Requirements for Independent Home School

Parents may home school their own children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-3050 by registering with their local school district. The law states that independent home school students must:

1. “Provide annual notice to the local director of schools prior to each school year of the parent-teacher’s intent to conduct a home school and, for the purpose of reporting only, submission to the director of schools of the names, number, ages and grade levels of the children to be home schooled, the location of the school, the proposed curriculum to be offered, the proposed hours of instruction and the qualifications of the parent-teacher”;

2. Maintain attendance records and submit these records to the Director of Schools at the end of each school year.

Independent Home School

Any parents/legal guardians who intend to conduct an Independent Home School for grades K-12 for their own children, during the 2024-2025 school year must notify their local public school Director’s office each year.  This requirement applies to previous home school parents and new ones alike. Home School registration forms are available at the Cannon County Schools Central office, on the Tennessee State Department of Education Home School page, or by clicking this link Intent to Home School form . Upon completion, signed and dated forms along with the documents listed below, should be returned to the Director of School’s office at 301 West Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190.  Student attendance (at least 4 hours per day, 180 days per year) must be reported to the local school district at the end of the school year. Testing of independent home school students is required in grades 5, 7, and 9 and coordinated through the local school district. Students graduating from an independent home school receive their diplomas and transcripts from their parent-teacher. 

Any parent/legal guardian wishing to conduct an Independent Home-School for grades K-12 must provide:

1. proof of legal custody or guardianship by a copy of child’s birth certificate or court order, and

2. evidence of a parent or legal guardian’s high school diploma or GED, and 

3. Intent to Home School form; and 

4. Notice Concerning Students with Disabilities form. 

Click on the links below to access and print *required forms for Independent Home-School.

*Intent to Home School form

*Notice concerning Students with Disabilities Form 

Video:  How to Register for Independent Home School 

Requirement  Grades K-8 

Parent's Education:  High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED

Registration:  With local school system prior to each school year 

Attendance:  4 hours per day, 180 days per year 

Record Keeping and  Reporting:   Attendance Record sent to Director of Schools at the end of the school year. 

Testing:   In grades 5 and 7, same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students.  

Location and Cost of  Testing:   In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent's expense.

Test Sanctions:   1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled) 1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled)

Enter or Re-Enter Public or Approved Private School:  Must be tested for grade placement 

High School Diploma or Certificate of Attendance:   None provided - Parent creates

Requirement  Grades 9-12

 Parent's Education:  High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED

Registration:  With local school system prior to each school year 

Attendance:  4 hours per day, 180 days per year 

Record Keeping and  Reporting:   Attendance Record sent to Director of Schools at the end of the school year. 

Testing:   In grade 9 same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students but NOT the high school proficiency test  

Location and Cost of  Testing:   In the local public school which the student would otherwise attend at no charge OR by a professional testing service at parent's expense.

Test Sanctions:   1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled) 1 year or more below grade level for 2 years in a row, superintendent MAY require parents to enroll child in public or private school (unless child is learning disabled)

Enter or Re-Enter Public or Approved Private School:  Must be tested in each subject for credit toward graduation  

High School Diploma or Certificate of Attendance:   None provided - Parent creates