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Use the official education links below for current enrollment, records, evaluation and disability-service requirements. Ask the agency or school which rules apply to your child’s setting.
LEARNING THAT FITS YOUR CHILD
School support, with room for choice.
Homeschool, Catholic, private, or public. Explore Tennessee options for your family.
Build learning days around your child’s goals, interests, communication, and access needs.
Choose independent or umbrella schooling.Independent homeschooling and a qualifying church-related umbrella school are separate routes. An approved accredited online school is a nonpublic school rather than a statutory homeschool.
For independent homeschooling.The parent must have a diploma or approved equivalent and submit notice to the resident district before each school year. Follow the independent-school attendance and record requirements.
Arrange required testing.Independent homeschool students in grades 5, 7, and 9 take an allowed nationally normed test or the applicable state assessment. Umbrella schools have their own program requirements.
Start with the Tennessee school resources below. The listed service areas are regional. Support varies by school; discuss your child’s needs with admissions before applying.
Compare the school’s actual program with your child’s learning, communication, and access needs. A disability label alone does not establish that a school is a suitable match.
Confirm whether an online option is a school or a curriculum provider, who keeps attendance and progress records, and who provides disability accommodations.
Request help.Contact your local school system’s special education or Child Find team about an evaluation. For children under three, start with Tennessee early intervention.
Prepare for the meeting.Bring your child’s strengths, concerns, work samples, and questions about goals, accommodations, related services, and progress reporting.
Understand your next step.Ask for current procedural safeguards and written explanations. Contact the state family-support resources for information and help preparing questions.
Homeschooling, public schooling, and private enrollment have different requirements. A lesson plan or report created here does not create an official IEP or establish eligibility for services.
Sources reviewed September 29, 2026. This is a starting guide; use current agency instructions for your family’s circumstances. Review Tennessee sources →