In Tennessee, parents have the option to educate their children at home, an option known as homeschooling or home education. The CMCSS Student Services Department is the point of contact for homeschooling questions.

Parents in Tennessee may choose to home school their own children in grades K – 12. The Tennessee Home School law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050) states: “A home school is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children.”

Parents desiring to home school their own children may do so by choosing one of the following three options.

1. Independent Home School

Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050 by registering with their local school district. The law states that parents of independent home school students must:

  • Provide annual notice to the local school system prior to each school year of the parent-teacher’s intent to conduct a home school and, for the purpose of reporting only, submission to the school system of the names, number, ages and grade levels of the children to be home schooled, the location of the school, the proposed curriculum to be offered, the proposed hours of instruction and the qualifications of the parent-teacher”;
  • Maintain attendance records and submit these records to the CMCSS Student Services Department at the end of each school year; and
  • Submit proof of vaccination and receipt of any health services or examinations as required by law.

Parents in Clarksville-Montgomery County choosing this educational option should begin by contacting CMCSS Student Services. The parent will be required to complete an Intent to Home School form and provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED. Student attendance (at least 4 hours per day, 180 days per year) must be reported to the local school district at the end of the school year. Testing of independent home school students is required in grades 5, 7, and 9 and coordinated through the local school district.

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html.

2. Church-related Umbrella School

By authority of the same statute, parents may also home school their own children by registering with a church-related “umbrella” school defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801. Parents who choose this option will be required to provide evidence to the local school district that their child is enrolled in a church-related school. An Intent to Home School form is not required for students who enrolled in a church-related school. The church-related school will determine record keeping and test requirements for students enrolled in an umbrella program.

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html.

3. Accredited Online School

Parents may also enroll their child in an accredited online school. Parents choosing this educational option must be sure to determine that the school has legitimate accreditation status and will be required to provide evidence to the local school district that their child is enrolled in an accredited online school.

To be an acceptable online school for students who reside in Tennessee, the school must be accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies listed below:

  • AdvancED
  • SACS CASI – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement
  • NCA CASI – North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.
  • NWAC – Northwest Accreditation Commission
  • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
  • MSCES – Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools
  • MSCSS – Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and affiliates (e.g., SAIS)
  • National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)

For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/school-options/home-schooling-in-tn.html.