Homeschooling is about saying goodbye to traditional schooling, where students need to set aside other tasks and attend school in person. This type of education allows students to learn from home.
Understanding Homeschooling in Tennessee
Let’s take a look at the features of homeschooling in Tennessee.
Overview of Homeschooling
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents are fully responsible for the learning of their children at home. Parents create curriculum suiting their children’s needs and strengths best. This curriculum is flexible and highly adaptive to the learning style of each child.
Tennessee Homeschooling Laws
Tennessee requires families to follow specific homeschooling laws. Parents can choose between homeschooling as an independent home school, through a church-related umbrella school, or as part of a satellite program. Each option has its own requirements for record-keeping, assessments, and attendance.
Parents who select Independent Homeschooling register with the local school district, provide daily instruction, keep attendance records, and administer standardized tests in certain grades.
Church-Related Umbrella School requires families to work under a church-affiliated school. This school sets its own requirements for attendance, grading, and, in some cases, testing.
Parents opting for the Satellite Program enroll with a private school, handling administrative tasks and setting its own requirements for record-keeping and assessments.
Enrolling in a Homeschool Program
Parents need to choose a homeschooling option, register with the state or chosen school, and submit any required forms or documents.
Starting Homeschooling in Tennessee
Let’s look at how a family can start homeschooling in Tennessee.
Steps to Begin Homeschooling
Parents can choose to homeschool their children instead of sending them to traditional schools. Homeschooling allows families to decide about the educational program for their kids. There are several steps parents do if they want to start homeschooling:
- Choose a homeschooling option (independent, church-related, or satellite)
- Register with the appropriate organization
- Follow Tennessee’s requirements for attendance and record-keeping
Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum
Successful homeschooling happens when parents choose the right curriculum and follow specific standards. We have detailed how to select the right homeschooling curriculum in this article. We explained how to work with standards, helping choose the correct subjects and programs in this article.
Joining Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Parents and students use local homeschool groups like Classical Conversations and online support groups like The Homeschool Mom Community. These groups provide families with support and help children achieve better results.
Homeschool co-ops bring families together to share teaching responsibilities. Co-ops provide group classes, field trips, and social activities. Students get valuable experience by participating in such activities and don’t feel lonely as they make new friends.
Exploring Educational Opportunities
Let’s look at what educational opportunities are available for homeschoolers in Tennessee.
Organizing Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers can participate in non-online activities like field trips. Parents can plan field trips to museums, parks, science centers, and historical sites. These activities help kids find new friends, get valuable knowledge, and apply theory to practice.
Utilizing Online Homeschool Resources
Parents can use online resources like virtual classes, educational games, and curriculum guides to support and enrich their child’s learning at home.
Participating in Church-Related School Activities
Parents enrolled in a church-related umbrella school can involve their children in various activities, such as sports, arts, or academic events, offered by the school.
Complying with Tennessee Homeschool Laws
Parents who wish to transition their children to homeschooling need to understand the laws of this type of education. Let’s take a closer look at these laws.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
Parents need to know and follow Tennessee’s rules for homeschooling, such as registering, tracking attendance, and keeping academic records, depending on the chosen homeschooling option. We discussed these options above, in the section “Tennessee Homeschooling Laws“.
Accreditation and Grade Levels
Homeschooling in Tennessee doesn’t require accreditation, but parents should ensure they cover the necessary subjects for their child’s grade level to meet educational standards.
Seeking Local School Support
Parents reach out to local schools for guidance or to participate in extracurricular activities, depending on the school’s policies. Such support from schools helps make the educational program richer and stronger.
Building a Homeschooling Community
Homeschoolers have access to a supportive community through local groups, online forums, and co-ops. These resources allow families to connect and find support from other homeschooling families.
Connecting with Other Homeschool Families in Tennessee
Parents can join local homeschool groups to meet other families, share experiences, and find support for homeschooling in Tennessee. They use resources like The Homeschool Mom Community to connect with other families.
Engaging in Co-op Education Programs
Parents can enroll their children in co-op programs where homeschool families come together to teach classes, participate in group projects, and provide social interaction.
Exploring Umbrella Schools for Homeschoolers
Parents can consider umbrella schools providing administrative support, resources, and sometimes classes or activities, helping them meet homeschooling requirements more easily.
