Homeschooling in Tennessee.

Who you notify

Your local school district, using the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) Intent to Home School form. Send it anytime in your first year, then before each new school year. Include proof of your high school diploma or equivalency credential.

Days and hours

At least 4 hours of instruction a day, for 180 days a year.

Attendance records

Keep daily attendance records. Your director of schools may inspect them at any time, and you send them to the director at the end of each school year.

Testing

Required in grades 5, 7 and 9. Since May 1, 2026, you may choose a nationally normed English and math test, proctored by someone not related to your child, at your cost, or the state test given through your district.

Test results

Results go to you, your director of schools and the State Board of Education. The 2026 law removed the rules that tied low scores to remedial plans or required school enrollment.

Parent qualification

A high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential approved by the State Board of Education.

Subjects and curriculum

State guidance lists no required subjects. The Intent to Home School form asks which subjects you plan to teach, and you choose your own curriculum.

Records you keep

You create and keep your child's grades and transcripts, and you issue the high school diploma. The state and school districts don't issue one.

The law

Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 49-6-3050, as amended by Public Chapter 912 (2026), effective May 1, 2026.

What this route is

You enroll your child in a church-related school's home school (umbrella) program and teach under its director. The school handles testing, records, diplomas and transcripts, and you follow its rules.

Who you notify

You don't file an Intent to Home School form. Your local school district may ask for proof of enrollment, such as when you withdraw from public school.

Parent qualification

For grades 9 through 12, a parent-teacher needs at least a high school diploma or an approved equivalency credential.

What this route is

Your child attends an accredited online school from home. TDOE notes this isn't a home school under Tennessee's definition. The school handles testing and records, and you give your district proof of enrollment.