Resources
Parent & Student Resources
A central place for handbooks, calendars, and helpful information for Bridge families.
Getting Started at The Bridge
New Family Overview
A simple overview of how The Bridge works, what to expect, and how to prepare for your first day.
2026–27 Parent Handbook
Policies, expectations, communication guidelines, and other important information for Bridge families.
Campus Map & Parking
Map of classrooms, entrances, and parking to make drop-off and pick-up smoother.
2026–27 Academic Calendar
Fall Semester 2026–27
- Begin Fall Semester: August 11 & 13
- Fall Break: October 12–16
- Thanksgiving Break: November 23–27
- End of Fall Semester: December 8 & 10
Spring Semester 2026–27
- Begin Spring Semester: January 12 & 14
- Spring Break: March 15–19
- End of Spring Semester: May 4 & 6
Key Policies
Attendance & Absences
How to report absences, expectations for class attendance, and communication guidelines.
Weather & Closures
How The Bridge makes weather decisions, where updates are posted, and what families should do.
Homeschooling Resources & Guidance
Is Homeschooling Right for My Family?
As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher, and homeschooling requires mindfulness, intentionality, and a commitment to nurturing their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Homeschooling is a unique and rewarding opportunity to take an active role in your child’s education. It allows you to tailor learning to their individual needs, interests, and strengths while fostering a love for learning within the safety of your home. However, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that your child receives a well-rounded, high-quality education.
Should Christians Send Their Kids to Public Schools?
Davis Carman challenges Christian parents to reconsider public schooling, citing concerns about anti-Christian values and the importance of nurturing a biblical worldview. Drawing from his 30 years of homeschooling experience, he argues that homeschooling or private Christian education offers the best foundation for faith-led parenting, emphasizing their feasibility, affordability, and spiritual benefits.
How to Get Started Homeschooling
Research & Prepare
Start by researching your state’s homeschooling laws to ensure compliance, then identify your child’s learning style and educational needs to help guide your curriculum choices. Best of all, you don’t have to have a college degree or be a certified teacher.
Create Your Schedule
Create a daily schedule that balances academics, extracurriculars, and family time while allowing flexibility for real-world learning opportunities. Give yourself the space to create fun, flexibility, and a joy for learning.
Embrace the Fun!
Pack a lunch and head to the park, take advantage of free admission at the Zoo, or build a bird nest out of popsicle sticks – I call it structured playtime! Learning happens everywhere.
Find Your Community
Connect with local homeschool communities or tutorials like The Bridge Tutorial for support, resources, and encouragement – especially for subjects you may not want to tackle alone.
For a more detailed guide on beginning your homeschooling journey:
How to Start Homeschooling Your Children (Parents Magazine) →
Tennessee Homeschool Laws
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 & Records
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.
Official Resources
For complete details on Tennessee homeschool requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the guidelines for homeschooling in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Board of Education offers the details necessary to legally home educate your children. Visit their website for complete requirements and guidelines.
What are the umbrella schools in the Shelby County and Mid-South region?
HomeLife Academy
A non-traditional K-12 private school serving homeschooling families for over 15 years.
FaithHeritage Christian Academy
Provides support, record-keeping, and accountability for homeschooling and on-campus families.
Gateway Christian Schools
Offers a variety of services, including curriculum guidance and standardized testing.
Is The Bridge an umbrella program?
The Bridge is NOT an umbrella school; therefore, parents are responsible for registering with one of the Tennessee umbrella groups for all legal educational requirements and cumulative records.
Parents are considered the primary teachers and are ultimately responsible for the education of their children. Classes at The Bridge are supplementary and designed to enhance, NOT replace, the teaching of the parent in the home.
Parents are expected to play an active daily/weekly role in:
- New material presented in class
- Assignments given for each class during the week
- Preparation for the next week’s class
- Assurance that assignments are turned in on time
Parental follow-up and daily involvement are vital to the success of each student.
Resources for New Homeschoolers
Websites & Online Communities
- HSLDA – Legal advice and support for homeschooling families
- The Old Schoolhouse Magazine – Curriculum reviews and homeschooling tips
- Time4Learning – Online curriculum for Pre-K to 12th grade
- Homeschool.com – Free guides and community forums
- Khan Academy – Free educational videos and courses
Need Help Finding Something?
If you can’t locate a document or have questions about how something works at The Bridge, we’re happy to help.
Email: admin@thebridgetutorial.com
Phone: (901) 451-9857