Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Tennessee

This is general guidance based on Tennessee law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Tennessee. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Tennessee's IEA program provides approximately $6,957 (varies by district) for students with active IEPs who were enrolled in public school the prior year. Your child's IEP ends on withdrawal, but districts must provide equitable services to eligible homeschool students.

IEP services end upon withdrawal. LEA may offer limited services to parentally placed students at district discretion under IDEA.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Districts are responsible for locating and evaluating children suspected of having disabilities, including homeschooled students, and providing equitable services to eligible students.

How to request: Contact your local school district's special education office to request an evaluation.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services

Districts are responsible for providing equitable services to eligible homeschool students under IDEA.

How to request: Contact your local school district to inquire about available equitable services.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

Dual enrollment

Limited; some districts may accommodate but no statutory right for special education dual enrollment.

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: May be available through district equitable services or IEA program
Occupational therapy:: Through IEA program from approved providers
Behavioral therapy:: Through IEA program from approved providers

IEA provides ~$6,957 (average; capped at 100% of state+local per-pupil funding, varies by district). Student must have been enrolled in TN public school one full year immediately preceding and have active IEP with qualifying disability (autism, deaf-blindness, developmental delay, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, or visual impairment). ISPs, IFSPs, ILPs, IPPs, 504 plans do NOT qualify.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

Tennessee offers Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program. ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Tennessee?

Yes. Parents in Tennessee have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Tennessee.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Tennessee?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Tennessee's specific provisions.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

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Requirements sourced from T.C.A. 49-6-3050. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026