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State Requirements

Homeschooling in Tennessee

Regulation: Low-Moderate

Annual notice and standardized testing in certain grades. Two legal paths.

Tennessee families may homeschool through the local school district or through a church-related school.

Option 1: Local School District

Supervised by local district. Annual notice and standardized testing required.

How to start
File a notice with your local school director each year by August 1.
Parent qualifications
High school diploma required.
Required subjects
No specific list, but a complete education is expected.
Testing
Standardized testing required in grades 5, 7, and 9.

Legal reference: TCA §49-6-3050

Option 2: Church-Related School

Enroll through a church-related school. Fewer state requirements.

How to start
Enroll in a church-related school that accepts homeschool students.
Parent qualifications
No state-specified credential.
Testing
Per church school requirements.

Legal reference: TCA §49-6-3050

Option 1 — Local school district: File annual notice with your local school director by August 1. Tennessee requires standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9.

Option 2 — Church-related school: Transfers oversight from the district to the school. Generally fewer state-imposed requirements.

Funding Available

Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program

Tennessee has established an education savings account program. Contact the Tennessee Department of Education for current eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.

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Last reviewed: 2026-01