Getting started in home education can be a daunting task. The Smoky Mountain Home Education Association (SMHEA) created this site as a place where new home educators can get the help they need in one convenient place. 

Whether you're looking for instructions to begin, a convenient support group,
a list of curriculum providers in the area, or help understanding the Tennessee Home Education Law, we have the up-to-date information you need. To get started, follow the steps in our Quick Start Guide. Sign up for our Cup of Cool Water series on the right and receive short, encouraging, weekly letters filled with common sense advice and links to more helpful resources. (learn more)
Register by August 1
Welcome New Home Educators!
Tennessee home education
law requires that each home schooling family register with
a local public school system
or a private school. If you  register with a public school system, the deadline is August 1. If you register with a private umbrella school the deadline is more flexible. See TN Home Education Law for details 
Smoky Mouintain Home Education Association membership provides vital support at the state, regional, and local support group levels. It enables you to have a united voice in Nashville to protect home education freedom, to have a regional curriculum fair, science fair, and used curriculum sale, and to have informed local umbrella schools and support groups. Click here to see how the three levels work. Join SMHEA
Homeschooling a Struggling Learner
Got time to sit a spell? Shelly Powers, veteran homeschool mom and support group leader from Knoxville, has excellent suggestions on how to get started and how to organize your home school. Grab a comfortable chair and a cup of coffee and click on the arrow on the left side of the audio control bar below.
Three Levels of Support
East Tennessee Home Schooling
Audio Seminars
Increasing numbers of families who have children with special needs are turning to home education. A healthy, supportive home is the ideal environment in which to educate special needs children. A caring parent can monitor children 24/7, alter schedules to meet medication needs, alter meals to meet nutritional needs, and schedule instruction at the times when the student is best able to learn....more
 SMHEA Area - Click on map to magnify
Plan to Succeed!
Many parents who begin homeschooling choose another education option after the first year. Why do they quit? Most often, they fail in two of the most critical preparatory areas. Before you get started, develop a personal education plan and find a good support group. When you are tempted to hail the yellow bus, it helps to know why you decided to homeschool, to have compelling goals, and to have someone to provide help and encouragement. As you plan to succeed, check out these Preparation Questions and visit our list of SupportGroups in order to build a strong foundation for your family's home education.
(c) 2010 Smoky Mountain Home Education Association
Home School Organization
Getting Started
Smoky Mountain Home Education Association
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Tips for Choosing a Support Group (Article)

















Getting Started?


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