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Independent Home School

In​dependent Home School

Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050 by registering with their local school district. The law states that independent home school students must:

Parents choosing this educational option should begin by contacting the local school district. For a list of home school contacts in each school district, click on "Home School Coordinators" (gray box on right side of this page). The parent will be required to complete an Intent to Home School form and provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED. Student attendance (at least 4 hours per day, 180 days per year) must be reported to the local school district at the end of the school year. Testing of independent home school students is required in grades 5, 7, and 9 and coordinated through the local school district.

Home Schooling in Tennessee

In Tennessee, parents have the option to educate their children at home, an option known as homeschooling or home education.

Parents in Tennessee may choose to home school their own children in grades K - 12. The Tennessee Home School law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050) states:"A home school is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children."

Independent Home School

Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050 by registering with their local school district. The law states that independent home school students must:

Parents choosing Independent Home School should begin by contacting the local school district, 865-463-2800 x 2826. The parent will be required to complete Intent to Home School form and provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED. Student attendance (at least 4 hours per day, 180 days per year) must be reported to the local school district at the end of the school year no later than June 1st. Testing of independent home school students is required in grades 5, 7, and 9 and coordinated through the local school district. All Independent Home School students will test at their zoned school.

Requirements

Grades K-8

Grades 9-12

Parent's Education

High School Diploma or GED

High School Diploma or GED

Registration

With local school system prior to each school year

*By August 3rd

With local school system prior to each school year

*By August 3rd

Attendance

4 hours per day, 180 days per year

4 hours per day, 180 days per year

Please bring the following:

Valid photo ID,

Proof of Residency,

Copy of Parent/Guardian’s Education (GED, High School Diploma, College Degree

Valid photo ID,

Proof of Residency,

Copy of Parent/Guardian’s Education (GED, High School Diploma, College Degree

Testing

In grades 5 and 7, same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students -

In grade 9 same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students but NOT the high school proficiency test

Location and Cost of Testing

In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent’s expense

In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent’s expense -

Test Sanctions

1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled)

1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled)

Enter or Re-Enter Public or Approved Private School

Must be tested for grade placement

Must be tested in each subject for credit toward graduation

High School Diploma or Certificate of Attendance

None provided - Parent creates

None provided - Parent creates

See more at: https://www.tn.gov/education/topic/home-schooling-in-tn

Tennessee Notice of Intent to Home School
Independent Home School Registration Requirements ​​​​​​

  • “Provide annual notice to the local director of schools prior to each school year of the parent-teacher’s intent to conduct a home school and, for the purpose of reporting only, submission to the director of schools of the names, number, ages and grade levels of the children to be home schooled, the location of the school, the proposed curriculum to be offered, the proposed hours of instruction and the qualifications of the parent-teacher”;
  • Maintain attendance records and submit these records to the Director of Schools at the end of each school year; and
  • Submit proof of vaccination and receipt of any health services or examinations as required by law.
  • “Provide annual notice to the local director of schools prior to each school year of the parent-teacher’s intent to conduct a home school and, for the purpose of reporting only, submission to the director of schools of the names, number, ages and grade levels of the children to be home schooled, the location of the school, the proposed curriculum to be offered, the proposed hours of instruction and the qualifications of the parent-teacher”; no later than the first week of August. Maintain attendance records and submit these records to the Director of Schools at the end of each school year no later than June 1st; and
  • Submit proof of vaccination and receipt of any health services or examinations as required by law.

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