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In Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains’ misty ridges, winding river valleys, and vibrant musical heritage provide a living curriculum you can shape around your child’s interests. Imagine integrating Bluegrass history into reading lessons or testing water quality in the Tennessee River for science experiments.
Thanks to clear state guidelines and a supportive homeschool network, you have the flexibility and the tools to make each day’s lesson both meaningful and memorable. Step forward with confidence and lead your family’s learning adventure.
Tennessee offers multiple home education options, but most families choose independent homeschooling. To use this option, you must
Once filed, you’re free to begin instruction under Tennessee’s homeschool framework.
Tennessee law requires independent homeschoolers to provide at least 180 days of instruction per school year, with a minimum of four hours of instruction per day.
You must maintain a record of days taught and hours of instruction. This must be submitted to your school district superintendent at the end of the school year.
Tennessee homeschoolers enjoy the freedom to choose mastery-based, multisensory curriculums or blend online and hands-on materials. Many parents rely on
Umbrella school affiliations and private homeschool academies also operate in Tennessee, offering structured lesson plans, group classes, and extracurricular activities for families seeking additional support. You will not submit a notice of intent to your local school district if you opt for one of these options.
Families may choose fully independent homeschooling or enroll under the umbrella of accredited private schools that handle reporting and offer a ready-made curriculum.
Tennessee’s public charter networks generally do not enroll homeschoolers, but numerous faith-based umbrella programs provide affordable, accredited options.
Families can access free homeschooling materials through public library digital collections, open educational platforms like Khan Academy, and resource exchanges within local homeschool groups. Cooperative groups often supplement independent programs by hosting co-op classes and joint field trips.
The All About Learning Press Free Resources page provides information and free printable activities to enhance learning.
There are no state fees for filing your Notice of Intent, and Tennessee does not provide grants or stipends to homeschooling families. Curriculum costs vary based on chosen programs and enrichment activities, but many parents minimize expenses through free online resources, library lending, and co-op borrowing.
Tennessee law imposes no restrictions on teaching methods, so child-led or interest-based unschooling approaches are permitted as long as the basic portfolio and instructional days requirements are met. Trust your child’s curiosity to guide learning in a structured yet flexible framework.
Now that you know how to homeschool in Tennessee—file your Notice of Intent, teach 180 days, keep simple attendance records, and draw on the state’s rich cultural and natural resources, you are ready to begin.
Trust your instincts, celebrate every step, and let Tennessee’s mountains, rivers, and history bring learning to life.
Yes, Tennessee law permits independent homeschooling through the Notice of Intent process.
Submit your Notice of Intent to Homeschool before the start of the school year, or before you start homeschooling if starting mid-year. Visit here for step-by-step instructions and videos on the Tennessee’s official DOE website.
Provide 180 days of instruction per year with at least four hours of teaching per day; keep a record of days and hours on file.
Yes, students must take a standardized achievement test in grades 5, 7, and 9 and submit results to the local superintendent by June 30.
No—parents have full freedom to choose the subjects and materials that best fit their learner’s needs.
No—while you must track days and hours, Tennessee does not require portfolios or detailed lesson plans.
Yes, interest-based or child-led learning methods are permitted as long as you meet the notice, days, hours, and testing requirements.
Yes, umbrella programs and private academies offer structured curriculums, group classes, and reporting support for families seeking additional accountability.
Filing the Notice of Intent is free; curriculum and testing costs vary, but many families reduce expenses through free online resources and library programs.
Disclaimer:
All information is correct as of July 2025.
All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. We recommend that parents educate themselves on local and state regulations from government websites or by contacting a local homeschool advocacy group. See HSLDA for official guidance.
