Tennessee recognizes homeschooling as a valid method of academic education. The state offers three homeschooling options with some laws. These are traditional, umbrella schools, and online schools. Each one has distinctive features, pros, and cons. This post is all about traditional homeschooling and umbrella schools.
If you have heard these terms but aren’t sure what sets them apart or which one to choose, you are in the right place. In this post, we will explain everything about traditional homeschooling and umbrella schools in Tennessee. We will also highlight the legal aspects of these methods, helping you to make informed decisions. Let’s get started!
What Are Umbrella Schools in Tennessee?
Umbrella schools are also known as cover or satellite schools in Tennessee. These are private schools. Some are affiliated with the church. These institutions act as mediators and help you comply with the state’s homeschooling laws. They also provide support, guidance, and necessary resources. However, they don’t teach your kids directly. These schools handle administrative tasks and ensure compliance with homeschooling regulations.
Why Do Families Choose Umbrella Schools?
- To easily follow Tennessee’s homeschooling regulations.
- To avoid dealing with the local public school district directly.
- To have a school “officially” responsible for attendance records and reporting.
- To receive support, such as field trips or access to group learning programs.
- To maintain control, but with the structure of a recognized school.
What Is Traditional Homeschooling?
Traditional or independent homeschooling in Tennessee means you are responsible for everything. For instance, you are the teacher and administrator. That means you have to teach your kids and maintain all the paperwork while complying with the state’s laws.
When you decide to homeschool your child, you need to submit an “Intent to Homeschool” form to the school district. Also, you need to ensure that your child attends classes for at least 180 days a year. Ultimately, you have to play several roles, such as principal, teacher, and administrator.
What Are the Main Differences Between Umbrella Schools and Traditional Homeschooling in Tennessee?
Umbrella schools in Tennessee:
- Oversee legal requirements
- Offer freedom to choose the curriculum
- Keep attendance records, progress reports, and test results
- May or may not require yearly testing
- Issue diploma certification
- Don’t require parents’ qualifications
- Charge fees for support
Traditional Homeschooling:
- Parents are responsible for everything
- Need to report to the school district
- File the Intent to Homeschool form with the district
- Parents choose the curriculum
- Keep all records and submit them to the school district
- Diploma issued by the parents
- Parents must have a high school diploma or a GED
- Minimal cost
Which Option Is More Popular?
Now you know the fundamental difference between traditional homeschooling and umbrella schools in Tennessee. However, umbrella schools are more popular among homeschooling families because they provide a wide range of benefits. In Tennessee, about 80% of homeschooling parents choose umbrella schools. The primary reason is that they provide legal assistance and foster a community to make your homeschooling journey easier.
If you are looking for the best umbrella school in Tennessee, look no further than Graduates Academy. This is a top-rated cover school that provides necessary guidance, support, and resources for homeschooling families. It ensures you follow the state’s laws and handles administrative tasks. This school also arranges extracurricular activities to boost children’s social skills.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a mediator that helps with your homeschooling journey, you can enroll your kids in umbrella schools in Tennessee. They provide homeschooling families with legal protection, administrative support, and community. They also offer flexibility in education.
Traditional homeschooling offers parents complete control, but it requires more responsibility. If you have educational qualifications and experience in homeschooling, you can choose traditional homeschooling. You can choose the best curriculum and education for your kids. However, ensure you follow the state’s laws, maintain proper paperwork, and submit them to the school district.