Homeschooling isn’t just an alternative—it’s a bold choice to build an education that fits your child, your values, and your vision for the future.

But as you start homeschooling for the first time (or plan ahead), one big question often pops up: “Do I need to test my homeschooler?”

The short answer? No! For our Tennessee families enrolled with us, there is no testing required.  For other homeschooling families, it depends—and you have more choice than you might think.

At Graduates Academy, we’re here to make sure you understand your options, your rights, and how testing (or not testing) fits into a strong and confident homeschooling path.

Let’s break it down clearly, so you can move forward with confidence.

Understanding Tennessee’s Homeschool Testing Laws

Tennessee has three legal pathways to homeschool your child. Each has some key differences related to management, educational goals, and how student success is measured. These pathways include:

Option 1 – Independent Homeschool: With this option, you must register your child to homeschool with the state. Most of the time, the parent or legal guardian is the “teacher of record,” meaning you are taking the responsibility to home educate your child or children. You’ll have to have a high school diploma (or equivalent credential) and submit certain required forms with your local district. Most Tennessee school districts have a home school coordinator to whom you can submit forms as needed, including when updating information. Students under this option are required to take the TCAP assessment during grades 5, 7, and 9.

Option 2 – Category IV Private Schools: This option for homeschoolers is best known as “umbrella schools.” These are state approved and registered private schools and it’s important to note that every school in this category sets its own policies. Some are strict, and others are more relaxed, so you will want to research and clearly understand the regulations before enrolling your child. For example, at Graduates Academy, we do not require testing for enrollment. Homeschool umbrella schools often offer other services to support the homeschool parents as well and are a very popular option to help facilitate homeschooling.

Option 3 – Accredited Online Schools: Accredited online school programs are not necessarily state specific. They must fulfill certain requirements as indicated to be considered an “approved” non-public school. You can find a list of these programs on the TN non-public schools website, which is updated regularly. Most online schools do require testing and will keep track of student transcripts. Option 3 is considered the most strict as these programs follow external guidelines that will likely limit your flexibility.

Graduates Academy is part of option 2, and we do not require any formal testing. Our role is to ensure that homeschooling families in Tennessee have all the support and structure needed to homeschool successfully and with the freedom to choose!

However, in our experience many homeschooling families still choose to administer assessments to track academic progress, prepare for future goals, or simply to gain additional information about their child’s particular strengths and learning needs.

We discuss a few trusted testing options below if you’re interested—but for our enrolled Tennessee families, please be assured that any assessments are completely at the parents discretion and the results shared with us will remain completely private.

Not homeschooling in Tennessee?

Homeschool testing laws can vary widely from state to state. Some states require standardized testing, others only require notice of intent, and some have almost no reporting at all. Check your state’s specific homeschooling laws here: Your Guide to State Homeschooling Laws.

Formal Assessment Options

It’s important to view some of the different assessments available to homeschoolers, if you choose to go in that direction. Not only can testing offer you insights into the impact of your lesson planning (measured over time), but it may help your children see their educational progress better. Having a way to learn more about your child can empower your ability to modify their education as needed. This deeper understanding is how you can personalize the program and/or curriculum you are utilizing each year. 

Again, the choice to test is entirely in the hands of the parent. Here is a quick sample of the more popular formal testing options a lot of our homeschooling families utilize.

Iowa Tests (formerly known as the ITBS)

The Iowa Test is a nationally recognized exam that covers 10 core sections (reading, writing, math, science, etc.). It is designed for K-12 students, developed by seasoned teachers, and widely used across the USA, making it measurable against a national sample.

–Why parents like it: You’ll find a thorough and well-respected option used by many school systems across the country to demonstrate competency, especially during transitions between public and homeschool placement.

–How to access it: An Iowa Test must be administered by a qualified proctor. There are some at-home options available.

California Achievement Test (CAT)

Commonly referred to as the “CATs,” this exam is popular not only because of how easy it is to administer but also because it is incredibly affordable. That can significantly benefit standardized testing for homeschoolers on a budget. It evaluates essential academic skills for grades K-12 and provides national comparison modeling for after-test assessments of your current curriculum direction.

–Why parents like it: Almost anyone can administer the test, and the results are quick, ensuring you can keep track of your child’s progress without needing additional resources.

–How to access it: The CAT tests are flexible. You can use it as part of an annual review, when preparing your portfolio, or as a way to highlight your child’s success.

Stanford Achievment Test (SAT/10)

The SAT/10 is slightly different because it covers a “broader” academic spectrum so that you can capture longer-term academic strengths and trends. You can use this model to assess how your homeschooler is learning year after year, not just for a single snapshot. Additionally, the SAT/10 is accepted in many states that require homeschool testing and is therefore widely used by homeschooling families around the USA.

–Why parents like it: It is used by both private and public schools and the data is very reliable for age and grade-level assessments.

–How to access it: Homeschool families can order the SAT/10 through authorized testing providers like Seton Testing Services, BJU Press Testing, or Christian Liberty Press. Some vendors allow in-home testing with an approved proctor (often the parent if they have certain qualifications), while others offer online testing options. Check specific vendor guidelines for administration rules.

MAP Growth Test

The MAP Growth Test is relatively newer compared to other assessments. It is unique in how it measures current academic skills and projects likely growth over time based on those skills. This program, developed by NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association), uses computer adaptive testing that adapts to real-time responses from students, creating more of a personalized assessment of academic development homeschool programs love.

–Why parents like it: Great data on how your child is learning and where they are on a given battery of subjects. It is growth-based rather than hardline grade-based, like other testing alternatives. It doesn’t predict future performance as a crystal ball, rather it projects likely growth based on current academic skills.

–How to access it: Homeschoolers can schedule MAP Growth testing through third-party authorized providers like Homeschool Boss or Affordable Homeschool Testing Services. Testing is typically administered remotely online under secure proctoring guidelines. There is a slightly higher fee, but the results speak for themselves.

PSAT, SAT, and ACT

Finally, we should mention the common exams used as “critical” academic milestones. These are the nationally recognized exams used most for entry into college, technical school, and military advanced training. We highly encourage all our high school homeschoolers to take the ACT/SAT if they are preparing to enter postsecondary educational programming or a military track. However, these tests are also very important for grant and scholarship programs, so they are worth mentioning for financial support.

✨ The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is often taken during the sophomore or junior year of high school. It serves as a practice test for the SAT and acts as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program, offering students opportunities for scholarship awards and academic recognition.

–Why parents like it: If you want to open doors to more opportunities for your high schoolers and graduates – these are the tests you use.

–How to access it: You can register for any of these exams online. Getting registered on short notice can be difficult, so advance scheduling and registration is recommended.

Other Points to Consider

Remember that any of these exams are meant as tools. They are not required by any means, and our top priority is to ensure that you always have full control over your child’s education.

One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the freedom to tailor education to your child’s unique needs—and that includes how (or if) you use testing.

Parents should always have a choice. If you so choose, testing can be used strategically for homeschool placement and learning your child’s academic strengths or if they have any specific needs.

As an alternative, some families will opt for informal assessment strategies like real-world application of knowledge, progress trackers, and portfolio reviews of previous work. Our goal is simply to support parents in creating an exceptional homeschooling experience that works. Your child’s success is our goal!

Why Choose Graduates Academy?

We are the best Tennessee homeschool umbrella school! We provide you the legal coverage you need for full compliance with Tennessee’s homeschool laws and we also provide professional record-keeping, graduation support, personalized homeschool planning, ID cards, and a wealth of additional tools to help every homeschooler succeed!

Our flexible assessment options empower parents to choose the best system or method for their current educational goals. We are committed to supporting families in Tennessee and beyond, helping all homeschool children succeed. Contact us today and let Graduates Academy be your umbrella school solution!