UCT Frequently Asked Questions

The tutorial started Fall 2016 with 12 students and three classes (Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Government/Economics). Melissa Tiebout started this homeschool tutorial to help her own students, as well as others, grow and learn on multiple levels by understanding the course work through different learning opportunities as well as developing life skills such as responsibility and accountability. She also desired for them to experience a classroom setting that would prepare them for dual enrollment/college-level classes along with so much more. As of May 2026, UCT will have completed its 10th year of serving homeschooling families in the Upper Cumberland while having approximately 44 students and 16 classes for the 2025-2026 school year. UCT offers different classes each year to assist homeschool families with their student’s educational needs. Just a few of the classes that have been taught in the past are: English, Chemistry, Life Science, American Sign Language, Government/Economics, Algebra, Personal Finance, and Journalism.

Upper Cumberland Tutorial is not an umbrella school. The teachers at UCT offer tutoring services for specific educational classes in a classroom setting. 

Teachers prepare and present the class material during classroom instruction and assign work to be completed at home during the week. They also grade most assignments and assess student learning through multiple options such as class participation, presentations, projects, labs, quizzes, and tests.

Teachers choose the curriculum for each class, and parents are responsible for purchasing the books and materials needed. Specific textbooks are listed for each class in the class descriptions. These can be found on the Classes page. 

We offer a wide variety of classes and parents choose the classes that they would like their students to take. We strive to offer the classes our students need and usually have the core subjects covered for each grade level.

Payment Information:

UCT Registration Fee: $25 per student annually

Facility Use Donation: $25 per student annually

Individual Class Fees: $15 for every 1.5 hour class per week for 34 weeks. (a payment plan per student is agreed upon and post-dated checks will be received at the required meetings before all classes begin) 

Textbook/Materials: purchased per teacher’s instructions

Lab Fees: Annually as determined by the teacher

Copy Fee: Annually as determined by the teacher

With UCT, teachers will grade student work, factoring in attitude and class participation, and provide progress reports. However, parents are ultimately responsible for reporting grades, curriculum, transcripts, and any other required information to their umbrella school/district. 

Our classes are typically between 5 and 12 students.