Catholic Homeschooling in Tennessee
How to Homeschool in Tennessee
There are three ways to legally homeschool in Tennessee. You can be an independent home school, enroll in a church-related school that allows your children to learn at home, or participate in a distance-learning school program.Â
There are several requirements necessary for compliance, including minimum teacher qualifications, some testing requirements, and either submission of vaccine records or filing a medical or religious exemption from immunizations.Â
All children must be provide the required number of hours of instruction and maintain attendance records.Â
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Tennessee Department of Education Home School Information
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.”
Tennessee Homeschool StatutesÂ
How to Comply with Tennessee’s Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Tennessee
Special Education Provisions for Tennessee
The Importance of Recordkeeping in Tennessee
Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.Â
Tennessee Home Education Association
THEA is a Christian home education support and lobbying organization. It monitors the Tennessee legislative and judicial arenas, finds sponsors for legislation favorable to homeschooling, and coordinates an annual homeschool Capitol Hill Rally and Legislative Reception Day. State chapters offer graduation, workshops, science fairs, field trips, support and advice for homeschoolers, and other social and educational events. Find your local chapter: MHEA (Memphis Home Education Association), WTHEA (West Tennessee Home Education Association, MTHEA (Middle Tennessee Home Education Association), CSTHEA (Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association, METHEA (Mid-East Tennessee Home Education Association, SMHEA (Smoky Mountain Home Education Association, NETHEA (North East Tennessee Home Education Association), CCT (Christian Communicators of Tennessee).
Catholic Homeschool Support Groups
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group (BSHG)
Memphis, TN and North Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas, West Tennessee
BSHG is dedicated to the education of their children based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. They offer field trips, Moms’ Nights Out, park days, classes, and co-ops.Â
Catholic Homeschoolers of Middle Tennessee
Catholic Homeschoolers of Middle Tennessee is a Facebook group of over 150 Catholic homeschooling families in the Diocese of Nashville. They offer encouragement and support along with opportunities for social and educational activities.Â
Metro Area Roman Catholic Homeschoolers
Nashville, TN
This group meets regularly for fellowship, moms nights out, field trips, liturgical celebrations, and other social events.Â
North Alabama Catholic Homeschool
This group helps Catholic homeschool families in the North Alabama/Tennessee Valley area connect, share information, and communicate with each other. Find information on curriculum, co-ops, and local groups to help you educate your children in a Catholic atmosphere.Â
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Homeschool Group
Knoxville, TN
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Homeschool Group is a Private Association of the Faithful in the Diocese of Knoxville. Their mission is to enable Catholic homeschooling families to live, teach, and preserve their Catholic Christianity, renew Catholic culture, and defend and strengthen Catholic family values. They offer encouragement, education, and fellowship for Catholic homeschooling families.
Catholic Homeschool Co-ops
Blessed Sacrament Homeschool Group (BSHG)
Memphis, TN and North Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas, West Tennessee
BSHG is dedicated to the education of their children based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. They offer field trips, Moms’ Nights Out, park days, classes, and co-ops.Â
Classically Catholic Memory Co-op
Franklin, TN and Memphis, TN
CCM is a Catholic homeschool memory work program, classical in nature covering religion, Latin, science, math, history, geography, and language. It is designed for children ages 5 through 12, and each year of the program provides 18 weeks of memory work in each subject. CCM is run as a co-op model.
Nativity Homeschool Enrichment Co-op (NHEC)
Catholic Church of the Nativity
Thompson’s Station, TN
NHEC provides faith-filled and academically enriching classes to Catholic homeschoolers within the diocese for families of all sizes and education levels. They meet bi-monthly at the Catholic Church of the Nativity for their PK-8 program. The day starts with daily Mass. They offer classes in art, science, apologetics, music, history, language arts, and more, along with liturgical feast gatherings.Â
North Alabama Catholic Homeschool
This group helps Catholic homeschool families in the North Alabama/Tennessee Valley area connect, share information, and communicate with each other. Find information on curriculum, co-ops, and local groups to help you educate your children in a Catholic atmosphere.Â
St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op
Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul
Chattanooga, TN
St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op is a community of Catholic homeschoolers meeting each Friday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul. They offer enrichment life skills for grades Pre-K to 12.Â
St. Benedict Catholic Co-op
Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Knoxville, TN
St. Benedict Catholic Co-op is a classical education program that meets on Thursdays at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville. The offer classes in Latin, science, art, memory work, Montessori preschool, and more.Â
St. Thomas More Schola
St. Philip Catholic Church
Franklin, TN
Saint Thomas More Schola is a K-8 Catholic cooperative and tutorial for homeschooling families in Middle Tennessee (Diocese of Nashville). This co-op utilizes the classical model, with robust training in the liberal arts and a focus on development of the moral virtues. They meet at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, south of Nashville on I-65.Â
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool co-ops near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies
Catholic Schoolhouse
Knoxville, TN
Catholic Schoolhouse is a supplemental program designed to help homeschool families enrich their educational experience through a flexible approach to learning inspired by classical elements, presented in a structured environment. Grammar students study the same topics at all ages creating family unity. The whole family has a place at Catholic Schoolhouse. Older students in the dialectic and rhetoric stage meet for discussion and activities that are best done in a group setting–all focusing on helping them become effective Catholic adults.
Holy Family Academy
Memphis, TN
Holy Family Academy is a classical Catholic hybrid homeschool program for children in grades K through 6. Students meet two days a week for classes, with assignments and suggestions for enrichment at home for the remaining three days. Courses include history, literature, music, art, history, poetry, Latin, mathematics, and natural sciences.
Regina Caeli Nashville
Nashville, TN
Regina Caeli Academy’s University-Style Hybrid approach offers both a strong family life enjoyed by homeschoolers and a formative, Socratic classroom experience for all students. They offer many extra-curricular activities, as well as college preparatory high school offerings. Students attend classroom instruction two days a week. This program serves grades preK through 12th grade.
St. Philip Learning Center (SPLC)
Franklin, TN
SPLC is a Catholic Montessori program for ages 3-18. They offer a 3-6 year old program utilizing the Montessori method and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Their homeschool program is for homeschool students ages 6-12. They meet Tuesdays and Thursdays for learning in a group setting using Montessori’s Great Lessons. Subjects include history, science, mathematics, language, and faith formation/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. There is also a Montessori Erdkinder/Adolescent program for ages 12-18. The program offers reading, community discussion, research, and enriching interactions with art, music, and nature.
The Three Hearts Academy (3Hearts)
Columbia, TN
Three Hearts Academy is a partnership between tutors and Catholic families. They offer academics and faithful catechesis with support and enrichment. They offer a full academic hybrid program or a Monday only enrichment program for grades Pre-K through 8th grade.
Umbrella Schools
In Tennessee, families can choose to homeschool using an umbrella school. All umbrella schools are religiously affiliated, but most do not require a statement of faith. These are some lists of umbrella and church-related schools in Tennessee. Typically, umbrella schools will register your family with your zoned school district and maintain attendance records for you. Some umbrellas schools provide other services such as academic counselors, scholarship information, and other educational, service, and social opportunities. They may also offer field trips, co-op classes, transcripts, diplomas, graduation, dances, enrichment classes, sports teams, hybrid schools, and online classes.
Tennessee Christian Church-Related or Umbrella Schools
34 Homeschool Umbrella Schools in Tennessee
Umbrella Schools in Tennessee for Homeschoolers
Do you know of any Catholic hybrid homeschool programs or homeschool academies near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Catholic Homeschool Conferences
The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024
Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Cordova, Memphis, Bartlett, Knoxville, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Millington
CGS is a program focusing on the contemplation and enjoyment of God. It is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
Diocese of Knoxville, TNÂ
Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Committee on Scouting Â
American Heritage Girls
Troop TN0629 – Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, TN
Troop TN0516 – Saint Philip Catholic Church, Franklin, TN
Troops of Saint GeorgeÂ
Troop 501 – Murfreesboro
Troop 311 – Knoxville, TN
Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Sports for Homeschoolers
Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Tennessee
Homeschool students are permitted by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) to participate in public school extracurricular athletics under the following conditions: the parent has filed a notice of intent and is in compliance with the statute requirements for home education in Tennessee. Students homeschooling under a church-related school may also participate in public school sports as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
Christian Homeschool Sports Leagues & Activities
MHEA Eagles
MTHEA List of Sports Teams & Activities
CSTHEA Patriots Athletics
Tennessee HEAT Sports
Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Shrines & Pilgrimages in Tennessee
Cathedral of the Incarnation
Nashville, TN
Our Lady Virgin of the Poor Shrine
New Hope, TN
St. Martin de Porres National Shrine & Institute
Memphis, TN
Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Field Trips in Tennessee
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