In the state of Tennessee, families have the right to home school their children through several options. The Tennessee Home School law (TN Code Annotated 49-6-3050) states: “A homeschool is a school conducted or directed by a parent or parents or a legal guardian or guardians for their own children.”
Murfreesboro City Schools strives to be the top choice for families in our school zone. However, we understand some families will choose home school as their best option for their child/ren, so we are providing the following information for reference.
Families may enroll their children in an (1) Independent Home School, (2) Church-related Umbrella School, or (3) Accredited Online School.
Independent Home Schooling
Church-related Umbrella School (Category IV)
Families are required to provide evidence to Murfreesboro City Schools that their child is enrolled in a church-related “umbrella” school (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801). Families who choose this option will be required to provide evidence to the local school district that their child is enrolled in a state approved church-related school. An Intent to HomeSchool form is not required. The church-related school will determine record-keeping and test requirements for students enrolled in an umbrella program.
To access a list of state-approved Category IV church-related umbrella schools, visit the Non-Public Schools webpage and click on the current Non-Public Schools List. Umbrella programs are identified in the first column titled “Home School Umbrella.”
Accredited Online School (Category III)
Families choosing this educational option must be sure to determine that the school has legitimate accreditation status and will be required to provide evidence to the Murfreesboro City Schools that their child is enrolled in an accredited online school. It’s important that you complete your own research on the best fit for your child. Murfreesboro City Schools does not provide recommendations, especially because accreditations can change. An Intent to HomeSchool form is not required.
A complete list of Category III accredited online schools, including a list of approved regional accreditors is available below. It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to ensure that their student has been enrolled in an online school that is approved in Tennessee.
For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Education’s Home School webpage and Non-Public Schools.
For more information, you may contact:
Ken Rocha
Assistant Superintendent, Student Support Services
Ken.Rocha@cityschools.net
(615) 893-2313
Elizabeth Emslie
Administrative Assistant, Student Support Services
Elizabeth.Emslie@cityschools.net
(615) 893-2313 ext. 10041