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How to Get Started with Homeschooling in Tennessee (2025)
Thinking about homeschooling in Tennessee? You’re not alone! Thousands of families across the state have chosen this flexible, rewarding path. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or switching from a different form of education, this guide will walk you through choosing a legal path, registering your child, choosing curriculum, and getting connected with a supportive community — like BHEA.
1. Understand Your Homeschooling Options in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 3 legal pathways to homeschool. Each lets you customize education for your family:
A) Independent Homeschool (registered directly with your LEA)
This option lets you submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool directly to your Local Education Association (your school district — Blount County, Alcoa, Maryville, or Knox County).
Requirements:
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Provide a high school diploma or GED for parent teacher.
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Keep attendance and immunization records.
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Provide 4 hours of instruction a day, 180 days per year.
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Standardized testing is required in grades 5, 7, and 9.
This path is free and flexible — although many find it challenging during high school due to complications with transcripts and college admissions.
B) Church-Related Umbrella School
This lets you enroll through a church-related school — a brick-and-mortar or umbrella academy — which oversees your paperwork and provides services to help you stay compliant with state requirements.
Benefits:
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No state testing required.
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Transcripts, grade reports, and a diploma upon graduation.
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Support services (such as academic guidance).
Examples:
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HomeLife Academy (highly recommended for high school students)
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Berean Christian School
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The Farm School
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Christian Academy of Knoxville
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Maryville Christian School
Costs: typically $125–$175 per year with a family cap.
To withdraw from a public school: notify your current school and submit paperwork to your umbrella afterwards.
C) Accredited Online School
Some families opt to enroll in a fully accredited online school.
Proof of enrollment must be presented to the LEA.
Things to know:
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The school must be accredited by a recognized agency.
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It may be less flexible and more rigid in pace and curriculum.
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Some online schools are publicly funded and considered “public school at home”—this is not legally homeschool.
Examples of accredited online schools:
2. “Public School at Home” Explained
Some children are registered in a public school at home — a virtual academy or preferred academy run by a public school district. Although these students learn from home, this is not legally considered homeschooling in Tennessee.
We allow you to report this in your registration, and you may still be a BHEA member if at least one of your children is a legally homeschooled student. Nonetheless, please be aware there may be activity restrictions during school hours for children in public school programs.
3. Register Your Homeschool Student
Once you choose your path:
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Submit your withdrawal to your child’s current school.
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File a Notice of Intent if you’re registering directly with your LEA.
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Confirm enrollment with your umbrella or online school.
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Keep all paperwork handy in case you need to show proof of registration.
4. Choose Your Homeschool Curriculum (Tip)
You’re not alone in choosing curriculum. There are numerous resources and methods to match your family’s goals and preferences. Here are a few popular choices to explore:
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Classical: The Well-Trained Mind, Susan Wise Bauer
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Christian: Sonlight, Masterbooks, The Good and the Beautiful
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Online: Time4Learning, Teaching Textbooks
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Math: Math-U-See
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General reviews: CathyDuffyReviews.com, RainbowResource.com
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Tip: It’s okay to start small and adjust as you learn what works.
5. Get Connected — Join BHEA!
BHEA (Blount Home Education Association) is your local community hub for encouragement, resources, and fellowship.
We sponsor:
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Field trips, clubs, co-ops, enrichment classes, and Moms’ Night Out
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Activities for all ages — from toddlers to high school graduates
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Support from veteran homeschoolers who can answer questions and share their experiences
With nearly 500 families participating, BHEA is a great way to connect, find friends, and be supported on your journey.
6. Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s flexible legal framework lets you customize education to match your children’s needs. Whether you pursue independent registration, a church-related umbrella, or an accredited online school, you’re not alone — resources, communities, and guides are all available to help you and your family flourish.
Welcome to the journey — and to BHEA!
If you’d like more information or have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
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