Home schooling offers a wide range of comprehensive benefits in Tennessee. It has gained traction in recent years. Many families are choosing homeschooling to educate their children. You can control everything, from picking personalized curriculum to setting schedules. However, Tennessee has several laws for homeschooling families.
Home schooling in Tennessee is easy if you are familiar with the state regulations. But these laws are not difficult to follow. If you comply with these regulations, you can legally and safely provide home education to your kids. In this post, we will explore the top homeschooling laws in Tennessee and how you can follow them easily. Let’s dive in!
What Are the Laws for Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Tennessee has flexible homeschooling laws. You can easily comply with them once you have a clear understanding of them. However, if these regulations seem complicated to you, we have a better option that can help you meet the state homeschooling laws. But first, let’s take a look at the key rules.
- Declaration of Intent: If you want to homeschool your kids, you must file an “Intent to Homeschool” with the local school district within 30 days of starting your program. Submitting this form informs the school board about your homeschooling plan and the basic information about your kids.
- Annual Assessment: The law requires you to assess your child’s progress annually. You can take standardized tests or other approved methods.
- Qualifications for Teachers: If you choose an independent homeschooling option, you must meet the minimum educational qualifications, such as a high school diploma or GED.
- Record-Keeping: You should keep detailed records of several documents. For instance, you should maintain the records of attendance, grades, and assessments. The school district might request these documents at any time.
Strategies to Ensure Compliance with Home Schooling Laws in Tennessee
Now, you know the fundamental homeschooling laws in Tennessee. The state offers three options to homeschooling families. These are “Independent Homeschool,” Umbrella School,” and “Online School.”
If you have the necessary qualifications and expertise in homeschooling, you can register yourself as an independent homeschooler. Otherwise, you can enroll your kids in umbrella schools. These institutions help you comply with the state laws and provide all kinds of support and resources. Also, you can choose accredited online schools. Here are some essential steps you need to take to ensure you stay on the safe side of the law.
- Start with the Declaration of Intent
The first and crucial step in legally homeschooling in Tennessee is to file the notice of intent with the local school districts within the deadline. To submit the Declaration of Intent, you can follow these instructions.
- Visit the local school district’s website and download the notice of intent.
- Fill the form with the basic information like your child’s name, date of birth, grade level, and your contact information.
- Submit it within 30 days after the beginning of the school year.
- Contact the school board if you don’t understand anything.
- Choose Your Curriculum Carefully
Tennessee offers greater flexibility for homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum. But it must meet the state standards. There is no rule to follow the same curriculum as public schools, but it must be sufficiently rigorous to prepare your child for their grade level. Also, your curriculum must include the core subjects like math, science, arts, and social studies.
- Keep Detailed Records
Keeping records of your child is an essential part of complying with homeschooling laws in Tennessee. You must maintain your child’s record of attendance, grades, progress, and annual assessment. Create a digital folder or store them in a binder to ensure you can easily access them anytime you want. Also, you can effortlessly submit them to the school district whenever they request them.
- Annual Assessment
After homeschooling for a year, you need to assess your child’s progress. Tennessee law offers several options. For instance, you can have your child take a standardized test like the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Also, you can involve a certified teacher to review your child’s work and provide feedback.
Conclusion
Though home schooling in Tennessee seems challenging for beginners, you can make it exciting once you are familiar with the laws. We hope this guide will help you easily navigate the homeschooling regulations in Tennessee and ensure compliance with them.