Tennessee Homeschool Documents & Templates

What to file

simple notice

Send to

Director of schools (superintendent) of the local education agency (LEA)

Deadline

Before the start of each school year, or before commencing instruction if withdrawing mid-year

How often

annual

Free-form letter accepted?

Yes. You can write your own letter instead of using an official form.

T.C.A. 49-6-3050(b)(1)

Status

Required if your child is currently enrolled in school

Send to

School principal or administration, plus LEA director of schools

T.C.A. 49-6-3021

Submit to

LEA director of schools (superintendent) and state board of education

Frequency

at_grades

See our full assessment guide for Tennessee for accepted test types, minimum scores, and remediation details.

T.C.A. 49-6-3050(b)(5)

Deadline

Before the start of each school year

T.C.A. 49-6-3050(b)

Varies by pathway. Independent Home School (Grades K-8): true; Independent Home School (Grades 9-12): true; Church-Related School (Umbrella School): false

• ✓Attendance records

Records may be reviewed by the district.

T.C.A. 49-6-3050(b)(2)

This page covers Independent Home School (Grades K-8). Tennessee offers 3 different ways to homeschool, and each may require different documents:

• •
  Independent Home School (Grades K-8)(this page): You notify your local school district superintendent annually, teach four core subjects for 180 days at 4 hours per day, and administer standardized testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. The parent-teacher must hold a high school diploma or GED. This is the most common pathway for elementary and middle school families.
• •
  Independent Home School (Grades 9-12): You notify your local superintendent annually with a proposed curriculum listing specific course names and whether a college preparatory or general course of study will be taught. The parent-teacher must hold at least a high school diploma or GED. You teach 180 days at 4 hours per day. Testing is required only in grade 9. Best for high school families where the parent has a diploma or GED.
• •
  Church-Related School (Umbrella School): You enroll with a church-related umbrella school (defined in T.C.A. 49-50-801), which handles notification and reporting to the local superintendent on your behalf. The state does not impose specific subject, testing, or instructor credential requirements — those are set by the umbrella school. This is the best option for families where the parent lacks a high school diploma or GED.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one and generates the correct documents. Compare all pathways for Tennessee