Understanding Homeschool Laws in Tennessee
Updated for 2025 | For Families at Hidden Bee Learning – Columbia, TN
Hidden Bee Learning is located at:
753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
We proudly operate in Tennessee, a state that supports homeschooling through several flexible legal pathways. If you’re new to homeschooling or just exploring your options, here’s a simplified overview of Tennessee’s current laws and how programs like ours fit in.
Homeschooling Options in Tennessee
Tennessee recognizes three primary legal avenues for homeschooling:
1. Independent Home School (Category I)
Parents independently manage their child’s education.
Requirements:
- Submit a Notice of Intent annually to your local school district.
- The teaching parent must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Instruction must occur at least 4 hours per day, 180 days per year.
- Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 must participate in standardized testing.
- Parents must maintain attendance and academic records.
Learn more from the TN Department of Education
2. Church-Related (Umbrella) Schools (Category IV)
Homeschoolers operate under the oversight of a church-related school.
Requirements & Features:
- No notice of intent required to the state — you enroll through the umbrella school.
- The umbrella school may provide curriculum, oversight, and record-keeping.
- Testing and reporting are typically handled by the umbrella program.
- Often includes faith-based options.
Tennessee Home Education Association – Umbrella Info
3. Accredited Online Schools (Category III)
Your child is enrolled in a state-approved, accredited online school.
Features:
- No notice of intent required.
- Proof of enrollment is provided to the local district if requested.
- All instruction, testing, and records are handled by the online program.
4. Tutorial / Micro-School Programs (Like Hidden Bee Learning)
Programs like Hidden Bee Learning function as homeschool tutorial programs or micro-schools. These are not separate legal homeschool categories but support families who homeschool independently by providing structured, part-time instruction, enrichment, and supplemental learning.
What this looks like at Hidden Bee Learning:
- Parents file as Independent Homeschoolers (Category I).
- We provide curriculum-based instruction, tutoring, enrichment, and structured activities.
- Hidden Bee Learning operates similarly to a tutorial, supporting families with consistency, academic guidance, and community while the parent maintains legal homeschool oversight.
Our programs use:
- Experience Curriculum for ages 3–5 (Little Explorers)
- Moving Beyond the Page for ages 5–7 (Pathfinders)
- Blossom & Root and custom enrichment for ages 7+ (Trailblazers)
Recent Legislation to Know (2025 Update)
Tennessee legislators have proposed House Bill 552, which would create a new category of homeschoolers with fewer state requirements. While not law yet, it’s a signal of increased support and flexibility for homeschoolers.
Resources for Families
Tennessee Department of Education – Homeschooling Info
Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA)- HSLDA – Homeschool Legal Defense Association