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Tennessee Homeschool Umbrella Schools

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According to the Tennessee education code, homeschoolers have 3 ways to follow Tennessee homeschool laws. The most popular of these options with homeschool families is to enroll their child in a church-related umbrella school. These schools are operated by denominational, parochial or other bona fide church organizations and are required to meet specific standards of accreditation.

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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.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page provides suggestions and information on how to meet the mandatory school attendance laws in Tennessee. It is not intended and should not be used as definitive legal advice. In most states, parents find a variety of legal methods to pursue the educational approach that they prefer for their child.

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How Umbrella Schools in Tennessee Work

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All church-related umbrella schools in Tennessee will have different ways of carrying out operations, but there are some things that law requires them to have in common. Those things include:

  • The state board of education is prohibited from controlling the curriculum or faculty of the school

  • They must run for the same length of operation as the public school system

  • They must comply with state vaccination requirements

  • They must supply the name, age, and address of each student to the superintendent of schools where the student resides

  • They must keep attendance records for each student

Aside from those requirements, umbrella schools in TN are free to choose their own operational procedures. Each school will vary on curriculum options, standardized testing, minimum graduation requirements, parent education levels, and other details of homeschooling.

 

Questions to Ask Your Umbrella School

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Before enrolling in a specific school, you’ll want to spend time researching your options. Things that you should know about a school before signing up may include:

  • Tuition costs and course/curriculum fees

  • Whether or not they require a statement of religious faith

  • Whether or not they require you to be a member of a specific church

  • What support they offer new homeschoolers

  • What curriculum choices and options are available

  • The activities that are offered to students (sports, extracurriculars, clubs, etc.)

  • What recordkeeping they take care of and what record keeping they require parents to handle

  • If they offer official transcripts

By getting this information about each school, you can form an overall view of the school’s goals and policies. This will help you narrow your options and settle on an umbrella school that will be the best fit for your particular family and student(s).

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