This is the list you NEED if you homeschool in Nashville
(Last updated August 2020)
Important homeschool activities for your day
As a homeschooling family, we're always looking for good homeschool days and programs that help us supercharge our learning. With COVID, so many of these options and activities are either canceled or operating at limited capacity. That’s ok. Keep this list. Bookmark it. Pin it.
It’s tested and tried by so many other homeschooling families in the area. These are the activities they recommend! And eventually these activities will reopen, if they aren’t already!
But first…you may have questions about homeschooling.
Is homeschool free in Tennessee?
How do you start homeschooling in Tennessee?
How many hours do you homeschool a day?
What is the best homeschooling program?
Is homeschool free in Tennessee? Short answer is yes. If you go through your public school district, and adhere to their requirements and guidelines of testing, there is no fee. However, if you choose to be supported by another homeschool umbrella other than your school district or join a coop or tutorial, there may be fees associated with that.
How do you start homeschooling in Tennessee? It depends on what format and umbrella you use. But reading this page is a good start! And then sign up to be a member of HSLDA. They are a legal defense organization designed to protect homeschooling families right to choose home education. They are a good resource for questions as they specialize in knowing all of Tennessee laws and rules about home education.
How many hours a day do you homeschool? That depends on what grade your child is in. One to two hours is recommended for younger elementary school students. Middle school students should be around 3-4 hours a day. High school is even more. Remember, it all depends on what curricula you pursue and how you structure your day. You have to educate your child 180 days out of the school year. But there is a lot of freedom in how you get to structure and fill those days.
What is the best homeschooling program? The one that you and your child love. If you ask 100 homeschooling families this question, you’re bound to get 100 different answers. We love Classical Conversations. Other families mix and match, pulling a little from a variety of books.
Here’s the list of activities that you’ll need
Young People's Concerts at the Nashville Symphony (Downtown Nashville)
FREE for students grades K-12 and $10 for chaperones and teachers, these concerts are open to public, private, and home schools, and offer a comprehensive educational experience that enriches in-school learning. Must purchase tickets online in advance. Check website for season dates!
Grow Enrichment (Donelson)
Naturalist courses are offered during the weekdays every month. Check out course offerings for details. Classes are $25/month, for a once a week class.
Music City Archery (Franklin)
A variety of homeschool classes are provided during various days/times. Check schedule for details. Ages 7 and up only. No experience needed. Must wear closed-toe shoes. Equipment is provided, or you are free to bring your own. Rates were $18/class, as of 2/12/2018.
Nashville Children's Theatre (Downtown Nashville)
NCT hosts one performance of each production for homeschoolers to attend as a family. Check link for this season's dates. Tickets are discounted to $8/person.
TN State Capitol and State Museum (Downtown Nashville)
Guided state capitol tours are available, but you may also walk through on your own. After the state capitol building, be sure to make your way to the TN State Museum! Both are FREE to visit and make a good government learning day!
The Hermitage (Hermitage)
A variety of homeschool days are offered each year, covering specific topics. Prices range from $9-$40 for a family of 5! Check website for dates and topics.
The Frist (Downtown Nashville)
Homeschool days, family matinees, family Mondays, and Free Family Festival Day are examples of activities offered at the Frist throughout the year. The website will have the most up-to-date information and offerings! Children under 18 are always free. Homeschool families receive a big discount on memberships with a teacher-ID. ($30/year).
Adventure Science Center (Downtown Nashville)
A variety of STEM courses are offered throughout the year. But they fill up pretty quickly...so book early!! Cost is $5 per class for ASC members; $7.50 per class for non-members. Must be purchased in conjunction with general admission or membership. Educators get free admission.
Belle Meade Plantation (Belle Meade)
Belle Meade offers various Homeschool Days throughout the year which highlight different topics. Advanced registration is required. Cost: $10/student and includes one free parent educator per family.
Also available is the popular drop-off program: Homeschool History Club. Registration opens once per semester and fills up quickly.
McKay Books Nashville (Bellevue)
Homeschool days with prizes and activities are offered sporadically throughout the year. Check out their Facebook page's list of events to see upcoming dates.
Travellers Rest Plantation (Crieve Hall)
Reservations must be made ahead of time for historical education programs. Homeschool days are offered.
Nashville Zoo (South Nashville)
Various workshops offered throughout the year. Visit site for dates/times.
Country Music Hall of Fame (Downtown Nashville)
Engaging, object-based learning experiences; and interactions with professional artists and museum educators are available during special homeschool days. See site for dates.
Lucky Ladd Farms (Eagleville)
One event each Spring and Fall for students ages 4-10. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Historic Mansker's Station (Goodlettsville)
Check out their event calendar for an array of homeschool programs! The classes are crafty and practical and cost $10 per class. They also offer events like tea times and etiquette classes.
Nashville Public Library (Downtown Nashville)
Two homeschooling groups (one for tween-aged kids and the other for younger homeschoolers) meet once a month at the downtown branch of the library for workshops and activities. Be sure to visit your local neighborhood libraries, as they may have additional programming.
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens (Belle Meade)
A special homeschool day is offered once a year. However, if you love outdoors and art exhibits, you will enjoy a visit here any time throughout the year. A special program for younger children, called Tuesday for Tots (starting March 2018), occurs every Tuesday and combines art and garden activities.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (Murfreesboro)
A hands-on learning experience, this museum provides exhibits to supplement any homeschool day. Although there was no definitive homeschool programming, there is a morning STEM workshop for kids under 6.
RobotiX Institute (Green Hills and Franklin)
We all know that robotics and programming is the future, and the earlier we get our kids exposed, the better. RobotiX is in the early stages of offering homeschool workshops (give them a call to get a FULL list of class offerings), but they have strong weekend programming listed on their site.
Smith Springs Community Center (Antioch)
Homeschool PE happens every Wednesday and Friday at 12 pm. Physical activities are hosted by staff for FREE. Call ahead to confirm that Homeschool Zone hours have not changed that week.
Ice skating
Ford Ice Center (Antioch)
Bring friends and ice skate! Great for playdates and PE when weather keeps you indoors. Admission and skate rental is $5. Check site for dates and times. Open skate is on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout school year. Ford Ice Center even offers homeschool lunch deals at the concession stand on those days.
For Learn-to-Skate lessons, Ford Ice Center offers homeschool lessons on Thursday. Advanced registration is required.
Centennial Sportsplex (Midtown)
Though hard-pressed to find a direct link, I called to verify that the ice rink DOES offer a homeschool discount every Wednesday from 10 am- 2pm. The cost for admission and skate rentals are $5 per person.
PIN THIS: As a homeschooling family, we're always looking for good homeschool days and programs that help us supercharge our learning. So, we compiled this list...from ThoseCrazyNelsons.com
Gyms
Let It Shine (Brentwood)
Gym that offers a variety of classes (like gymnastics, American Ninja Warrior, etc.) to homeschoolers during school hours. Rates are $64/month.
Nashville Gymnastics Training Center (Sylvan Heights)
Registration is ongoing. Classes and times vary.
Universal Gymnastics (Mt. Juliet)
More than just gymnastics, this gym provides homeschool classes for all ages. Rates are $68/month.
Competitive Sports
Excel Aquatics (Brentwood & Spring Hill)
Swim teams for homeschooled athletes enrolled in K-12 grades.
Faith-based program offering competitive athletics for homeschooled athletes located in Middle Tennessee. Many options including cheerleading, golf, cross country, softball, football, etc.
We think you'd like this -> Giants, Lions, and Rivers: A state capital trip for the entire family!
Parks
Bowie Nature Park (Fairview): trails, biking, fishing, and Treehouse Playground
Long Hunter State Park (Mt. Juliet): trails and lake to explore
Radnor Lake (Brentwood): trails overlooking lake
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (East Nashville): natural playground and trails
Warner Park Nature Center (Belle Meade): natural playground, creeks, trails
GROW Enrichment (Donelson): natural playground (with edible landscape during growing season)
Charlie Daniels Park (Mt. Juliet): playgrounds, plus tennis, basketball, splash pad (summer)
Jumpy places
Above All (Brentwood)
Homeschool hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 3pm. Homeschool rates do not apply during school breaks or holidays. Grip socks are required and available for purchase.
Sky High (South Nashville)
Every Thursday from 2 pm – 3 pm, homeschoolers jump for just $7
*Occurs every week on Thursday; walk-in price only; not valid on holidays or breaks; subject to availability; also open to the public at regular rates. Tax NOT included.
Urban Air Adventure Park (Old Hickory)
Homeschool jump hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 12 pm - 4 pm. Grip socks are required and available for purchase.
Especially for teens
Sumner Teen Center (Gallatin)
We know it can be hard finding opportunities for homeschooling teens, but this teen center is trying to help with that. From Drivers Ed courses, to college prep workshops, and cooking classes, there are interesting programs going on here!
