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. In general, state institutions recognize Enlightium Academy as an out-of-state private school that allows students to transfer in or transfer out to public and private schools. Enlightium Academy provides our families with standard information about their state’s requirements, and parents are 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 requirements.
Tennessee’s 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 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 includes the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The guidelines below are based on option 3.
As you review your state’s homeschooling requirements, please keep in mind that Enlightium Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia and ACSI. This enables us to serve students in all 50 states, providing an accredited education that leads to a high school diploma recognized nationwide.
State Educational Funds
Tennessee families enrolled at Enlightium may have access to state funds through the following programs:
- Education Savings Account (ESA)
- Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS)
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account Program (ESA) serves students zoned to attend Memphis-Shelby County, Metro Nashville, or Hamilton County Public Schools, if the students meet specific income and enrollment requirements. The ESA program may grant households up to $9,800* per student annually. Click here for more information.
Other Tennessee families enrolled at Enlightium Academy may be eligible for Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS), which may grant Tennessee households over $7,000* per student annually. Click here for more information.
Students who are eligible for both the ESA and EFS programs may apply for both programs, but they may only participate in one program per school year.
*Funds are not guaranteed and are subject to change.
Notifying the State
Under Option 3, Enlightium Academy informs your local school district of student enrollment. 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 parents’ choice until they either graduate or turn 18 years old. This includes enrolling at 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 Book-Based Program use book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use a digital Christian curriculum. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective 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 the pen pal program.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Tennessee Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and a 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 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.
Since 2003, Enlightium Academy has supported K–12 students in online, book-based, hybrid, and partner schools. Our dedicated faculty and staff, in collaboration with parents, deliver high-quality instruction and individualized learning. We focus on developing each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
To find out if Enlightium is the right school for your family, schedule an appointment, call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.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:
