How to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee

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

Homeschooling is fully legal in Tennessee and many families across the state educate their children at home from kindergarten through high school. This page walks you step-by-step through your main options and how to withdraw from a Tennessee public school to begin homeschooling.

​

Step 1: Know Your Legal Options

Tennessee recognizes three main ways to homeschool.

• Independent Home School (Category I)
  You register directly with your local school district as a home school and teach your child yourself.

  • Parent must have a high school diploma or GED.

  • You file an “Intent to Home School” form with the local superintendent.

  • You keep attendance records and meet basic day/hour requirements (typically 180 days, 4 hours per day).

• Church‑Related “Umbrella” School (Category III)
  You enroll your child in an approved church‑related school that oversees your homeschool.

  • You follow the umbrella school’s policies for enrollment, record‑keeping, and testing.

  • You typically do not file an “Intent to Home School” with the district; instead, the school handles reporting.

  • Diplomas and transcripts are issued by the umbrella school.

• Accredited Online or Private School (Category II/IV)
  Your student is enrolled in an accredited, non‑public online or private school and completes coursework at home.

  • The school sets requirements, keeps records, and awards the diploma.

If you are currently in public school and planning to homeschool, you will use one of these options from day one, then submit a withdrawal notice to your school.

​

Step 2: Choose Your Path

When deciding which path is best for your family, consider:

• How much oversight you want
  Independent home school gives you the most direct control with basic reporting to the district, while umbrella and online schools offer more structure and oversight.

• Record‑keeping and testing
  Independent homeschoolers in Tennessee keep attendance records, may submit them to the local superintendent, and have testing requirements in certain grades; umbrella and accredited schools have their own policies and testing schedules.

• Diplomas and transcripts

  • Independent home schools: diplomas and transcripts are issued by the parent‑teacher.

  • Umbrella and accredited schools: diplomas and transcripts are issued by the school.

A simple example: A family that wants maximum flexibility and is comfortable handling records might choose independent homeschooling, while a family that prefers a ready‑made transcript and outside accountability might choose a church‑related umbrella school.

​

Step 3: Withdraw From Public School

You can withdraw your child from a Tennessee public school to homeschool at any time during the school year. The key is to (1) establish your new educational status and (2) give written notice to the school.

​

3A. Before You Withdraw

Do this first:

• Decide which legal option you will use (independent, umbrella, or accredited online).

• If using an umbrella or online school, complete their enrollment process and secure proof of enrollment.

• If homeschooling independently, prepare to file your “Intent to Home School” form with your local school district.

​

3B. Send Written Notice of Withdrawal

Tennessee law requires written notification when you withdraw from a public school to homeschool. Schools do not have authority to require in‑person meetings, exit interviews, or curriculum approval for you to withdraw.

Your written notice should clearly state:

• Your child’s name and grade.

• The school they are withdrawing from.

• The effective date of withdrawal.

• The homeschool option you are using (independent home school, church‑related umbrella school, or accredited online/private school).

• For umbrella or online schools, the name of the school and confirmation that your child is enrolled.

Many families send this letter by certified mail or email with delivery confirmation so they have proof the school received it.

​

Step 4: Required Forms and Helpful Links

Use these links and forms to complete your transition:

• Tennessee Department of Education – Home School Page
  Official state information, definitions, and requirements for independent homeschooling and other options.

  • Includes the “Intent to Home School” form used for independent home school registration with your local district.

  • Website: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/nonpublic/Intent_to_Home_School_Form_updated.pdf

• Independent Home School – Intent to Home School Form
  Parents operating an independent home school submit this form to the superintendent before the school year or immediately upon withdrawal during the year.

  • Use the form from the Tennessee Department of Education website or your local district’s site if they provide one.

• Public School Withdrawal Letter Template
  A short, written notice of withdrawal lets your child’s current school know you are changing to homeschool.

  • You may download a courtesy withdrawal letter template from organizations and schools that provide sample forms and adapt it to your situation.

  • After completing the letter, send it to the principal or attendance office, preferably by certified mail or an email method that provides written confirmation of receipt.

​

Step 5: Set Up Your Homeschool Year

Once your paperwork is handled, you can focus on learning at home.

Key Tennessee requirements for independent homeschoolers include:

• Attendance and Instruction Time
  Independent homeschoolers must provide at least 180 days of instruction per school year, with at least 4 hours of instruction per day.
  Families keep attendance records and submit them to the local superintendent as directed.

• Parent Qualifications
  The teaching parent must hold a high school diploma or approved equivalency credential.

• Testing
  Independent home school students test in specific grades (for example, grades 5, 7, and 9) using standardized assessments approved by the state or district.

Umbrella and accredited schools have their own attendance and testing rules; check directly with the school where your child is enrolled.

​

Friendly Reminder

This page is for general information and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change, and local implementation may vary by district. Always double‑check current requirements on the Tennessee Department of Education website and with your local school system