Online Homeschooling in Tennessee | High School of America

Welcome to Tennessee Homeschooling Online, your go-to resource for homeschooling in the Volunteer State. Whether you’re a Tennessee resident or considering relocating to this beautiful state, we are here to assist you in navigating the world of homeschooling.

Nestled in the heart of the southeastern United States, Tennessee offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the vibrant music scene in Nashville, there is no shortage of educational experiences and opportunities for your homeschooling journey.

When selecting a trusted homeschooling program in Tennessee, look no further than High School of America. As a premier online homeschooling provider, High School of America offers accredited programs tailored to meet the unique needs of homeschooling families in Tennessee. With its unique curriculum and experienced instructors, you can be confident that your child will receive a high-quality education that is both recognized and valued.

Embark on your homeschooling adventure in Tennessee with the peace of mind that comes from choosing the best online homeschooling provider. High School of America’s commitment to excellence ensures that your child will have access to a robust educational experience that fosters growth, development, and success.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find all the essential information regarding homeschooling laws, regulations, and requirements specific to Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Homeschooling Laws in Tennessee

Parents are legally allowed to homeschool their children in Tennessee. 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.”

There are three options under which you can legally homeschool in Tennessee. They are:

Independent home school.
Church-related school.
Category III distance-learning school.

Option 1: Independent home school.

Homeschooling requirements under independent homeschool option are:

Teacher Qualifications

As a homeschooling parent, you must possess at least a high school diploma or a GED.

Notice of Intent

Before the commencement of the school year, you must submit a formal notice of intent to the superintendent of your local school district (also known as a local education agency or LEA). This notice serves the purpose of reporting your homeschooling plans.

If you move to Tennessee during the school calendar year, you are required submit the notice within a reasonable timeframe after arriving there.

The notice must include the names, grade levels, and ages of the students you will be homeschooling, the curriculum you will be using (no specific subjects are mandated), the location of your homeschool, your educational qualifications, and proposed instructional hours.

Proof of Immunization

You must provide documentation demonstrating that your child has been immunized or holds a valid medical or religious exemption from immunization. This proof should be attached to your notice of intent.

Minimum Instructional Hours

As a homeschooling parent, you are required to provide a minimum of four hours of instruction per school day, totaling 180 instructional days per academic year.

Attendance Records

The law mandates you to maintain accurate attendance records for your homeschooled child. These records must be available for inspection by the local superintendent and must be submitted to the superintendent at the end of each school year.

Standardized Testing

Homeschooled students in grades 5, 7, and 9 are required to take a standardized test administered by the commissioner of education, an authorized designee, or an approved professional testing service recognized by the LEA.

In grade 9, the tests must be the same state board-approved secure, standardized tests required of public school learners, excluding the high school proficiency test.

Option 2: Church-related school.

A church-related school (CRS) is an institution that is run by a parochial, denominational, or other legal church organization. It must be accredited by the Tennessee Association of Christian Schools, the Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools, the Tennessee Association of Church Related Schools, the Tennessee Association of Non-Public Academic Schools, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, or a school affiliated with Accelerated Christian Education, Inc.

Sign up in a CRS

Compliance with CRS policies

You are required to meet instructor qualifications, testing requirements, and recordkeeping. These requirements differ depending on your relationship with the church-related school.

Option 3: Category III distance-learning school.

In order to homeschool under this option, you are required to:

a) Ensure that the online school you select is legitimately accredited by one of the following accredited organizations.

Cognia (formerly AdvancED)
Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and affiliates (e.g., SAIS)
Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSCSS)
Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)

b) Present supporting documentation to your local school district confirming your student(s) are enrolled at an accredited online school.

The following are other requirements that you should consider when homeschooling in Tennessee:

Required Courses

There are no state-mandated courses.

Grades 9-12

The Tennessee Board of Education requires all high school students to meet the following course credits:

Science (3 credits)
Mathematics (4 credits)
World Language (2 credits)
Wellness (1 credit)
Social Studies (3 credits)
Physical Education (0.5 credit)
Personal Finance (0.5 credit)
Fine Arts (1 credits)
English (4 credits)
Elective Focus (3 credits)

Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the requirements for homeschool graduation vary depending on the chosen homeschooling option. If you register with an umbrella school or use an online school, those specific schools will determine the graduation criteria. However, if you homeschool independently, you have more flexibility in setting the graduation requirements.

While it is common for homeschoolers in Tennessee to register through a church-related umbrella school, solely relying on their graduation checklist may not be sufficient.

It is crucial to have open discussions with your teenager about their post-high school goals. For instance, if they plan to attend college, you should research the admission criteria for various schools they are interested in and ensure they fulfill all the necessary requirements.

Shifting to Public School from Homeschool

When deciding to homeschool, families typically make a choice yearly. If, at some point, they wish to end homeschooling and enroll their child in a public or private school, Tennessee has no specific laws regarding the transfer process.

If the family is enrolled in an umbrella school, they should contact the school to discontinue enrollment and obtain their child’s records. Providing these records to the public school they plan to enroll in might be helpful, as it gives them a better understanding of the child’s academic level.

The school principal will ultimately decide which grade level to place the child in upon their return. Each school has the authority to determine whether the assessments and standardized tests provided are acceptable or if additional placement tests are required during registration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Tennessee

When did homeschooling become legal in Tennessee?

Homeschooling was made legal in Tennessee in 1985 through legislation signed by Governor Lamar Alexander. The bill allowed K-12 students to be registered with the local school district or filed as a private school, thereby legalizing homeschooling.

Is certification required to homeschool in Tennessee?

No, the only educational requirement for homeschooling in Tennessee is that the parents have a high school diploma or GED.

Who is eligible for homeschooling in Tennessee?

Parents with a high school diploma or GED that meets the state’s reporting requirements are qualified to homeschool their children in Tennessee.

Is unschooling allowed in Tennessee?

Yes, unschooling is legal in Tennessee as long as the necessary legal requirements for attendance, testing, and notices of intent are fulfilled.

Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Tennessee?

No, only parents or legal guardians are permitted to homeschool a child in Tennessee. However, parents can employ a tutor for homeschool learning, provided that the tutor also meets the education requirement of a high school diploma or GED.

What is the duration of homeschooling allowed in Tennessee?

There is no set limit on the number of years you can homeschool your child in Tennessee. You have the flexibility to homeschool for a single year, throughout the entire K-12 education, or any number of years in between. The decision is yours.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in Tennessee

Online homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in Tennessee. According to the U.S. Census data, around 13.2% of learners were homeschooled during the 2020-21 school year.

During this academic year, there was a significant rise of 7.8% in the number of students engaging in educational activities beyond their regular school curriculum compared to the statistics from 2019.

By the beginning of the fall semester in 2021, homeschooling experienced a substantial surge in Tennessee, with an additional 2,240 students opting for this educational approach, bringing the total homeschool enrollment to over 13,600. This increase represented a remarkable growth rate of nearly 20% in homeschool enrollment compared to previous records.

How to Do it: Online Homeschooling in Tennessee

To homeschool in Tennessee using an online approach, follow these steps:

Research homeschooling options: Explore accredited virtual schools, independent homeschooling, or church-related school options.
Notify the school district: Inform your local school district of your intention to homeschool, following Tennessee’s homeschooling regulations.
Create a homeschooling plan: Develop a curriculum that meets Tennessee’s educational requirements. Align your chosen online resources with state standards.
Maintain records: Keep records of attendance, coursework, and assessments to demonstrate compliance with state regulations.
Engage in online learning: Utilize the chosen online platform, accessing lessons, assignments, and resources. Ensure regular communication with teachers or online support staff.
Supplement with offline activities: Enhance learning with field trips, educational games, and hands-on projects.
Participate in assessments: Comply with required assessments, such as annual standardized tests or portfolio evaluations.
Connect with homeschooling communities: Join local homeschooling groups or online communities to connect with other families and share resources and support.

Advantages of Homeschooling Online in Tennessee

Homeschooling online in Tennessee offers several advantages for students and their families. They include:

Firstly, it provides flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule, accommodating their needs.
Secondly, online homeschooling provides access to a wide range of educational resources and curriculum options tailored to suit different learning styles.
Thirdly, it offers a safe and comfortable learning environment, free from external distractions or peer pressure.
Fourthly, homeschooling online promotes personalized attention and one-on-one instruction, ensuring students receive focused guidance from parents or educators.
Fifthly, it allows for the integration of technology, enabling interactive and engaging learning experiences.
Lastly, homeschooling online fosters a closer family bond and strengthens relationships through shared educational experiences.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Tennessee can be beneficial for parents and kids alike to tailor their education to their individual needs.

Laws exist in Tennessee that make it possible to lawfully homeschool while meeting the requirements set in place by the Tennessee State Board of Education.

High School of America offers a different way to homeschool your child from the comfort of your home. Our staff comprises experienced educators that provide one-on-one time with each student and allow control over the content being studied while still adhering to all applicable local and state laws regarding homeschooling.

All students receive an official accredited diploma upon completing High School of America’s program.

If you are considering homeschooling in Tennessee, contact High School of America today!