Homeschooling in TennesseeRegister, Plan, Teach, Assess
AdaptiPath helps Tennessee families create amazing homeschool lessons while staying compliant with state requirements. No stress, no guesswork - just great education for your kids.
Stay Tennessee Compliant
Tennessee requires state registration, 180 days with 4 hours daily, and annual assessment. We help you stay organized and meet all requirements consistently.
State Requirements Met ✓
Meets Tennessee curriculum requirements
Grade-appropriate skill building
Hands-on learning activities
What You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Tennessee
Tennessee has more detailed requirements, but don't worry - we'll help you stay compliant. Here are the facts in simple terms.
State Registration
RequiredRegister with the Tennessee Department of Education, not just your local district. This is required before you start homeschooling.
180 Days, 4 Hours Daily
RequiredProvide instruction for 180 days per year with at least 4 hours of instruction each day. This is more specific than most states.
Four Core Subjects
RequiredTeach mathematics, language arts (reading, writing), social studies, and science. Focus on these four main areas.
Annual Assessment Required
RequiredYour child must take a standardized test or receive an evaluation every year. This is mandatory, not optional.
Attendance Records
RequiredKeep detailed records of attendance showing 180 days and daily hours of instruction. Tennessee may ask to see these.
No Home Visits
OptionalTennessee doesn't conduct home inspections or visits. Once registered, you maintain privacy in your homeschool methods.
Key Things to Remember for Tennessee Families
Tennessee requires state-level registration, not just local district notification
The 4-hour daily requirement is more specific than most states - plan accordingly
Annual assessment is mandatory - budget for testing or evaluation costs
Focus on the four core subjects but you can add others as you choose
Keep detailed attendance records showing both days and hours
Tennessee homeschool groups provide valuable support and testing resources
Plan your schedule to consistently meet the 4-hour daily requirement
Don't Worry - You've Got This!
Thousands of families in Tennessee are successfully homeschooling their kids. The requirements might seem overwhelming at first, but they become routine quickly. AdaptiPath helps you stay organized and compliant so you can focus on what matters most - your child's education.
How to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee
Follow these simple steps to get started. Don't worry - it's easier than it seems!
Register with Tennessee Department of Education
Before startingImportant!Complete the official registration with the state department of education online or by mail. This is required before you begin homeschooling.
Plan Your 180-Day, 4-Hour Schedule
Before startingCreate a calendar showing 180 school days with at least 4 hours of instruction each day. This needs to be more detailed than other states require.
Organize Your Four Core Subjects
Before startingPlan how you'll teach math, language arts, social studies, and science. Make sure you can demonstrate instruction in all four areas.
Choose Assessment Method
Early in yearDecide how you'll handle the required annual assessment - standardized testing or evaluation by a qualified person. Research options and costs.
Set Up Detailed Record Keeping
Before startingCreate a system to track daily attendance, hours of instruction, and subjects taught. Tennessee's requirements are more detailed than most states.
Begin Homeschooling
When readyStart your school year following your planned schedule. Keep track of hours and subjects daily from the beginning.
Complete Annual Assessment
End of yearImportant!Arrange for your child's required annual assessment. Keep the results with your records as proof of compliance.
Congratulations! You're Ready to Homeschool in Tennessee
Once you've completed these steps, you're officially homeschooling! Remember, you don't have to be perfect from day one. Every homeschool family learns and improves as they go.
Helpful Tips for Tennessee Families
- Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA) has been supporting Tennessee families since 1984 with eight chapters statewide
- THEA Rally Day is scheduled for March 25, 2025 - attend for valuable insights and legislative updates
- Nashville area families can join Middle Tennessee Home Education Association (MTHEA) and Bellevue Homeschool Association Cooperative
- Memphis families have Memphis-Area Home Education Association (MHEA) and Homeschoolers of Memphis eclectic (HOMe)
- Knoxville and East Tennessee have active THEA chapters with regular meetups and field trips
- Chattanooga Southeast Home Education Association (CSTHEA) hosts the Chattanooga Homeschool Expo July 18-19, 2025
- Teach Them Diligently Convention comes to Pigeon Forge May 8-10, 2025 at LeConte Center
- Wild + Free Conference in Franklin September 19-20, 2025 welcomes 900 participants at The Factory
- Tennessee State University Testing Center in Nashville and Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis offer testing services
- Keep a daily log showing hours spent on each subject - Tennessee's 4-hour requirement is more specific than most states
- The 4-hour requirement includes breaks, lunch, and transitions - not just seat time, making it manageable for families
How AdaptiPath Helps Tennessee Families
- Creates lesson plans that meet Tennessee requirements automatically
- Tracks attendance and progress for state compliance
- Provides grade-appropriate curriculum for all required subjects
- Saves you hours of planning time every week
"Remember, you don't have to figure this out alone!"
Join thousands of Tennessee families who are already homeschooling successfully. Most parents are surprised by how much they enjoy teaching their own kids once they get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Tennessee
Here are the questions we hear most from Tennessee parents who are thinking about homeschooling.
Still Have Questions About Tennessee Homeschooling?
We're here to help! Our team understands Tennessee homeschool laws and can guide you through getting started.
Tennessee Homeschool Resources
For the most up-to-date information about Tennessee homeschool laws, we recommend checking with these trusted sources:
- • Your Tennessee Department of Education website
- • Local Tennessee homeschool associations and co-ops
- • HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
- • Tennessee homeschool Facebook groups and online communities
Choose YourPerfect Plan
Scale with your family's needs. Start with personalized lesson plans for every child with our Small Family plan and upgrade as your homeschooling journey grows.
Perfect for small families
Great for growing families
For large homeschooling families