How Tennessee Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy
Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Tennessee Department of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states; however, with the freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, but you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help! Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Tennessee's homeschooling requirements. |
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Tennessee’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance
Homeschooling Options |
Option 3: Category III distance-learning school |
State Educational Funds |
Yes |
Does the Parent Need to Notify the State? |
No |
Academic Calendar Requirement |
Yes |
Reporting Age Requirement |
6-17 |
Instructor Qualifications |
No |
Required Subjects |
No |
Standardized Assessment |
No |
Immunization Requirement |
Yes |
Keep a Portfolio |
Yes |
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Tennessee Families |
Yes |
Homeschooling Options
There are three homeschooling options in Tennessee. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy can choose Option 3: Category III distance-learning school. Enlightium Academy falls under Category III as it is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), an accrediting organization that contains the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The below guidelines are based on option 3.
State Educational Funds
Enlightium Academy is an approved, participating school in all three regions for Tennessee's ESA program. The deadline for parents to apply is January 2, and the deadline to verify enrollment is January 31. Here is where you can view the family eligibility requirements for this state voucher. Please review this blog for more information about the application process.
Notifying the State
Under Option 3, Enlightium Academy informs your local school district of student attendance. The family does not need to notify the state. Enlightium Academy will also notify the district if you are to withdraw.
Academic Calendar
The Tennessee Department of Education requires at least 180 days of education each school year. Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.
Age Requirement
Ages five or younger:
Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.
Ages six through 17:
Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they either graduate or turn 18 years old. This includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy.
Instructor Qualifications
Under option 3, The Tennessee Department of Education does not require students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications.
As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields.
Students in the Homeschool Program (grades PreK-8) use book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program (grades 3-12) use a digital Christian curriculum. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 1-12) use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.
Required Subjects
Under option 3, the Tennessee Department of Education does not require any specific courses.
After you enroll/re-enroll and before your student starts courses at Enlightium Academy, your student’s counselor will send you an email with a recommended course schedule consisting of core courses and, if applicable, courses that fulfill Enlightium’s graduation requirements. Your student can also select from Enlightium’s elective courses.
Standardized Assessment
Under option 3, the Tennessee Department of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per a given grade level:
- Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
- Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT
Immunization Requirement
Immunization is not required in the state of Tennessee, but you should have your exemptions or immunizations documented and on file.
Keep a Portfolio
You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy which should include:
- Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
- Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
- Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
- Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
- Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
- Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
- Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Tennessee Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Tennessee to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.
Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?
- Explore Enlightium Academy’s website
- If you have any questions:
- Chat with a team member
- Email consultants@enlightiumacademy.com
- Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
- Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.
We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.
Sources reviewed in December of 2024: