Homeschool testing in Tennessee

At a glance

Testing required

Yes

When

grades 5, 7, 9 (independent home schools only)

What qualifies

State’s own test only

Who administers

Commissioner/designee at the public school (free), or LEA-approved professional testing service (parent expense) — TDOE: none currently approved, so TCAP at the zoned school is the only path.

Results

Filed with the state

Score floor

Tiered: 6–9 months behind → licensed-teacher remediation; >1 year behind on 2 consecutive tests → director may compel school enrollment.

What the law says

“The same state board approved secure standardized tests required of public school students in grades five (5), seven (7) and nine (9).”

— T.C.A. § 49-6-3050(b)(5)

Alternatives to testing

Church-related umbrella school enrollment (§49-50-801) — exempt; umbrella sets its own testing.

Worth knowing

A commercial normed test cannot satisfy Tennessee — only the state-board-approved secure tests count. Church-related umbrella schools set their own testing policies.