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# Tennessee Umbrella Schools: Key Differences from Traditional Homeschooling

By ali abbas / July 21, 2025

If you live in Tennessee and wonder whether you can homeschool your kids, the answer is yes, you can. Like other states, Tennessee recognizes homeschooling as a proper educational platform. The state law identifies homeschool as a school directed by the parents or legal guardians.

The state offers three options for homeschooling families. These are traditional homeschooling, church-based umbrella schools, and accredited online schools. In this post, we will explore how Tennessee umbrella schools are different from traditional homeschooling. We also highlight why parents should choose umbrella schools. Let’s get started!

## What Are Tennessee Umbrella Schools?

Umbrella schools are also known as cover schools or satellite schools. These are third-party church-based institutions that provide legal frameworks and support for homeschooling families.

They ensure you meet legal requirements and handle administrative tasks. For instance, they keep records of your kid’s attendance, progress, and test results. These institutions also submit these documents to your school district. Some cover schools arrange extracurricular activities for their students.

## Key Differences Between Tennessee Umbrella Schools and Traditional Homeschooling?

Both traditional homeschooling and umbrella schools are legal options to teach your kids at home. State law approves these institutions. Traditional homeschooling is also known as independent home school. Let’s compare both homeschooling options.

### Traditional Homeschooling:

Under traditional homeschooling, you register as a teacher and handle everything, from teaching to administrative activities. Also, as a teacher, you must possess a high school diploma, or a high school equivalency certificate approved by the state board of education.

You must submit an intent to homeschool form to the school district. In the traditional homeschooling system, you are a teacher and administrator. It’s your responsibility to choose the curriculum, set the schedule, and keep a record of your child’s grade and progress. You need to submit these records to the school board. Ultimately, you must ensure your homeschooling meets the state’s laws.

### Tennessee Umbrella Schools:

When you enroll your child in umbrella schools, you are just a teacher, and these institutions handle the rest. Umbrella schools provide a wide range of comprehensive benefits. They provide administrative support, necessary resources, and arrange extracurricular activities.

Umbrella schools manage all paperwork and ensure legal compliance. Some popular umbrella schools like Graduates Academy offer field trips, co-op classes, seminars, and sports. These activities help students not feel alone and enrich their social skills.

These cover schools are ideal choices for busy parents. They take the administrative hassle off your shoulders so you can focus on teaching.

In summary, we can say that if you have time, possess the required educational qualifications, and have experience, you can choose traditional homeschooling. But remember that you have the responsibility to teach your kids and comply with the state’s law.

On the other hand, umbrella schools are the best option for parents who need extra support and resources. These institutions are ideal for busy parents and beginners. If you don’t want to handle the administrative tasks, you can enroll your kids in umbrella schools. They maintain records and submit them to school districts. Also, they help you comply with the homeschooling laws.

## Tips for Choosing the Right Tennessee Umbrella School

Have you decided to go to umbrella schools in Tennessee? However, finding the right schools can be challenging. Here are some tips that help you find the right option.

- Start researching popular Tennessee umbrella schools. Visit their websites and check their services and features.
- Ensure these institutions offer flexibility. Look for schools that allow you to choose your own curriculum.
- Look for institutions that provide resources, support, and extracurricular activities.
- Check the pricing. Get quotes from at least three schools and compare them to find the best one.
- Connect with other homeschooling families and communities.

### Final Thoughts

Compared to traditional homeschooling, umbrella schools offer greater flexibility and support to complete graduation successfully. They have experienced teachers and administrators on board who are ready to help you every step of your homeschooling journey. Check the pros and cons of both homeschooling systems and find the best fit based on your needs.

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