FAQs
What is a Category IV "umbrella school" in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a Category IV church-related school (CRS) offers an "umbrella" program that allows parents to direct their child's education at home or within a community setting under the administrative coverage and legal oversight of a non-public school. By enrolling with White Stone Academy, your student is legally registered as a non-public school student, satisfying Tennessee’s compulsory attendance requirements without needing to register independently with your local public school district (LEA).
What specific services does White Stone Academy offer?
White Stone Academy provides complete administrative oversight and support for independent families, co-ops, and learning pods throughout Tennessee. Key services include:
Legal Enrollment & State Reporting:** Managing mandatory student registration and local school district notifications.
Academic Record-Keeping:** Official maintenance of cumulative files, report cards, and high school transcripts.
State Documentation: Issuing official paperwork such as Driver's Permit / License Proof of Enrollment forms (SF-1010)
Flexibility in Curriculum: Freedom for families and pod leaders to select instructional materials and pacing that best serve their students.
Guidance & Counseling:** Support for high school credit planning, graduation tracking, and post-secondary pathways.
Do I need to submit an "Intent to Home School" form to my local school district?
No. When you register with White Stone Academy, we fulfill your legal enrollment status. If you are withdrawing a student from a Tennessee public school mid-term, you simply provide your local school with proof of enrollment from White Stone Academy.
What are the daily attendance and hour requirements?
Tennessee state law for non-public schools requires 180 instructional days per school year.
High School, Diplomas & Post-Secondary Acceptance
Are high school diplomas from White Stone Academy accepted by colleges and employers?
Yes. As a recognized Category IV church-related school in Tennessee, diplomas and official transcripts issued by White Stone Academy are non-public school credentials. Our graduates can move on to four-year universities, community colleges, trade schools, military enlistment, and the workforce.
Are White Stone Academy students eligible for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship?
Yes. High school graduates from Category IV church-related schools qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and other state financial aid programs.
Does White Stone Academy provide official high school transcripts?
Yes. We compile and verify course credits, grades, and cumulative GPAs into official transcripts for college admissions, scholarship applications, trade programs, or school transfers.
Co-Ops, Learning Pods & Micro-Schools
How does White Stone Academy partner with homeschool co-ops and learning pods?
Learning pods and co-ops frequently face administrative hurdles when organizing multiple families. White Stone Academy serves as the single overarching administrative home for all participating families within your pod or co-op. We handle student compliance, official records, transcripts, and diplomas, allowing micro-school leaders and tutors to focus entirely on direct instruction and community building.
Do parents or pod leaders retain freedom over curriculum selection?
Yes. We believe families and local learning leaders know their students best. White Stone Academy does not mandate a rigid single curriculum, allowing families, co-ops, and pods the flexibility to select specialized, classical, faith-based, or project-based learning materials that fit their mission.
How do we get our pod or family enrolled for the upcoming term?
Enrollment can be completed online through our portal. Families fill out the registration forms, submit previous records or academic histories, and confirm their course outline. Once submitted, official proof of enrollment is generated immediately for your records.