Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Tennessee

Here is exactly what Tennessee requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
180 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Tennessee homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to your local school district by August 1 annually.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Composition, Reading.
  • Teacher requirement: Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual standardized testing required in grades 5, 7, and 9. Results kept by parent; submit copy to local director of schools.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Tennessee

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Composition, Reading.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Check your eligibility for Education Savings Account, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  6. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Tennessee

Tennessee homeschool families may be eligible for Education Savings Account. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Education Savings Account - Administered by Tennessee Department of Education. Typically covers private school tuition & required fees, curriculum & instructional materials, tutoring services, educational technology, testing & assessment, extracurricular activities. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://www.tn.gov/education/families/esa.html

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Tennessee?
Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to your local school district by August 1 annually.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED
Is standardized testing required?
Annual standardized testing required in grades 5, 7, and 9. Results kept by parent; submit copy to local director of schools.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee runs Education Savings Account. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires you to cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Composition, Reading. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Tennessee require?
Tennessee expects about 180 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Tennessee instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Tennessee department of education or county superintendent.