Tennessee Homeschool Deadlines & Calendar

Initial filing deadline

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

Annual renewal deadline

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

Send to

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

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

Frequency

at_grades

At grades

5, 7, 9

Submit to

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

State-approved standardized tests required in grades 5, 7, and 9. The commissioner provides free testing at public schools, or parents may use an LEA-approved professional testing service (within 30 days of state testing, parent-paid). Intervention thresholds: 3-6 months behind triggers consultation; 6-9 months behind requires a remedial plan with licensed teacher; 1+ year behind on consecutive tests may require enrollment in public/private/church school.

See our full assessment guide for Tennessee for accepted test types and scoring details.

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

Annual renewal

Required by Before the start of each school year

Annual notice to LEA director of schools. Test results submitted after testing in grades 5, 7, and 9. Attendance records available upon request.

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

These deadlines are for Independent Home School (Grades K-8). Tennessee offers 3 pathways, and each may have different deadlines:

• •
  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 calculates the right deadlines for your pathway. Compare all pathways for Tennessee