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.

Notice must include names, ages, and grade levels of all children; parent's intent to conduct a home school; address of the home school; proposed curriculum; proposed hours of instruction; and qualifications of the parent-teacher.

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

Notify school in writing of intent to withdraw. Complete any district withdrawal forms. File the homeschool notice with the LEA director before or at the time of withdrawal. Failing to file notice before withdrawing can trigger truancy proceedings. Retain a copy with date stamp or certified mail receipt.

T.C.A. 49-6-3021

Submit to

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

Frequency

at_grades

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, minimum scores, and remediation details.

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

Deadline

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)

• ✓Attendance records

Records may be reviewed by the district.

Maintain attendance records, immunization records or valid exemptions (T.C.A. 49-6-5001), standardized test results for tested grades, and copies of annual notices filed with the LEA.

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