Unlike public, charter, and private schools, there is no list of "home schools" to compare, because a home school isn't an institution — Tennessee law defines it as a school conducted by a parent or guardian for their own children. That's why home schooling has its own tab here instead of appearing in the school directory.
What families actually need is not a ranking but a clear map of the three legal ways to home school in Tennessee, how to register in Davidson County, and where to find local community. This is a neutral explainer — the guide does not rank or endorse any pathway, program, or group.
You are the teacher of record. You register directly with your school district (MNPS in Davidson County), teach at least 4 hours a day for 180 days, and keep an attendance record.
The teaching parent must hold a high school diploma or GED. Students take the state TCAP test in grades 5, 7, and 9. You issue your child's diploma and transcript.
You enroll your child in a state-approved Category IV church-related school that supervises home educators. The umbrella school handles registration, records, testing policy, and issues the diploma.
No district Intent form is required. Testing follows the umbrella school's policy (often no mandatory TCAP). For grades 9–12, a parent may still need a diploma or GED. This is the most common route in Tennessee.
An accredited Category III online school your child attends from home. The state is explicit that this is a private school, not a home school — the school provides the curriculum, teachers, and diploma.
Because these are private schools, they may appear in the private-school listings and some participate in state scholarship programs. Confirm accreditation on the state's Non-Public Schools list.
Decide between independent, an umbrella school, or an accredited online school. Your choice determines who you register with and what testing applies.
For independent home school, register with the MNPS Homeschool Office by submitting the Tennessee Notice of Intent to Home School form before the school year starts, along with proof of your high school diploma or GED. A new form is filed each year.
If your child is currently enrolled, notify the school of the switch. If you later stop home schooling, you must notify MNPS.
Provide at least 4 hours of instruction per day for 180 days, and keep the MNPS Homeschool Attendance Calendar. Submit it to the MNPS Homeschool Office at the end of the year.
Independent home school students take the TCAP in grades 5, 7, and 9. Umbrella and online students follow their school's testing policy instead.
Contact the MNPS Family Information Center at (615) 259-4636, or your district home school coordinator (see the state coordinator list below).