge your child to succeed.
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
