Tennessee · Some paperwork

Homeschooling in Tennessee

Tennessee asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearIndependent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment.

Testing or assessmentFor the independent home school path: yes, in grades 5, 7 and 9

Instruction time180 days, at least 4 hours a day

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Tennessee

Written from Tennessee's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Tennessee asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Independent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path).
Choose what to teach
Tennessee does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Tennessee does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
Tennessee asks for an assessment in grades 5, 7 and 9 (for the independent home school path). You can choose from: Independent path: a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9, either a nationally normed test you choose (proctored by someone not related to the student) or the same state-approved test public school students take (TCAP; for grade 9 it is not the end-of-course exam); Church-related school (umbrella) path: the church-related school is responsible for testing its enrolled students; Online school path: follows the online school's assessment policies. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path)
When it is due: Independent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Official form: www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment: For the independent home school path, required in grades 5, 7 and 9
Ways to meet it: Independent path: a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9, either a nationally normed test you choose (proctored by someone not related to the student) or the same state-approved test public school students take (TCAP; for grade 9 it is not the end-of-course exam)
Church-related school (umbrella) path: the church-related school is responsible for testing its enrolled students
Online school path: follows the online school's assessment policies
Named tests: Independent path: a parent-selected nationally normed test, or the state-approved public school test (TCAP), in grades 5, 7, 9Church-related umbrella school: testing set by the school
Portfolio: Not required

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Tennessee does not name required subjects — the curriculum is yours to choose.
Instruction time: 180 days, at least 4 hours a day
Who may teach: Independent path: the teaching parent must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and proof of education goes in with the Intent to Home School form. Church-related umbrella path: parent-teachers follow the school's requirements, and for grades 9-12 may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalency credential.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Option 1 – Independent Home School (TCA § 49-6-3050): file an Intent to Home School form with your local district (a new one before each school year); parent must have a high school diploma or equivalency credential; 4 hours a day for 180 days; standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9; attendance records submitted to the district at the end of each school year
Option 2 – Church-Related Umbrella School (Category IV non-public school): enroll in an approved church-related school that offers an umbrella home school program; you teach as a parent-teacher under the school director's supervision; the school keeps records and handles testing
Option 3 – Accredited Online School (Category III): student enrolls in an approved accredited online private school; it is a private school, not a home school, but allows learning from home
Umbrella / cover schools: Some approved Category IV church-related non-public schools offer umbrella programs where parents take part as teachers under the supervision of the school's director. The school keeps student records and handles testing, and issues the diploma. The Tennessee Department of Education publishes a list of approved Category IV schools on its Non-Public Schools page; umbrella programs are marked in the first column (Home School Umbrella).

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: Tennessee has a law on this. Under TCA § 49-6-3050(e), if a local school district has public schools in an athletic association such as TSSAA that sets home school participation requirements, the district must let independent home school students who meet the association's eligibility requirements try out for interscholastic teams. This is a right to try out, not a guaranteed spot. Check with your district and the association for current eligibility rules.
Dual enrollment: Dual enrollment options and eligibility vary by college. Check with the college you are interested in about its home school applicant requirements.
Diplomas: The state does not issue diplomas to home school students. Independent home school parents create and issue the diploma and transcript. Students in a church-related umbrella school receive their diploma and transcript from that school.
College admissions: College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.
Support for additional needs: Special-education eligibility and services after withdrawal from public school depend on your circumstances and the applicable rules. Confirm with your school district or your state education agency.

Money your family can claim in Tennessee

Education Freedom Scholarship

Run by Tennessee Department of Education

$7,295 for 2025-26, rising to $7,530 for 2026-27.

Tuition comes first: the scholarship is designed for students enrolled at a registered non-public school, and curriculum is covered at that school. Tutoring can only be paid from what is left after tuition.

Eligibility and application dates are set by the program. Check the program's official page before you apply.

Questions parents ask about Tennessee

Is homeschooling legal in Tennessee?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Tennessee. Tennessee has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Independent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires 180 days, at least 4 hours a day.

What subjects are required by law in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.

Does Tennessee require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

Yes. Tennessee requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Independent path: a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9, either a nationally normed test you choose (proctored by someone not related to the student) or the same state-approved test public school students take (TCAP; for grade 9 it is not the end-of-course exam), Church-related school (umbrella) path: the church-related school is responsible for testing its enrolled students, Online school path: follows the online school's assessment policies.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Tennessee?

Tennessee has teacher qualification requirements: Independent path: the teaching parent must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and proof of education goes in with the Intent to Home School form. Church-related umbrella path: parent-teachers follow the school's requirements, and for grades 9-12 may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalency credential.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a law on this. Under TCA § 49-6-3050(e), if a local school district has public schools in an athletic association such as TSSAA that sets home school participation requirements, the district must let independent home school students who meet the association's eligibility requirements try out for interscholastic teams. This is a right to try out, not a guaranteed spot. Check with your district and the association for current eligibility rules.

Worth knowing about Tennessee

Tennessee law (TCA § 49-6-3050) recognizes two home school routes: an independent home school registered with your local school district, or an approved church-related umbrella school. A third option, an approved accredited online school, is a private school rather than a home school. The independent route requires a parent with a high school diploma or equivalency credential, 4 hours a day for 180 days, and standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. For the umbrella route, ask the school what it requires.

Who to ask in Tennessee

Regulator: Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path)
Official site: www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html
Forms: www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html

Tools for your first year

The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Tennessee's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits. Free copies carry a small Koydo watermark.No account needed Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.No account needed Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer. A few free pages every day.Free with a Koydo account State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Free with a Koydo account Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path). This is information for families, not legal advice.

Loading…

How to start homeschooling in Tennessee

Written from Tennessee's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.

Send your notice of intent

Tennessee asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Independent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path).

Choose what to teach

Tennessee does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.

Keep a light record as you go

Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Tennessee does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.

Plan the assessment early

Tennessee asks for an assessment in grades 5, 7 and 9 (for the independent home school path). You can choose from: Independent path: a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9, either a nationally normed test you choose (proctored by someone not related to the student) or the same state-approved test public school students take (TCAP; for grade 9 it is not the end-of-course exam); Church-related school (umbrella) path: the church-related school is responsible for testing its enrolled students; Online school path: follows the online school's assessment policies. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it

Tennessee Department of Education / Local School District (independent path) / Church-Related School (umbrella path)

When it is due

Independent path: file the Intent to Home School form with your local school district. There is no deadline for the first registration; after that, a new form is due before the start of each school year. Church-related umbrella path: no Intent to Home School form is required, but the district may ask for proof of enrollment.

How often

Every school year

Notarized?

Official form

www.tn.gov/education/families/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html

Ongoing reporting

Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment

For the independent home school path, required in grades 5, 7 and 9

Ways to meet it

Independent path: a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9, either a nationally normed test you choose (proctored by someone not related to the student) or the same state-approved test public school students take (TCAP; for grade 9 it is not the end-of-course exam)
Church-related school (umbrella) path: the church-related school is responsible for testing its enrolled students
Online school path: follows the online school's assessment policies

Named tests

Independent path: a parent-selected nationally normed test, or the state-approved public school test (TCAP), in grades 5, 7, 9Church-related umbrella school: testing set by the school

Portfolio

Not required

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects

Tennessee does not name required subjects — the curriculum is yours to choose.

Instruction time

180 days, at least 4 hours a day

Who may teach

Independent path: the teaching parent must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, and proof of education goes in with the Intent to Home School form. Church-related umbrella path: parent-teachers follow the school's requirements, and for grades 9-12 may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalency credential.

Keeping records

No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.

Legal routes

Option 1 – Independent Home School (TCA § 49-6-3050): file an Intent to Home School form with your local district (a new one before each school year); parent must have a high school diploma or equivalency credential; 4 hours a day for 180 days; standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9; attendance records submitted to the district at the end of each school year
Option 2 – Church-Related Umbrella School (Category IV non-public school): enroll in an approved church-related school that offers an umbrella home school program; you teach as a parent-teacher under the school director's supervision; the school keeps records and handles testing
Option 3 – Accredited Online School (Category III): student enrolls in an approved accredited online private school; it is a private school, not a home school, but allows learning from home

Umbrella / cover schools

Some approved Category IV church-related non-public schools offer umbrella programs where parents take part as teachers under the supervision of the school's director. The school keeps student records and handles testing, and issues the diploma. The Tennessee Department of Education publishes a list of approved Category IV schools on its Non-Public Schools page; umbrella programs are marked in the first column (Home School Umbrella).

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports

Dual enrollment

Dual enrollment options and eligibility vary by college. Check with the college you are interested in about its home school applicant requirements.

Diplomas

The state does not issue diplomas to home school students. Independent home school parents create and issue the diploma and transcript. Students in a church-related umbrella school receive their diploma and transcript from that school.

College admissions

College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.

Support for additional needs

Special-education eligibility and services after withdrawal from public school depend on your circumstances and the applicable rules. Confirm with your school district or your state education agency.