Homeschooling a child requires a lot of commitment, organization and thorough planning. In Tennessee, homeschooling is a regulated activity and there are certain requirements which parents need to meet before they can begin to homeschool their child. Tennessee is one of the more lenient homeschooling states and there are no formal tests or standardized tests required for homeschools to maintain compliance.
However, there are still certain expectations that parents need to understand before they can settle into a homeschooling routine and in this article, we will answer 15 questions you may have about homeschooling your child in Tennessee.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in Tennessee
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Tennessee. According to the laws of Tennessee Department of Education, homeschools are considered exempt from compulsory school attendance and the parents, educators, and supervisors of home-schools can provide instruction in any grade from prekindergarten through twelfth grade.
2. What Requirements Does a Homeschool Have to Meet?
First of all, the homeschool must be voluntarily established by a parent and it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that all required documents are completed and any additional requirements are met. Parents who want to homeschool in Tennessee must provide an annual notice to their county Department of Education of their intention to homeschool and provide an affidavit to the Department of Education, as well as an attendance record.
The elementary curriculum must include the five core subject areas: math, language arts, science, social studies, and health and physical education.
3. What are the Required Testing Requirements?
Tennessee does not require any formal or standardized tests. However, parents are expected to maintain records to show that their child is making satisfactory academic progress. Parents can also choose to administer standardized tests or assessments such as the Stanford Achievement Test or the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).
4. Do I Need a Teaching Certificate?
No, you do not need a teaching certificate. However, if parents have not met the necessary requirements to be considered a “qualified teacher” by the Tennessee Department of Education, they must use a tutor to oversee the instructional program.
5. What Are the Requirements for the Qualified Teacher?
The qualified teacher must be a resident of Tennessee and must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The qualified teacher must also be able to provide evidence of preparation in the subject matter or areas of instruction. The qualified teacher must also have at least three years of successful teaching experience at the grade level for which the instructional program is planned.
6. What is the Process for Submitting a Notice to the County Department of Education?
Parents must submit a signed notification letter to their county superintendent of schools showing an intention to homeschool. This notification letter must include the child’s name and mailing address, the child’s birthday, and a list of the subjects they plan to study.
7. What Information Do I Need To Include in the Affidavit?
The affidavit must contain the same information as the notification letter, as well as an affirmation that the parent has personally notified the school district of their plans to homeschool and that the parent agrees to withdraw the student from the public school and keep records for review.
8. Are There Any Eligibility Restrictions to Homeschooling?
Yes, the parent who is providing instruction must have a high school equivalency diploma or higher and must be mentally, physically, and emotionally capable of providing instruction. The home should also provide a suitable environment for learning, which may include establishing a special room or study space.
9. Are There Any Attendance Requirements?
Yes, parents must maintain records which show how many hours their child is engaged in instruction each year as well as how many hours the child has participated in supervised activities.
10. Can I Homeschool My Child For Part of the Year?
Yes, you can homeschool your child for part of the year, as long as you provide the necessary notification to the county Department of Education.
11. Do I Have To Follow The Curriculum Requirements Of The Local School District?
No, homeschools are not required to follow the curriculum requirements of the local school district. However, Tennessee law requires that the instruction provided must give the child an opportunity to receive an education equivalent to that provided in public schools.
12. Are There Religious Requirements For Homeschooling?
No, there are no religious requirements for homeschooling in Tennessee. However, instruction must be given in the five mandatory subject areas: math, language arts, science, social studies, and health and physical education.
13. Are Any Subjects Prohibited From Being Taught?
Yes, state or federal laws prohibit the teaching of certain subjects, including topics that include the development of racial, religious or ethnic hatred.
14. Are There Penalties For Not Meeting The Homeschool Requirements?
Yes, parents who fail to meet the homeschool requirements can face charges of truancy and may be subject to criminal penalties.
15. Are Field Trips Permitted?
Yes, field trips are permitted as long as the activities are consistent with the educational objectives for which the homeschool was established, and the field trips do not interfere with the instruction of other children attending a school or public school.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be an exciting journey for families and a great opportunity for parents to provide their child with an education tailored to their individual needs. Tennessee is one of the most lenient states regarding homeschool regulations and requirements, so parents should take the time to familiarize themselves with the regulations and requirements before starting their homeschooling journey.
We hope this article has helped to answer any questions you may have about homeschooling your child in Tennessee.