Homeschooling is a growing trend in America, with almost 2 million children being homeschooled in the United States, a record number. It is no wonder that so many parents are interested in the idea of homeschooling.
But there are some parents who are unsure of what it takes to homeschool their child in Tennessee, the Volunteer state. While homeschooling requires commitment, patience and research, it can be very rewarding. In this article, we address 15 questions parents commonly have about homeschooling in Tennessee.
That way, you can make an informed decision as to whether homeschooling would be the right choice for your family.
1. What Are the Legal Requirements in Tennessee to Get Started Homeschooling?
The Tennessee Home School Law of 1998 is the most important legal requirement to follow when you are interested in homeschooling. This law is broad and allows parents in the state to have considerable flexibility when teaching their children at home. The law does have some parameters that must be followed for a homeschool program to be considered legal.
Parents must notify the school district, provide instructional materials and an annual progress report to the school district, and follow state and local curriculum. Furthermore, the 1998 legislation also provided an option for parents to form a religious exemption from municipal school participation and to file whatever materials they so wish.
2. How Does Tennessee Define Homeschooling?
In Tennessee, homeschooling is defined as a “non-traditional” form of schooling wherein the parent (or other legal guardian) teaches the child at home. This is different from public or private schools that involve outside involvement in the child’s education. Homeschooling also involves an individualized approach to curriculum and lessons.
Depending on the preference of the parent, this may include traditional textbooks, online resources, or other alternative methods.
3. What Is a Religious Exemption and Is It a Viable Option for Homeschooling?
In Tennessee, a religious exemption for homeschooling allows families to apply for exemptions from mandatory school attendance. When granted this exemption, parents are not required to follow the outlined curriculum by local school districts.
However, parents do have to meet the standards set forth by the Tennessee Home School Law of 1998 and parents must also keep a comprehensive log that documents the student’s progress. This log must be updated at least once every 12 months and must include evidence that the student is making progress in a variety of subject areas. Families who qualify for the religious exemption option may elect to use a particular curriculum if they so wish, or they can entirely craft their own curriculum.
Parents can also use alternative learning methods and supplement with online resources.
4. What Are the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Homeschooling in Tennessee is becoming increasingly popular, and like any educational choice, there are some benefits and drawbacks. One of the major pros of homeschooling involves parents having more control over the educational process for their children. This includes setting the pace of the lessons, monitoring the course content, and even using alternative methods of teaching if desired.
Another pro is that homeschooling in Tennessee can be relatively inexpensive, as many of the materials used are readily available either online or in used textbook stores. Furthermore, there are a variety of online resources that are made available to homeschooling families at little to no cost.
On the other hand, there are some cons to homeschooling in Tennessee. The first is that parents need to be committed to the process and do their own research. Homeschooling requires a significant amount of dedication to lesson planning, tracking progress, and providing guidance.
Another drawback is that parent-teachers need to fill out annual progress forms for the school district and keep a daily log of student progress. This can be a tedious task for parents who are already tied up with other commitments.
5. What Are the Additional Requirements for Homeschooling in Tennessee?
There are some additional requirements for homeschooling in Tennessee, most of which involve documentation and record-keeping related to student progress. Parent-teachers are required to maintain a daily log book that outlines the hours of instruction, what was taught, and any measurable progression.
Tennessee law also requires parents to provide an annual progress report to their local school district by August 15th. This report should include the student’s academic activities, a list of textbooks and resources used, and report cards or other evidence of mastery of subjects. Finally, parents are also required to take their students to the doctor at least one time each year and must keep those records.
Furthermore, it is recommended that parents also take advantage of the Tennessee homeschool curriculum conference, which provides in-depth information to help further the student’s education.
6. What Types of Online Resources Are Available for Homeschoolers in Tennessee?
Tennessee parents have a wide variety of resources available to them in the homeschooling market. Online platforms that provide free classes and resources for parents include Khan Academy, IXL, and HippoCampus. These may be supplemented with paid subscriptions to services such as Readability and Academy of Reader.
For Tennessee parents looking to get involved in the homeschooling community, there are also plenty of forums, discussion boards, and local events for parents to connect with other homeschoolers.
7. Are There Any State Laws or Regulations in Place Related to Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee has a law in place that allows parents to homeschool their children. The Tennessee Home School Law of 1998 outlines the parameters of homeschooling, including the notion that parents must provide an annual educational plan or file a religious exemption to participate in the homeschooling program.
The law also states that an annual progress report must be sent to the school district, tracking the student’s progress in subjects.
8. What Types of Homeschool Models Are Available in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, parents are free to choose from a variety of homeschool models. This includes traditional models such as the Charlotte Mason Model and the Classical Education model, as well as more unconventional approaches, such as the Unschooling Model. In the Charlotte Mason Model, the emphasis is on learning through topics that are naturally interesting for children and parents develop their curriculum accordingly.
The Classical Education model seeks to foster an understanding of logic and reason through the furtherance of knowledge in the seven liberal arts, while the Unschooling Model encourages parents to let their children explore their interests and discover knowledge as they go.
9. What Is the Difference Between Unschooling and Traditional Homeschooling?
The primary difference between traditional homeschooling and unschooling is the approach taken to teaching students. In traditional homeschooling, parents are typically responsible for developing a curriculum and planning lessons, while the student is required to follow this curriculum.
Conversely, unschooling believed that children should determine their own educational paths, with the guidance and support of their parents. Parents may provide resources or advice on topics their child is interested in, and they may engage in group activities with other unschoolers, but the curriculum and topics are largely determined by the student’s own interests.
10. Do Homeschool Students in Tennessee Have to Take Standardized Tests?
No, homeschool students in Tennessee do not have to take standardized tests. As long as the student is meeting the academic requirements set forth in the Tennessee Home School Law of 1998 and submitting an annual progress report to the school district, they are not required to take any standardized tests.
11. Are There Any Outside Resources to Take Advantage of While Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Yes, there are a variety of outside resources available for homeschoolers in Tennessee. This includes local support networks and co-ops, such as Homeschoolers of East Tennessee, that provide social and educational opportunities for students.
Tennessee also has a variety of homeschool programs for high schoolers that allow students to take college courses for college credit. Additionally, many libraries in the state have enrichment programs and classes for homeschoolers.
12. Are There Any Homeschool Programs Offered in Tennessee?
Yes, there are a variety of homeschool programs available in Tennessee, both online and in-person. The Tennessee Virtual Academy provide homeschoolers with the opportunity to take core subjects (math, science, history, language arts) through a platform created specifically for homeschoolers.
Additionally, some county school systems offer online courses or alternative day classes for homeschoolers.
13. What Are the Attendance Requirements for Homeschoolers in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Home School Law of 1998 requires homeschoolers to attend school for at least 180 days each year. However, parents have the freedom to choose how the time is allocated and may opt for shorter days and/or a more flexible schedule. It should also be noted that special education students must receive at least 180 days of instruction in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) laws.
14. What Types of Materials Are Needed to Start Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Before starting a homeschool program, there are a few materials that every parent must have. First, a homeschool package should include a combination of textbooks, workbooks, and other recommended reading materials based on the student’s age and desired subject areas.
Secondly, parents need to outline a curriculum and find additional resources or materials that fit into their plans. Finally, parents should also create a plan of action and develop a schedule that works best for the student, which may involve outside activities or classes.
15. Is Homeschooling the Right Choice for My Family?
Homeschooling is an excellent option for families who want to take an active role in their child’s education, but ultimately this is a decision that needs to be made on an individual basis. It is important to consider all options, research the requirements for homeschooling in your state, and think about what your family’s needs and goals are before making a decision. It is also helpful to talk to other homeschooling families and learn from their experiences.
ConclusionHomeschooling in Tennessee is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both parents and children. That said, homeschooling also requires research, commitment, organization and patience.
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have had about homeschooling in the Volunteer State and has given you insight into the process, the legal requirements and the available resources. Best of luck in your homeschooling journey!