Homeschool benefits and savings in Nashville
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center runs free homeschool programs, including a Homeschool Day for grades K-8 on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homeschool families can also book two-hour high school field labs, borrow lesson guides for self-led visits, and attend educator workshops. Other options include transit fare savings and library educator cards and resources.
Benefits in Nashville
- Shelby Bottoms Nature Center homeschool programming
- WeGo Public Transit youth fare
- Nashville Public Library homeschool resources
- Nashville Public Library homeschool curriculum kits
- WeGo Journey Pass fare-free rides
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center homeschool programming
Who qualifies
Homeschool Days: grades K-8
Self-guided activities need no registration, but staff-guided sessions need a sign-up.
High school labs: grades 9-12
Private labs take 15 to 30 students, with one adult per 10 students; younger siblings should not attend.
Self-led visits: all ages
Any family or co-op can visit with the Nature Center's lesson guides. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a time.
Workshops: homeschool educators
Any homeschool educator can attend the educator workshops.
What the programs offer
The terms come from the Nature Center's homeschool programming guide and its fall 2026 program schedule.
- Homeschool Day, November 19, 2026
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- High school field lab
- 2 hours
- Private field trip times
- Tue-Fri, 9 a.m.-noon
- Preferred self-led visit times
- Mon, or Tue-Fri 12:30-4 p.m.
- Service learning project
- 1-3 hours
- Cost
- Free
The Nature Center is not taking private field trip reservations for K-8 groups, so younger children take part through Homeschool Days and public programs.
How to take part
- Before you plan
Join the email list
Email or call with your name, email address, the opportunities that interest you, and any co-op name.
- Each season
Check the schedule
The seasonal program schedule lists Homeschool Days, educator workshops, and public programs.
- Before a Homeschool Day
Sign up for guided sessions
Register for any staff-guided activity sessions you want. Self-guided activities need no sign-up.
- For labs or group visits
Send the request form
Fill out the Field Trip Request Form, skip sections that do not apply, and email it to shelbybottoms@nashville.gov.
What it includes
Included
- Homeschool Days
- High school field labs
- Lesson guides for self-led visits
- Homeschool educator workshops
- Service learning projects
Not included
- Private field trips for K-8 groups
- Borrowed supplies for unscheduled groups
- Picnics on the Nature Center grounds
Who to contact about homeschool programs
Nature Center staff register families for programs, schedule labs and visits, and manage the homeschool email list.
shelbybottoms@nashville.gov 615-862-8539
WeGo Public Transit youth fare
Who qualifies
Is 19 or younger
WeGo's fare page gives the youth discount to riders 19 and younger. Children 4 and younger ride free with a fare-paying adult.
Has a WeGo Discount Card
Discounts apply only after your child has the Discount ID, issued at the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central.
Shows one proof of age
The application accepts a state ID or driver's license, a birth certificate or passport, a permanent resident card, a medical benefit card with date of birth, or a military dependent card.
What the fare costs
WeGo's fare page lists youth prices for local and express service with QuickTicket or contactless payment, next to the adult prices.
- 2 hours of local rides (adult $2.00)
- $1.00
- Full day (adult $4.00)
- $2.00
- Calendar month (adult $65.00)
- $33.00
- Cash, one ride
- $1.00
- Discounted regional bus or Star train ride
- $2.00
- Child 4 or younger with an adult
- Free
With a QuickTicket card or app, fares stop at the daily or monthly amount no matter how many rides your child takes.
How to get the youth fare
- Before you apply
Fill out the application
Complete sections 1 through 3 of the WeGo Discount Card Application and check the proof-of-age document you will send.
- By email or in person
Submit it
Email the application and document to wego.ticketoffice@nashville.gov with "Discount Card Application" and your child's name in the subject, or bring it to WeGo Central at 400 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. Mailed applications are not accepted.
- About 48 hours later
Pick up the card
Pay the $3.00 processing fee and collect the card at the WeGo Central ticket office, open Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Each ride
Tap and ride
Use the Discount Card with QuickTicket stored value so the youth price and fare caps apply.
What it includes
Included
- Local and express buses
- Discounted regional bus and Star train rides
- Daily and monthly fare caps
Not included
- Discounts before the card is issued
- American Express payments
- Transfers on cash fares
Who to contact about youth fares
The ticketing office processes Discount Card applications and hands out the cards.
wego.ticketoffice@nashville.gov Fare information
Nashville Public Library homeschool resources
Who qualifies
Lives in Davidson County
If you live outside the county but in the library's service area, you get a free card for physical items only.
Shows ID and an address
Bring an ID, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or a child's school ID, plus proof of address such as a lease, voter card, or mail from the last month.
Uses the right application
Adults use the adult application and children use the Under 18 application, online or at any branch.
Keeps the account clear
An account with two or more billed items or fees over $9.99 cannot borrow physical materials.
What the card gives you
The numbers come from Nashville Public Library's loan rules and printing page.
- Physical items out at once
- 100
- Holds at a time
- 25
- Book loan
- 21 days, 3 renewals
- Curriculum kit loan
- 6 weeks, 1 kit
- Free printing
- $10 a month
- Late fees
- None
The 100-item limit includes at most 10 DVDs and 10 Playaways.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Apply online
Fill out the Adult or Under 18 application online. Most applicants who accept the identity check get a card number by email in minutes.
- At the branch
Or apply in person
Bring an accepted ID and proof of address to any of the 21 locations.
- First computer visit
Turn on free printing
Sign in to a library public computer once with your card to activate the $10 monthly printing allowance.
- Each month
Join Homeschool Friends
Check the library's events calendar for Homeschool Friends sessions at Main, Bordeaux, and Goodlettsville.
What it includes
Included
- Books, DVDs, ebooks, and streaming
- Curriculum kits
- Homeschool Friends programs
- $10 of printing each month
Not included
- Library of Things and BCycle passes for children under 18
- Online services for cardholders outside Davidson County
- Printing beyond $10 a month
Who to contact about the card
Library staff answer questions about cards, accounts, and programs by phone or through the contact page.
Nashville Public Library homeschool curriculum kits
Who qualifies
Has a Nashville library card
Davidson County residents get a free card. Residents of the library's service area outside the county get a free card for physical items, which includes kits.
Is an educator or parent
The library describes the kits as being for educators and parents, so a homeschool parent can borrow them on their own card.
Has no other kit out
Each person may borrow only one kit at a time.
What a kit gives you
The terms come from Nashville Public Library's curriculum kit page and loan rules.
- Items in a kit
- Up to 50
- Kits at a time
- 1
- Loan period
- 6 weeks
- Renewals
- None
- Grade bands
- K-2, 3-5, 6-8
- Replacing a whole kit
- $150
Each kit comes in a clear plastic bin that can weigh up to 25 pounds, so plan how you will carry it home.
How to borrow a kit
- Before you borrow
Browse the kits
Search the catalog's Curriculum Kit collection and choose a topic and grade band.
- Online
Place a hold
Place a hold with your library card. The kit goes on the card of the person who picks it up.
- During the loan
Keep the inventory
Every item is numbered, and an inventory list is attached to the side of the bin.
- Within 6 weeks
Return it inside
Bring every item back together in one visit to the desk inside any Nashville Public Library location, not to an after-hours book drop.
What it includes
Included
- Books
- Audio items
- Videos
- A numbered inventory list
Not included
- Renewals
- Returns through after-hours book drops
- Kits for grades 9-12
Who to contact about curriculum kits
Library staff answer questions about holds, kits, and your account.
615-862-5800 Curriculum kits page
WeGo Journey Pass fare-free rides
Who qualifies
Lives in Davidson County
Journey Pass is for eligible Davidson County residents.
Brings a valid photo ID
Each pass is registered to one person with a name, date of birth, and phone number or email address.
Shows one current program letter
Bring one: a SNAP approval letter or the One DHS SNAP portal on your phone, or a TANF, TennCare Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, Housing Choice Voucher, or Metro Social Services letter.
Or comes through a partner agency
If an agency where you already get services is a Journey Pass partner, it can refer you instead.
What the pass saves
WeGo's Journey Pass page lists which services are free, and its fare page lists what an adult would otherwise pay.
- Local bus, regular adult 2-hour fare $2.00
- Free
- Local bus, regular adult monthly cap $65.00
- Free
- Regional bus, regular 1-ride fare $4.25
- Free
- WeGo Star train
- Free
- WeGo Link
- Base fare only
- WeGo Access On-Demand and Vanpool
- Not covered
Rides load onto a new QuickTicket card, and the card can be revoked if the rider breaks the Customer Code of Conduct.
How to get the pass
- Before you go
Gather your papers
Bring a valid photo ID and one current letter from a listed program.
- October 12-28, 2026
Register at WeGo Central
Registration runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center on October 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28.
- Oct. 22 or Nov. 7
Or register at the Frist
The Frist Art Museum hosts registration on October 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. and November 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- For three years
Ride free
Tap your new QuickTicket card on each ride. If it is lost or stolen, bring a photo ID to the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center for help.
What it includes
Included
- WeGo local and regional buses
- WeGo Star train
- WeGo Access
- WeGo Link base fare
Not included
- WeGo Access On-Demand
- Vanpool
- Riders outside Davidson County
The program is funded through Choose How You Move, Nashville's transit improvement program.
Who to contact about Journey Pass
WeGo Customer Care answers questions about Journey Pass eligibility, registration events, and cards.
615-862-5950 Customer comments form
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Tennessee
For independent homeschools, file a notice with the local education agency before each school year. A first-time filing may be made at any time during the school year; there is no fixed August 1 deadline.
Tennessee sets these rules:
- Subjects: Independent homeschool parents select and identify their curriculum and provide at least four hours of instruction per day for 180 days each year. Church-related schools set their own program requirements.
- Testing: Testing in grades 5, 7, and 9 for registered independent homeschools.
- Records: Independent homeschool parents keep attendance records, permit inspection, and submit them at year end. Maintain grades, transcripts, student records, and copies of final diplomas; provide required test results to the recipients specified in the current testing rule.
- Teachers: An independent homeschool parent-teacher needs a high-school diploma or equivalent. Church-related umbrella schools set their own enrollment and parent requirements.
Tennessee also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Individualized Education Account pays a student with a qualifying disability and an active IEP the state and special-education funding for their district, including an independently homeschooled student. Most students must have spent the prior year in a Tennessee public school, and 2026-27 applications are closed.
Read the Tennessee homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Tennessee
Questions parents ask
- Can my homeschooled child come to Shelby Bottoms programs without a co-op?
- Yes. Homeschool Days and public programs are open to individual families, and families should sign up individually for programs that need registration.
- Can a homeschooled child get the WeGo youth fare without a school ID?
- Yes. The fare is based on age, and the Discount Card Application accepts a birth certificate, passport, or medical benefit card with a date of birth. No school document is required.
- Can my homeschooled child get a Nashville Public Library card without a school ID?
- Yes. A school ID is only one option for children under 18. A passport or an ID that shows a date of birth also counts, and you can show the item, a photocopy, or a photo of it.
- Can a homeschool parent borrow curriculum kits?
- Yes. The library lends the kits to educators and parents, and you borrow one on your own Nashville Public Library card.
- Does a homeschool family qualify for the WeGo Journey Pass?
- Yes, if you live in Davidson County and have one of the listed program letters. Journey Pass is based on program participation, not school enrollment.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Camps and local activities give your child new interests to explore. Their discoveries can shape the examples and questions they study at home.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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