Homeschooling in Tennessee
Tennessee
Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Tennessee. Tennessee offers three options for homeschooling with relatively uncomplicated levels of requirements. Tennessee’s moderate approach to requirements makes homeschooling in this state fairly straightforward. Tennessee borders with eight other states. This makes Tennessee, along with Missouri, the state with the most neighboring states, which provides for a great variety of homeschool field trip and travel options. That fact may be why some believe that “Tanasi” the Cherokee town after which Tennessee was named, means “meeting place.”
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
Tennessee is ranked as having moderate standards and requirements of homeschoolers.Teaching
Homeschool educators must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent in the state of Tennessee. At least four hours of instruction must be given per school day for a period of 180 days.Testing
Standardized testing is required in grades 5, 7, and 9. Testing is to be administered by the commissioner of education or their designee or through a professional testing service that is LEA approved. You have the legal right to be present during your child's 5th grade testing.
Registration
Tennessee requires a notice of intent to be filed with the superintendent of your local school district or with an umbrella school before beginning your homeschool program. Proof of immunizations or exemption is also required.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Tennessee requires children between the ages of 6 and 18 to be schooled.Reporting
Tennessee requires attendance records to be kept and filed at the end of each school year with your local superintendent.
Advice For Homeschooling In Tennessee
While Tennessee takes a minimally invasive approach to regulations and requirements of homeschool families, staying diligent with your record keeping is still very important. Remember to file your intent to homeschool and your student’s immunization or exemption record annually. Be sure to utilize a planner, online program, or other method for tracking daily attendance. It only takes a moment of your daily routine to track attendance, but it can cost you hours of time trying to recall correct attendance if procrastination is allowed to set in.
QUICK FACTS
Over 100,000 students homeschool in the Volunteer State of Tennessee!
Tennessee has a vast number of co-ops and tutorials for the homeschoolers!
Tennessee parents have had the right to homeschool since 1985.
Featured Field Trip In Your Region
Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas
Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.
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History Museums
Do you ever wonder if your field trips are effective? With this download, you'll learn how to plan a history field trip, what to take along with you, and how to follow up on the trip with activities to reinforce learning. We've also included activity worksheets to use while on the field trip to help you make the most of your hands-on history exploration!
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Nature Study
How do you handle nature studies when nature isn't your thing? You find help! This download defines and describes nature studies, provides a list of materials you need, offers practical ideas for implementing a nature study, and includes a book list for reinforcement. We've even included worksheets to guide you each step of the way.
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Aquariums & Zoos
Zoos and aquariums are always fun to visit. But, with a little extra time and energy investment, you can turn your visit into an academically enriching activity! In this download, you'll find tips for planning your trip well, activities to complete during your visit, follow-up activities discussion guides, and a list of books to reinforce what your students have learned.
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Libraries
Did you know that you can turn something as simple as a trip to the library into a delightful field trip? In this download, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a fun trip, discover all of the exciting ways to enjoy a library visit, and find age-appropriate follow-up activities.
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Historical Sites
Historical sites bring history to life in amazing ways. With so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try to plan a trip. This month's download is here to help! Find tips for planning, carrying out, and following up on a historical site visit—then get ready to enjoy!
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Outdoor Family Fun
A summer break from formal curriculum is a healthy and good thing. But, you can still keep your child learning, even during the break! In this e-book, you'll find tips for ways to combine summer learning and summer fun.
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Art Museums
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Art Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next art museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
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Community Kindness
Have you heard of the Random Acts of Kindness movement (RAK)? That's what this month's field trip focus is all about!
In this Community Kindness Activity Guide, you'll find suggestions for showing kindness to people in your community. You'll also discover volunteer options for every stage of learning. Download your e-book today, and start planning your RAK fun!
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My Town
How much do you know about your town? Notebooking can be a great way to process through learning about your city or town! In this My Town Activity E-Book, you'll find suggestions for completing notebooking activities to help you learn about both the geography and history of your community, town, or city. When you complete all of the research, you can add a cover and use a binder or folder to create a lasting version of your exploration!
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Indoor Field Trips & Factories
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Factory Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next indoor field trip, with a special focus on factories of all kinds. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
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Holiday Crafts & Recipes
No matter what the holiday, there are always fun ways to celebrate through crafts and cooking! In this Holiday Crafts & Recipes Activity E-Book, you'll find a wealth of craft options for all ages, as well as recipes you can whip up together. Use the results of your creativity to decorate your home, brighten the day of a friend, or even show appreciation to the people who serve your town or community!
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Science Museum
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Science Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next science museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!