Understanding Homeschool Laws

Understanding Homeschool Laws in Tennessee

Updated for 2025 | For Families at Hidden Bee Learning โ€“ Columbia, TN

Hidden Bee Learning is located at:
๐Ÿ“ 753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401

We proudly operate in Tennessee, a state that supports homeschooling through several flexible legal pathways. If youโ€™re new to homeschooling or just exploring your options, hereโ€™s a simplified overview of Tennesseeโ€™s current laws and how programs like ours fit in.

๐Ÿ“˜ Homeschooling Options in Tennessee

Tennessee recognizes three primary legal avenues for homeschooling:

1. Independent Home School (Category I)

Parents independently manage their childโ€™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.

๐Ÿ“„ 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 โ€” 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.

๐Ÿ“„ Tennessee Home Education Association โ€“ 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.

๐ŸŽ“ Our programs use:

  • Experience Curriculum for ages 3โ€“5 (Little Explorers)
  • Moving Beyond the Page for ages 5โ€“7 (Pathfinders)
  • Blossom & Root and custom enrichment for ages 7+ (Trailblazers)

โš–๏ธ 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, itโ€™s a signal of increased support and flexibility for homeschoolers.

๐Ÿ“„ Read about the proposed bill

๐Ÿงพ Resources for Families