How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Tennessee

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Tennessee requires to start

   Notice only. For an independent home school the parent files the Tennessee Notice of Intent to Home School with the local school district, and the parent must have a high school diploma or equivalency with documentation submitted. Church-related umbrella schools and accredited online schools are separate options that do not use this form.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The Department of Education says a parent may start an independent home school at any point in the school year. It does not describe a separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No deadline was found for the first registration, and a new form is due before each school year. Not found in primary sources: a grace period or penalty schedule.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   The Department says the parent-teacher keeps grades and transcripts for an independent home school. FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and review the child's education records (34 CFR 99.10), and the school must respond within a reasonable time, not more than 45 days.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   The Department says a home schooled child is not entitled to an IEP; the district may offer a services plan like it does for private school students. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent can revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends the services after the district gives prior written notice.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Tennessee: the items Tennessee asks to be included are listed in it. The state also has an official form, so send that with the letter. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The home school coordinator or director of schools of the local school district [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Tenn. Code Ann. 49-6-3050, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Tennessee asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Student's full name, grade, age and birthdate [fill in]
- Parent or guardian name and contact information [fill in]
- Statement parent has a high school diploma or equivalency [fill in]
- Documentation of qualifying education [fill in]
- Parent or guardian signature and date [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Tennessee Notice of Intent to Home School, with this letter.

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Education, Non-Public School Programs (Home School), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions