Every year, you face one of the most important decisions for your child’s future: choosing a school. It’s important to understand all your options. There are many great options in Tennessee!
In Tennessee, you can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online schools, homeschooling, dual enrollment, or even microschooling.
We can help you find the best fit for your family!
In Tennessee, children between the ages of 6 and 17 are required to attend school. Kids can start kindergarten if they turn 5 on or before August 15. They must attend either a public or private school, or they must be homeschooled. The law mandates a minimum of 180 days of school attendance per year, with some exceptions. You can learn more about Tennessee’s attendance laws here!
Most Tennessee students attend the public school they are zoned for. Open Enrollment allows parents to transfer their child to another public school, regardless of where they live.
Online, or virtual, public schools may be open only to in-district students or they may be available to students state wide. These schools often offer students a flexible learning environment.
Charter Schools are tuition-free public schools operated by independent, non-profit governing bodies. They have flexibility in areas such as classroom hours and curriculum.
Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as S.T.E.M. or the performing arts.
Dual enrollment for high school students refers to a program that allows students to enroll in college or university courses while still completing their high school education.
Homeschooling allows for high levels of customized learning and flexibility. Families can choose one of three options for homeschooling: independent home school, a church-related school, or a distance-learning school.
Private schools charge tuition and can offer a unique learning environment that may include smaller class sizes, religious instruction, or a different curriculum than is available in your public school.
Online private schools, like brick and mortar private schools, charge tuition, but they often offer a uniquely flexible learning environment that meets a variety of family needs.
Microschool refers to students learning together in a small group – with a teacher.
In blended learning schools, students attend public or private schools that meet in person for a set number of days per week and then complete their work from home.
The ESA program allows eligible students who are zoned to attend Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Hamilton County Schools, or a school that was in the Achievement School District (ASD) on May 24, 2019, to use state and local money toward education expenses, including tuition and/or fees at approved participating non-public schools.
The Individualized Education Account (IEA Program) is a scholarship designed for students with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria. This program provides public education scholarships that can be utilized for specific approved educational expenses.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, amending Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 49 and Title 49. This legislation allows qualifying families to receive a $7,295 state-sponsored voucher to help cover tuition expenses at private schools.
The Tennessee Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend child care, pre-school, and public school. The state’s immunization requirements follow the current schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses are authorized to indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines remain required. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.
The parent/guardian must provide a signed statement that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. If the school requires a health examination, it must be noted by the healthcare provider on the immunization certificate. In that case, the provider should check the box in section 1a. that the parent has sought a religious exemption to explain why immunization information is absent or incomplete.
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You know your child best. Decide what learning environment works best for them and your unique family situation. Think about your goals for your child and their individual needs. Take inventory of their strengths and weaknesses. Relax! It’s ok for those needs to change from year to year.
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Keep an open mind. Take time to visit multiple schools or options. To get a sense of the culture, values, workload, discipline policies, and learning accommodations for each one, check social media, websites, online reviews and ask for feedback from parents and teachers.
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You are not alone! Join the Powered by Education Facebook Support Group to find additional resources, support, and encouragement.
Every student has their own unique learning style, and it is essential for Tennessee parents to have access to innovative educational choices that cater to their children’s needs. One way to ensure this is by collaborating with a local advocacy organization that focuses on providing all Tennessee children with safe and high-quality education options that align with their families’ preferences. By becoming an advocate, you can lend your voice and support to the cause of empowering Tennessee’s children to receive the education they deserve.
We’re here to support you. Can’t find your question here? Email hello@poweredbyeducation.org to speak with a parent coach.
A student is eligible to receive an ESA if they meet all of the following criteria:
1. Tennessee resident zoned to a qualifying school district
2. Annual income that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch
3. Meets one of the following enrollment requirements
A student is eligible to receive an IEA if they meet all of the following criteria:
1. is a Tennessee resident; and
2. will be in grades K-12 at the time of enrollment in the IEA Program; and
3. has an active individualized education program (IEP) 1 through a Tennessee public school district in effect at the time of request for participation in the program; (If you have questions about your child’s IEP status, please directly contact the public school district in which your student is enrolled.); and
4. has one of the following disabilities in the active IEP as the primary or secondary disability at the time of request for participation in the program2:
5. meets at least one of the following requirements:
Asynchronous classes allow students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component.
Synchronous learning means that students are required to log in and participate in class at a specific time each week.
Bisynchronous learning combines live scheduled real-time learning with asynchronous assignments to be completed on the students’ own time.
A bill was filed in the Tennessee legislature on November 6 2024. This bill known as the Education Freedom Act would provide publicly funded scholarships, worth about $7,000 each, for 20,000 Tennessee students to attend private schools. The bill must pass the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly with a majority votes in both the House and Senate: 50 out of 99 representatives and 17 out of 33 senators. If approved, the program would take effect immediately.
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