
Begin your homeschool journey today!
At Hilger Higher Learning, we sincerely want your family to find the best fit for your child’s education. Here are some resources that might help you discern next steps. While the information below is not exhaustive, we hope it assists you as you research an education plan that meets your family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions…
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Homeschooling is an educational option where parents take the lead role in directing their child’s education. Instruction can happen at home or in combination with other resources—like tutorial programs such as HHL.
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Depending on where you live, each state has its own legislation regarding homeschooling. We recommend visiting the HSLDA website.
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Our university-style hybrid model blends professional tutor instruction and at-home learning. Students attend in-person classes 1–2 days per week and complete assignments at home, guided by their parents. This partnership allows parents to retain control of their child’s education while benefiting from expert instruction in core and elective subjects.
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As a homeschool family you are free to choose the curriculum that best fits the needs of your student. Many families choose to utilize courses such as those found at HHL. We make all of the curriculum decisions for you, making it easier for the parent to homeschool their child.
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Umbrella schools are church-related or private organizations that oversee and support homeschooling families. They typically have guidance counselors on hand to make sure families are meeting the credit requirements, especially for the high school years. They help parents meet legal requirements and often provide:
Transcript and recordkeeping
College and scholarship guidance
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No. HHL is not an umbrella school. We are a university-model tutorial program. The grades that you receive from our program will be reported, by you, to your umbrella school or local school district that oversees your home education.
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No. You do not have to register with an umbrella school if you register with your local school district. However, we recommend that you utilize an umbrella school once your child is in high school AND if they plan to attend college. It will make the transition to college and universities much easier with an official transcript coming from an umbrella school.
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Serves families in all 50 states, specializing in flexible, parent-directed homeschooling. Known for strong high school support and recordkeeping, as well as NCAA eligibility tracking.
A well-established Christian umbrella school based in Tennessee. Offers customized grade reporting, transcript services, and NCAA eligibility tracking.
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Yes! We work closely with these umbrella schools and they accept any course taken at HHL. Check with your umbrella school to assure that your student is on track to receive the credits needed to graduate.
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Tennessee provides three legal pathways:
Independent Home School (via local school district)
Church-Related (Umbrella) School
Accredited Online School
Most families choose the Umbrella School option for its flexibility and reduced reporting requirements.
For Independent Homeschooling:
Parent must have a high school diploma or GED.
Must file a notice of intent with the local school district annually.
Teach 180 days/year with 4 hours of instruction per day.
Submit attendance and immunization records.
For Umbrella Schools:
The umbrella school handles much of the reporting.
Parents typically submit grades and attendance directly to the umbrella school, not the state.
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Any parent or guardian with at least a high school diploma or GED can homeschool their child.
Every family must Submit a Declaration of Intent to the Georgia Department of Education annually (due by September 1st or within 30 days of starting). This includes families who choose to use an Umbrella School to oversee their education.
Teach 180 days per year with at least 4.5 hours of instruction per day.
Cover required subjects: reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science.
Maintain attendance records and submit an annual progress report.
Standardized testing must be done at home every three years starting in 3rd grade (results kept on file, not submitted).
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Absolutely! We work with many first-time homeschoolers and provide both academic classes and mentorship for parents. Whether you’re just getting started or transitioning from public/private school, we’re here to support you.
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We offer tutorial classes for grades K–12 in core subjects (English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Languages) and electives (Art, Choir, Theater, and more). See our Course Catalog for details. We are an “a la carte” program, meaning you can choose courses individually, or combine multiple courses to create full days of classes for your student to attend.
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Possibly. It depends on the courses you are interested in and your child’s specific situation. Please contact us directly.
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Yes! We open registration for the second semester in November. You are welcome to apply as long as we have openings in the course(s) you are interested in. Some of our courses require a pre-test to make sure your student is prepared academically. If your application is accepted, we will communicate with you about any pre-tests that may be required.
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While HHL does provide a percentage number grade on a report card at the end of each semester, we do NOT provide a grading scale. The grading scale is decided by the umbrella school and/or the family. The grades we provide must be reported to your umbrella school/school district by the primary educator.
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HHL offers several opportunities throughout the year for community building. Take advantage of the events that are scheduled. We also have two Facebook groups and an Instagram account to keep you informed.
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You will receive a report card at the end of each semester. If you need up-to-date feedback on your student’s grades, you can always communicate with your teacher directly.
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Your umbrella school will be the best resource for you as you navigate the high school years. If you are not under an umbrella school, we are happy to direct you according to our designed paths for education.
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Study halls are used to bridge the gap between two classes, or to help align a student’s schedule with a sibling’s schedule to make it easier on the parent. During study hall a student will spend some time in focused and quiet study, and there will also be time for a break or to go outside. At times, students are allowed to play games with each other or do activities together. It is a balanced approach to study and play, and a study hall supervisor is always with your student.
“Everyone thinks it goes smoothly in everyone else’s house, and theirs is the only place that has problems. I’ll let you in on a secret about teaching: there is no place in the world where it rolls along smoothly without problems. Only in articles and books can that happen.”
-Ruth Beechick
Understand Local Legislation
Each state maintains specific legislation for homeschooling. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides up-to-date guidelines on state requirements, including Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Find Curriculum
Conferences & Curriculum Fairs
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CSTHEA hosts a yearly expo before the start of the fall semester. Visit their website for more details.
Used Books
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The HHL Parent Group is not only a great way to connect with other Hilger parents but also a resource for used books. This group is available to Hilger families only.
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This used bookstore with locations in Tennessee and North Carolina offers used homeschool curriculum and other teaching resources. Find your nearest location here!
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Connect with other homeschool families and buy used curriculum through this Chattanooga-based group.
Online Curriculum Purchasing
🤝 WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
We know the idea of homeschooling can be overwhelming at first. Our team is happy to walk you through the process—whether you're exploring your options or ready to dive in.
Email us: HilgerHigherLearningK12@gmail.com
Visit us: hilgerhigherlearning.com
Call us: 423-987-4276