Want to learn how to homeschool in Georgia? You’re joining over 100,000 families who teach their children at home in the Peach State. Georgia homeschool laws are clear and reasonable, giving you freedom while keeping things simple.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about homeschooling in Georgia. First, learn the legal requirements. Then discover the required subjects, testing rules, and step-by-step instructions to get started. Let’s dive in.
Georgia Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal with moderate regulation |
| Notification | Declaration of Intent required within 30 days of starting |
| Subjects Required | Reading, language arts, math, social studies, science |
| Testing/Assessment | Standardized test every 3 years starting in 3rd grade |
| Record Keeping | Attendance records and annual progress reports required |
| Compulsory Age | 6-16 years old |
Georgia ranks as a moderately regulated state for homeschooling. The requirements are manageable, and most families find the process straightforward once they understand the basics. It’s more regulated than Texas but simpler than New York. Compare with the easiest states to homeschool to see where Georgia fits.
Why Homeschool in the Peach State?
Georgia offers great benefits for homeschool families. As a result, over 100,000 families choose this path:
- Clear requirements – Know exactly what the state expects
- Curriculum freedom – Choose any materials you want
- Testing flexibility – Administer tests at home yourself
- Equal access to sports – Join public school teams
- Strong community – Active co-ops across the state
- Dual enrollment – College credits for high schoolers
- No curriculum approval – State doesn’t review your choices
The paperwork takes some effort. However, families find Georgia’s balance of freedom and structure works well.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling in Georgia
Step 1: File Your Declaration of Intent
First and foremost, every Georgia homeschool family must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to their local school superintendent. Specifically, file this within 30 days of pulling your child from public school or when your child turns 6. Your DOI should include:
- Your name and address
- Names and ages of children you’ll teach
- The month and year you’re starting
Send the form by certified mail so you have proof it was received. Additionally, keep a copy for your records. Remember that you’ll need to file a new DOI each year by September 1st.
Step 2: Meet Parent Qualifications
Georgia requires the teaching parent to have a high school diploma or GED. Specifically, this rule applies to whoever serves as the primary instructor. If you don’t have a diploma, you may still homeschool with supervision from someone who does.
Step 3: Plan Your School Year
Your Georgia homeschool must run for at least 180 days per year. Each school day must be at least 4.5 hours long. This counts instruction time only—not breaks or lunch.
Many families school year-round with shorter days. Alternatively, others follow a traditional September-May calendar. Therefore, you have complete flexibility to design a schedule that fits your family’s lifestyle and learning goals.
Step 4: Keep Required Records
First, maintain an attendance log showing the days you taught. Next, write monthly progress reports describing what your child learned. Finally, keep these records for at least three years after your child finishes homeschooling.
Required Subjects for Georgia Homeschools
Georgia law requires instruction in these core subjects:
- Reading and language arts – phonics, spelling, grammar, writing, and literature
- Mathematics – arithmetic through higher math as appropriate for grade level
- Social studies – history, geography, civics, and economics
- Science – life science, physical science, and earth science
Additionally, you can add subjects like art, music, physical education, or foreign languages. In fact, many families include these for a well-rounded education. Most importantly, the state doesn’t require specific curricula—you choose what works best for your children.
Georgia Homeschool Testing Requirements
Beginning in third grade, your child must take a standardized test every three years. Importantly, the test must measure reading, math, and language arts. Below are approved tests:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test (CAT)
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
Fortunately, you may administer the test yourself at home. Then keep the results in your records, but you don’t report scores to anyone. Consequently, this lets you track your child’s progress without government interference.
Record Keeping for Georgia Homeschoolers
Obviously, good records protect you if questions ever come up. Here’s what to keep:
- Attendance log – Simple calendar marking days of instruction
- Monthly progress reports – Brief summaries of what was covered each month
- Test results – Scores from required standardized tests
- Work samples – Optional but helpful for showing progress
Store records for at least three years. Moreover, many families keep them longer for college applications. In particular, a simple binder system organized by school year works well for most families.
Georgia Homeschool Options
Option 1: Traditional Homeschooling
This is what most families choose. Essentially, you file a DOI, teach at home, and follow the requirements above. As a result, you have full control over curriculum, schedule, and teaching methods. Furthermore, this option offers maximum flexibility at the lowest cost.
Option 2: Accredited Programs
Alternatively, some families enroll in accredited distance learning schools. These programs handle paperwork and provide curriculum. Although they cost more, they offer extra support and official transcripts. For example, popular options include Abeka Academy, Liberty University Online, and BJU Press Distance Learning.
Option 3: Hybrid Programs
Similarly, university-model schools and co-ops are popular throughout the state. Typically, students attend classes one to three days per week and study at home the rest. In this way, hybrid programs blend group learning benefits with homeschool flexibility. Additionally, many hybrid programs offer sports teams and extracurricular activities.
Georgia Homeschool Resources
Official Resources
- Georgia Department of Education – Home School Page – Official requirements and forms
- HSLDA Georgia Page – Legal guidance and support for homeschool families
Support Organizations
- Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA) – Statewide support and annual conventions
- Home Educators of Georgia – Resources and community connections
- Local co-ops – Found in most metro and suburban areas across the state
Regional Support Groups
- Metro Atlanta – Dozens of co-ops and support groups serving the metro area
- Coastal region – Savannah Home Educators and similar groups
- North Georgia – Mountain area support networks
- Central Georgia – Macon and Columbus area homeschool groups
Special Situations for Georgia Homeschoolers
Withdrawing from Public School
To begin, file your Declaration of Intent first. Then send a withdrawal letter to your child’s school. Although some districts request a meeting, you can attend or just send paperwork. Once you’ve filed the DOI, you’re legally homeschooling. Notably, the process is similar to Ohio and Pennsylvania.
High School and Graduation
Importantly, Georgia homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. First, create a transcript listing courses and grades. For college, most schools accept homeschool transcripts with SAT or ACT scores. Therefore, start preparing transcripts in 9th grade to make the college application process smoother.
A strong transcript includes:
- Student information – Name, graduation date, parent name
- Course list – All high school courses by year
- Credits earned – Standard is 0.5 per semester course
- Grades – Letter grades or pass/fail
- GPA calculation – Weighted or unweighted
- Parent signature – Validates the transcript
Special Needs Students
Unfortunately, the state doesn’t provide special education services to homeschoolers. Nevertheless, you can access private therapies and some public school services case by case. Because of this, many families find one-on-one instruction at home helps special needs children make excellent progress.
Benefits of homeschooling special needs children:
- Individualized pace – No pressure to keep up with a class
- Sensory control – Manage noise, lighting, and distractions
- Flexible scheduling – Work when your child focuses best
- Tailored curriculum – Choose materials that match learning style
- Reduced anxiety – Learn in a safe, familiar environment
For instance, Georgia support groups can connect you with specialized resources for ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
Dual Enrollment Options
Interestingly, high schoolers can take college classes while homeschooling. Indeed, many Georgia colleges offer dual enrollment programs to homeschool students. As a result, your student earns high school and college credit simultaneously.
Georgia colleges that welcome homeschoolers for dual enrollment:
- Georgia State University – Atlanta metro area
- Kennesaw State University – North Atlanta suburbs
- Georgia Gwinnett College – Gwinnett County
- Georgia Highlands College – Northwest Georgia
- Savannah Technical College – Coastal region
Notably, dual enrollment saves thousands on college costs. Furthermore, credits transfer to state universities. Therefore, your teen can graduate high school with significant college progress already made.
Homeschool Co-ops in Georgia
Co-ops bring homeschool families together for group classes. In fact, Georgia has active co-ops in every region. Specifically, they offer subjects that work better in groups.
Common co-op offerings:
- Science labs – Experiments with proper equipment
- Foreign languages – Conversation practice with peers
- Art and music – Group instruction and performances
- Physical education – Team sports and fitness
- Drama – Theater productions
- Writing workshops – Peer feedback and editing
To find co-ops, search through GHEA or local Facebook groups. Generally, most meet weekly during the school year.
Tips for Working Parents
Surprisingly, many Georgia families homeschool while both parents work. Below are strategies that help:
- Flexible schedules – Teach mornings, work afternoons
- Independent study – Older kids work on their own
- Co-op days – Trade teaching with other families
- Online programs – Self-paced curriculum does the teaching
- Evening and weekend school – Spread learning across the week
Remember, the 4.5-hour daily requirement is instruction time only. With proper planning, working families make it work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Georgia
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Georgia?
No teaching degree is needed. In fact, you only need a high school diploma or GED to homeschool your children in the Peach State. Notably, many successful homeschool parents have no formal teaching background.
Can Georgia homeschoolers play public school sports?
Yes! The Equal Access Rule lets homeschoolers try out for sports at their local public school. However, your child must meet the same eligibility rules as enrolled students. Alternatively, many homeschoolers also join private sports leagues and co-op teams.
How do I get a homeschool diploma in Georgia?
Simply put, you create and issue your own diploma. Since there’s no state-issued diploma for homeschoolers, colleges and employers accept parent-issued diplomas paired with transcripts and test scores.
Are there homeschool tax credits in Georgia?
Unfortunately, Georgia doesn’t offer tax credits specifically for homeschooling. However, you may claim federal education tax benefits if you qualify. Meanwhile, keep receipts for curriculum and supplies for your records.
Start Your Georgia Homeschool Today
In conclusion, homeschooling in Georgia is straightforward once you understand the requirements. First, file your Declaration of Intent. Then gather your curriculum materials and begin teaching. Ultimately, the state gives you freedom to educate your children your way.
Most importantly, connect with local support groups early in your journey. After all, experienced families share wisdom and resources that help new homeschoolers succeed. Whether you’re leaving public school or starting with a kindergartner, you’ve got this.
The Peach State provides a balance of freedom and accountability. Choose your curriculum. Set your own schedule. Decide how to teach your children. The state just asks that you document your efforts and test periodically. Over 100,000 families prove this approach works.
Related State Guides
Before you decide, compare these neighboring states and their homeschool laws:
- Florida – Annual evaluation or portfolio review
- North Carolina – Similar requirements
- Texas – Minimal regulation, complete freedom
- California – Private school affidavit option
Of course, each state has different rules. Therefore, research carefully before moving or starting your homeschool journey. Above all, your children’s education is worth the effort.
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