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SB 827

Schools, Private - As enacted, prohibits the state board of education from requiring a private school that provides a fully online, self-paced educational program to comply with certain class size, school calendar, vaccination, and assessment requirements in order to operate in this state as an approved Category III nonpublic school. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Tennessee exempts fully online private schools from class size, calendar, vaccination, and assessment requirements to operate as approved nonpublic institutions.

Pub. Ch. 380
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Bill Summary · SB 827

Legislative bill overview

SB 827 exempts fully online, self-paced private schools from several state regulatory requirements to operate as approved Category III nonpublic schools in Tennessee. Specifically, these schools are no longer required to comply with class size limits, school calendar standards, vaccination requirements, and certain assessment mandates. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature in May 2025.

Why is this important

This legislation significantly reduces oversight of a growing sector of education delivery. Online schools serve students who may have scheduling constraints, health concerns, or learning preferences incompatible with traditional settings, but exempting them from vaccination and assessment requirements creates regulatory gaps that could affect student health and educational quality measurement. The changes allow more flexible school operations but reduce transparency mechanisms the state previously used to ensure educational standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Vaccination exemption: Removing vaccination requirements for online schools eliminates a public health safeguard, particularly concerning if students interact in-person for any activities or if the school transitions to hybrid models
  • Assessment requirements: Eliminating certain testing/assessment mandates makes it harder for parents, policymakers, and the state to objectively measure whether students are meeting academic standards
  • Regulatory consistency: Creates a two-tier system where online private schools face fewer requirements than traditional private schools and public schools, raising equity questions about accountability standards
  • Oversight reduction: Fewer compliance requirements mean state education boards have less ability to intervene if educational quality declines or operational issues emerge

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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