Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-6-3012

(a) The board of education having charge of the public schools of any local school system having a population of ten thousand (10,000) or more, according to the federal census of 1950 or any subsequent federal census, may establish a truancy school, either within or without the city limits, for children who are between seven (7) and sixteen (16) years of age, both inclusive, and who are habitual truants, or while in attendance at school are incorrigible, vicious, immoral or who habitually wander or loiter about without lawful employment.

(b) Such children shall be deemed disorderly juvenile persons, and may be compelled by the board to attend the truancy school or any department of the public school as the board may direct.

(c) Any board of education having charge of schools affected by this part shall have authority to exclude any delinquent pupil whose influence is deemed by the board to be demoralizing or injurious to other pupils attending the schools.