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 whether your state offers scholarship or ESA funding for home education.
  6. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Tennessee

Tennessee has an Education Savings Account (ESA) program.

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.
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.