Homeschooling in Tennessee
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in Tennessee. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around Tennessee. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in Tennessee.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in Tennessee
Ages and exceptions
You may homeschool independently or enroll your child in an approved church related school.
You do not need an intent to homeschool form if your child is enrolled in a church related school.
Your child's accredited online school is classified as a private school rather than a homeschool.
Register or give notice
You must submit notice of intent to your resident school district to homeschool independently.
You must renew your independent homeschool notice before each school year.
Plan instruction
You must have a high school diploma or an approved high school equivalency credential to homeschool independently.
You must meet your church related umbrella school's requirements for homeschool teachers.
Assessments and testing
Your independently homeschooled child must take a standardized test in grades 5, 7, and 9.
Official resources
- Home School - TN.gov
Tennessee Department of Education
Sources checked November 3, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in Tennessee
Our check of official sources found no state funding, scholarship, education savings account or tax program that homeschooling families in Tennessee can use.
Programs that don’t cover homeschooling
You must enroll your child in a registered Category I, II, or III private school in Tennessee to use an Education Freedom Scholarship.
Official sources
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.