Welcome to Homeschooling in Tennessee: Your Comprehensive Guide

Resources for New Homeschoolers

• Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): HSLDA Website
  • Provides legal information, support, and resources for homeschoolers nationwide.
    
    
• Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA): THEA Website
  • State-specific resources, support groups, and events for Tennessee homeschoolers.
    
    
• Memphis-Area Home Education Association (MHEA): MHEA Website

Umbrella Schools in Tennessee

• HomeLife Academy: HomeLife Academy
  • A non-traditional K-12 private school serving homeschooling families for over 15 years.
    
    
• FaithHeritage Christian Academy: FaithHeritage Christian Academy
  • Provides support, record-keeping, and accountability for homeschooling and on-campus families.
    
    
• Gateway Christian Schools: Gateway Christian Schools
  • Offers a variety of services, including curriculum guidance and standardized testing.
    
    

Applicable State Laws for Homeschooling in Tennessee

• Compulsory Attendance: Tennessee requires children ages 6-17 to attend school. Homeschooling is recognized as a legal means of fulfilling this requirement.
• Notice of Intent: Parents may be required to submit a notice of intent to homeschool to their local school district depending on whether they intend to be independent or registered through a church-related umbrella school.
• Curriculum: There is no required curriculum, but parents are considered the teachers of the subjects as required by state law.
• Attendance and Record Keeping: Homeschoolers must maintain attendance records and submit them to their umbrella school or local school district annually.
• Testing: Standardized testing may be required for certain grades, depending on the umbrella school’s policies.

For more detailed information, visit the Tennessee Department of Education's Homeschool Information.