Tennessee Homeschool High School Guide

Independent home school: parent-issued diploma. Church-related school: diploma from that school. No state-issued homeschool diploma.

Parent-created for independent home school. Umbrella schools may issue transcripts. Maintain transcript for grades 9-12.

Tennessee Board of Regents and UT system schools have specific homeschool admissions requirements — typically ACT/SAT scores and parent-generated or umbrella-issued transcripts.

Program

Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant

Eligibility

LEA discretion for public school classes; community college admission requirements

How to enroll

Contact LEA or community college

Cost

Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant may cover costs; EPSO program pays tuition for courses 1-5 and $100/credit for courses 6-10

T.C.A. 49-4-930 (Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant); T.C.A. 49-6-3050 (EPSO)

What's covered

Sports

Eligibility

Must meet TSSAA eligibility requirements; must reside in attendance zone; applies to interscholastic athletics only

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

Tennessee offers 3 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

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  Independent Home School (Grades K-8) : 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.
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  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.
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  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. Compare all pathways for Tennessee