If you are considering homeschooling your child in Georgia, you may be wondering what the legal requirements are and how to get started. The good news is that Georgia is considered one of the more homeschool-friendly states, offering families the flexibility to customize their children’s education while following a few straightforward state requirements.
Whether you are homeschooling for the first time or recently moved to Georgia, understanding the state’s homeschool laws can help you stay compliant and feel confident in your educational journey.
Is Homeschooling Legal in Georgia?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Georgia under Georgia’s Home Study Program law. Parents or legal guardians may provide a home-based education instead of enrolling their children in public or private school, provided they meet the state’s requirements.
Georgia recognizes homeschooling as a legitimate educational option, giving families the freedom to tailor lessons to their children’s learning styles, interests, and goals.
Who Can Homeschool in Georgia?
In Georgia, the parent or guardian who oversees homeschooling must have at least a high school diploma or a GED.
Parents may also hire a tutor or another qualified individual to teach some or all subjects if desired. Many homeschooling families combine parent-led instruction with online programs, co-ops, tutors, or enrichment classes.
When Is School Attendance Required?
Georgia’s compulsory attendance law applies to children between the ages of 6 and 16.
Children must attend public school, private school, or an approved home study program during these years. Many families begin homeschooling before age six and continue after age sixteen, but the legal attendance requirement covers these ages.
Filing a Declaration of Intent
One of the most important legal requirements for homeschooling in Georgia is submitting a Declaration of Intent (DOI).
Parents must file a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education:
- Within 30 days of starting a homeschool program
- By September 1 each school year if continuing to homeschool
Fortunately, filing the Declaration of Intent is quick and can be completed online.
The Declaration of Intent typically includes:
- Parent or guardian information
- Student’s name and age
- Address
- Dates of the homeschool program
Once submitted, families should keep a copy for their records. Click here for the Georgia Declaration of Intent.
How Many Days Must You Homeschool?
Georgia requires homeschool programs to provide instruction for:
- 180 school days each year
- At least 4½ hours of instruction per day
Unlike public schools, homeschool families have flexibility in how they schedule these days. Some choose a traditional school calendar, while others homeschool year-round with more frequent breaks.
The law does not require instruction to occur Monday through Friday. Families can create schedules that fit their lifestyles as long as they meet the required instructional time.
Required Subjects
Georgia homeschool laws require instruction in five core subject areas:
- Reading
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
Parents are free to choose the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational resources they believe best fit their child’s needs.
Many families supplement these core subjects with:
- Foreign languages
- Art
- Music
- Physical education
- Financial literacy
- Computer science
- Life skills
- Bible studies (if desired)
The flexibility to personalize education is one of homeschooling’s greatest advantages.
Do You Have to Follow State Curriculum Standards?
No.
Georgia does not require homeschool families to follow the state’s public school curriculum or Georgia Standards of Excellence.
Parents may choose:
- Traditional textbooks
- Online homeschool programs
- Unit studies
- Charlotte Mason curriculum
- Classical education
- Montessori-inspired learning
- Project-based learning
- Unschooling approaches
This flexibility allows families to create an education that aligns with their values and their children’s individual learning styles.
Keeping Records
Georgia requires homeschool parents to maintain attendance records.
Parents should also prepare an annual progress assessment for each student. This report should summarize the child’s educational progress in each required subject.
The annual report remains with the family and does not need to be submitted to the state unless requested under specific legal circumstances.
Many parents also choose to keep:
- Samples of schoolwork
- Reading lists
- Grades
- Portfolios
- Field trip documentation
- Volunteer activities
These records can be helpful if a child returns to public school or applies to college.
Standardized Testing Requirements
Students in Georgia homeschool programs must take a nationally standardized test every three years, beginning at the end of third grade. Although we typically test every year just so I know where the girls are.
Testing is generally completed at the end of:
- 3rd grade
- 6th grade
- 9th grade
Acceptable nationally standardized tests may include well-known assessments administered by qualified testing services.
Parents keep the test results as part of their homeschool records. These scores are not routinely submitted to the Georgia Department of Education.
Can Homeschooled Students Participate in Public School Activities?
Participation varies by school district.
Unlike some states, Georgia does not have a statewide law requiring public schools to allow homeschool students to participate in sports or extracurricular activities.
However, some local districts may allow limited participation in certain programs. Families should contact their local school district to learn about available opportunities.
Many homeschool students instead participate in:
- Homeschool sports leagues
- Community theater
- Church youth groups
- Music lessons
- Robotics clubs
- 4-H
- Scouts
- Local homeschool co-ops
High School Homeschooling in Georgia
Homeschooling through high school is common in Georgia.
Parents create transcripts documenting completed coursework, grades, and credits earned. These transcripts are often used when applying to colleges, trade schools, scholarships, or military programs.
Many homeschool students also participate in:
- Dual enrollment at Georgia colleges
- SAT or ACT testing
- Advanced Placement coursework
- Community college classes
- Career and technical education programs
Georgia’s flexibility allows families to build customized high school experiences that prepare students for college, careers, or entrepreneurship.
Tips for New Homeschool Families
Starting homeschooling can feel overwhelming, but many Georgia families find success by taking things one step at a time.
Some helpful tips include:
- File your Declaration of Intent promptly.
- Choose a curriculum that matches your child’s learning style.
- Join local homeschool groups for support and field trips.
- Create a realistic daily routine instead of trying to replicate public school.
- Keep organized records throughout the year.
- Give yourself time to adjust as you discover what works best for your family.
Remember that homeschooling is a journey, and your approach can evolve as your children grow.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Georgia offers families a welcoming legal environment for homeschooling, making it an attractive option for parents seeking greater flexibility and personalized education. By filing your annual Declaration of Intent, maintaining attendance and progress records, teaching the required subjects, and meeting testing requirements, you can confidently homeschool within Georgia law.
While understanding the legal requirements is important, homeschooling is about much more than compliance. It is an opportunity to create meaningful learning experiences, strengthen family relationships, and help your child develop a lifelong love of learning.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Homeschool laws can change over time, so always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Education before making educational decisions.
Georgia Code (Official State Law)
You can reference:
- O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690
- O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1
Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA) – Declaration of Intent Guide
Helpful Georgia Homeschool Resources
If you’re just getting started, these official resources can help answer many of the most common questions about homeschooling in Georgia:
- Georgia Department of Education – Home Study Declaration of Intent
- Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA)
- Official Georgia Home Study Laws (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690)
- Georgia Department of Education Homeschool Division Contact Information
