5 Essential Steps to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee

Do you want to start homeschooling for your kids? Are you seeking a reliable institution to help you? If you live in Tennessee and plan to teach your kids at home, you are not alone. Many families are looking for flexible and personalized methods to educate their kids.

Like other states, Tennessee has specific laws regarding homeschooling. You can’t simply pull your kids out of public schools and start teaching them at home. You need to follow specific rules and curriculum. If you don’t know how to start homeschooling in Tennessee, you are in the right place. In this post, we will explore some essential steps, expert tips, and secrets that help your homeschooling journey easily. Let’s dive in!

5 Key Steps to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee

Homeschooling may seem complicated for many families in Tennessee. You must comply with the state’s laws, handle paperwork, and monitor your kid’s performance. However, with our little secret, you can significantly lower the hassle. Here are several crucial steps you should follow to make your homeschooling journey smooth and successful.  

Step 1: Understand Tennessee’s Homeschooling Laws

With simple rules and regulations, Tennessee makes homeschooling easy for families. Even the beginners can navigate the entire process without any issue. However, you must know and follow the laws.

What homeschooling options does the state offer? You have three legal options for homeschooling in Tennessee.

• Independent Homeschool: You are responsible for everything, from teaching to submitting records. You notify your school district, pick up the curriculum, maintain paperwork, and submit the records to the school district.
• Umbrella School: The second and most popular option is the umbrella school. You enroll your kids in umbrella schools or cover schools, and they help you meet legal requirements. They also handle paperwork and offer necessary support and resources.
• Category III Distance Learning School: You can enroll in any accredited online school. These are not as popular as umbrella schools, but they are still a legal option.

Step 2: File Your Intent to Homeschool

Before starting homeschooling your kids, you must notify your local school district. It’s a law in Tennessee. If you enroll in an umbrella school, they will inform the board.

How do you file your notice of intent?

• You can find the intent form on the website of your school district or the Tennessee Department of Education.
• Download the form and fill it up with your kid’s name, age, and grade. Additionally, please provide your address, the curriculum you wish to follow, and your teaching hours. The state requires at least 4 hours per day for 180 days annually.
• Attach proof of your high school diploma or GED.
• Submit the intent form before the start of the school year. This is typically by August 1.
• Keep a copy for you.

Step 3: Withdraw Your Child from Public or Private School

After filing your notice of intent, it’s time to officially withdraw your kid from public or private school. Write a short letter to your kid’s school principal or district office, mentioning that you are withdrawing your child. Also, mention that you are planning to homeschool your kids under Tennessee law.

Send it by certified mail or deliver it in person. Don’t skip this step. It is a crucial step; otherwise, your kid will be marked as absent.

Step 4: Find the Best Homeschooling Option

If you have the required qualifications and have no problem handling paperwork, you can start an independent homeschool. However, if you don’t have time and need professional help, you can enroll your kids in an umbrella school.

Search for the best umbrella schools in Tennessee and select a reliable institution with a proven track record, such as Graduates Academy. Read reviews and get parents' feedback to evaluate the quality of services. Don’t forget to check the price before signing up.

Step 5: Choose Your Homeschooling Method and Curriculum

Whether you choose independent homeschooling or umbrella school, you have the flexibility to pick your own curriculum and teaching method. Many umbrella schools guide you to choose the right curriculum that fits your kid’s learning style. Here are some well-known techniques you can choose from.

Popular homeschooling methods in Tennessee:

• Traditional (textbooks, workbooks, structured schedule)
• Charlotte Mason (living books, nature, gentle approach)
• Classical (focus on logic, rhetoric, and classical texts)
• Unschooling (child-led, interest-based learning)
• Eclectic (mix and match)

Before selecting a curriculum, consider your kid’s learning capabilities, lifestyle, and teaching style. Consider your budget. Although some programs are free, others can be pretty expensive. Choose programs that cover the state’s required subjects like reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Tennessee is the best choice for families who are looking for a flexible and convenient education. The state clearly provides legal frameworks, requirements, and responsibilities. If you don’t understand, you can get help from umbrella schools. They will guide you through every step. Follow our instructions and start teaching your kids right away.