Learn about homeschooling laws, requirements, and resources specific to Georgia.
Georgia offers several options for home education with relatively flexible requirements. This comprehensive guide explains the legal homeschooling options, required declarations and notifications, curriculum and subject requirements, parent qualifications, recordkeeping obligations, testing and evaluation requirements, and available support resources. The information is based on Georgia law (O.C.G.A.) and guidance from the Georgia Department of Education.
Georgia law recognizes three education options to satisfy compulsory attendance: public school, private school, or a home study program. For families choosing to homeschool, there are several legal pathways available.
Under Georgia law, children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend a public school, private school, or home study program. Any homeschooling method in Georgia must satisfy the state's compulsory education law. The options described below are legally recognized ways to meet this requirement.
The most common and straightforward option for homeschooling in Georgia:
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 explicitly recognizes home study programs as a legal alternative to public school attendance.
Some families choose to enroll in a private school that allows home-based instruction:
While establishing a personal private school is an option, most homeschooling families opt for the simpler home study program route.
Georgia law also permits parents to collaborate in educating their children:
Legal basis: The Learning Pod Protection Act in Georgia Code § 20-2-690 ensures families can form co-ops or pod groups freely, as long as each child is officially enrolled in a legal educational option.
When deciding which option works best for your family, consider:
Georgia provides a clear legal framework for homeschooling through the home study program option, while also allowing flexibility in how families organize instruction under that framework.
Before beginning a homeschool program in Georgia, parents must file a notification with the state. Understanding the proper filing procedures and deadlines is essential for maintaining legal compliance.
Initial Filing: Within 30 days of establishing your home study program
Annual Renewal: By September 1 each year
Failing to file on time could lead to truancy concerns. Mark your calendar for late August each year to ensure you meet the annual filing deadline.
The Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program is the only form needed to begin homeschooling in Georgia. This simple form must include:
The Georgia Department of Education provides an electronic submission platform for convenience, though written submissions are also accepted. Once filed, the GDOE will provide a copy of the declaration to your local school district, so you do not need to separately notify the district.
Good to know: There is no approval process or waiting period. Your home study program becomes legal as soon as you submit the Declaration of Intent.
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 requires parents to submit this declaration to the Georgia Department of Education.
If you are withdrawing a child from a public or private school to begin homeschooling:
Homeschooling in Georgia offers considerable flexibility in curriculum choices, but state law does outline basic subject requirements that must be covered in your home study program.
Georgia law requires that all home study programs provide a basic academic educational program that includes these five core subjects:
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 requires these subjects to ensure that all home-educated students receive instruction in essential areas of learning.
These subjects must form the core of your homeschool curriculum and should be covered each academic year. The specific content and depth will naturally vary based on your child's age and grade level.
Georgia homeschoolers have significant freedom in how they teach the required subjects. The state focuses on ensuring the subjects are covered, not dictating the specific materials or methods used.
Georgia homeschoolers enjoy the freedom to choose curriculum and resources that match their educational philosophy and their child's learning style:
Georgia has straightforward requirements for parents who wish to homeschool their children. Understanding these qualifications will help ensure your home study program complies with state law.
In Georgia, the primary instructor in a home study program (typically the parent or guardian) must have at least a high school diploma or a GED (high school equivalency diploma). This is the only educational qualification required by law.
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 establishes these basic qualifications for home study program instructors.
Georgia's qualification requirements focus on ensuring a basic level of education for the instructor rather than specialized teaching credentials.
While Georgia law stipulates that parents or guardians may teach only their own children in a home study program, there are options for collaborative teaching:
Important: You cannot legally run a home study program for children from other families. Doing so would classify as operating an unapproved private school or daycare.
Georgia law requires periodic assessment of homeschooled students' progress to ensure they are learning at an appropriate level. Understanding these assessment requirements will help you stay compliant with state regulations.
1. Standardized Testing: Students must take a nationally standardized test at least once every three years, beginning at the end of third grade.
2. Annual Written Evaluation: The instructor must write an annual progress assessment report for each student in the core subject areas.
These evaluations are not submitted to any government agency but must be retained as part of your homeschool records.
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 requires these periodic standardized assessments to track student progress.
This annual evaluation helps document your child's growth and progress over time in each subject area.
Any nationally normed standardized test is acceptable. Popular options include:
Note: Georgia's public school exams (Georgia Milestones, End-of-Grade tests, End-of-Course tests) do not fulfill the homeschool testing requirement.
There are several options for test administration:
"Consultation with a trained person" can be interpreted as:
You can format your report as a narrative summary, a traditional report card with grades, a checklist of skills mastered, or another format that works for your family.
Although Georgia homeschoolers are not subject to constant oversight, the law does impose attendance and recordkeeping obligations to ensure education is taking place. Understanding and following these requirements is essential for legal compliance.
Georgia law requires home study programs to provide instruction:
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 establishes these minimum attendance requirements for home study programs.
While Georgia no longer requires homeschoolers to submit monthly attendance reports to the local school district (a requirement that was removed in 2013), it is strongly recommended that parents keep an attendance log at home.
You have flexibility in scheduling your homeschool year:
Good to know: While attendance records aren't submitted to authorities, maintaining them helps you demonstrate compliance if questions ever arise about whether you fulfilled the 180-day obligation.
Many families find it helpful to track days and hours not only for legal compliance but also for personal planning and creating a routine.
Georgia's homeschool law explicitly gives the parent or guardian the authority to issue any documentation needed to verify the child's education. This means the parent is effectively the "school registrar" for their homeschool.
You should maintain a portfolio of records for each homeschooled student. Key records to keep include:
| Record Type | Description | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Declarations of Intent | Copies of each year's DOI submission confirmation | Duration of homeschooling |
| Attendance Records | Log of days or hours of instruction | Duration of homeschooling |
| Annual Progress Reports | Yearly summaries of student progress in each subject | Minimum of 3 years (required by law) |
| Standardized Test Results | Scores from nationally normed tests (every 3 years) | Duration of homeschooling |
| Curriculum Outlines | List of textbooks, courses, or resources used | Optional but useful |
| Work Samples | Examples of student work, projects, essays, etc. | Optional but useful |
Additional records to maintain for high school students:
As the official "school administrator," you have the authority to issue a diploma once your student completes your graduation requirements.
Georgia law recognizes parents as the official record-keepers and certifiers of their home study program:
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 gives parents the authority to issue documentation to verify their child's education status.
Georgia is often considered a moderately regulated state for homeschooling. Understanding the level of oversight and how compliance is enforced will help you navigate the homeschooling landscape with confidence.
Once you have filed your Declaration of Intent each year, there is no routine monitoring or home inspections by the Department of Education. Homeschooling in Georgia operates largely on a trust basis that families will follow the law.
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690.1 establishes enforcement authority and § 20-2-690 outlines penalties for non-compliance.
Recent updates to Georgia's approach have increased scrutiny on timely filing of the Declaration of Intent:
Important: Always file your Declaration on time and keep documentation of having done so to prevent any question of truancy or educational neglect.
The State Board of Education is explicitly forbidden from creating any rules or forms that go beyond what the law requires.
By staying proactive in compliance and maintaining good records, you can enjoy the freedom Georgia law affords homeschoolers without undue interference.
Homeschooling in Georgia is protected by several important legal provisions, but families should also be aware of common compliance pitfalls to avoid potential issues.
Georgia law gives homeschooling parents full authority to issue documentation:
Legal basis: Georgia Code § 20-2-690 gives parents this documentation authority.
This 2021 law provides equal opportunity for homeschooled students to participate in public school activities:
The Dexter Mosely Act represents a significant win for homeschoolers' rights in Georgia.
Homeschool students in Georgia have rights to certain special education services:
This protection ensures students with special needs are not left without support simply because they are educated at home.
Georgia's 2021 Learning Pod Protection Act ensures homeschool groups can operate without excessive regulation:
As long as homeschool groups meet safely, they should not face extra regulatory burdens.
The most common mistake is failing to file required documentation on time:
Solution: Set calendar reminders for annual DOI filing (late August), testing years, and progress report writing. Save all confirmation emails and documentation.
Though Georgia gives homeschoolers flexibility, these requirements must be met:
Solution: Create a balanced curriculum plan that covers all required subjects. Schedule a reasonable homeschool year that meets time requirements. Choose approved standardized tests.
A common misconception that can lead to legal issues:
Solution: Ensure each family files their own Declaration of Intent. You can still teach cooperatively, but each parent must take legal responsibility for their own children's education.
Inadequate records can cause problems when you least expect them:
Solution: Maintain at least minimal records each year. Georgia's recognition of parent-issued documents means YOUR records validate your child's education, so make them comprehensive.
While the state protects learning pods, confusion can still arise at the local level:
Solution: If you're part of a large co-op, ensure the host facility has basic permits. Be prepared to explain Georgia's Learning Pod Protection Act if questions arise, and keep documentation of your child's enrollment in a home study program.
Example: In one case, churches hosting homeschool co-ops in Cobb County received warnings about needing occupancy certificates. This was resolved by pointing to the Learning Pod Protection Act, which exempts such groups from school-specific regulations.
Compliance pitfalls are easy to avoid with a bit of organization and knowledge. The vast majority of Georgia homeschoolers never face any legal trouble.
Georgia's legal protections, coupled with responsible parent oversight, create a safe space for home education.
Homeschooling can be a challenging journey, but families in Georgia have a strong support system available to help them navigate both legal requirements and day-to-day homeschooling life.
One of the greatest strengths of Georgia's homeschool environment is its well-established network of support organizations. These groups can provide guidance, social connections, practical resources, and even educational opportunities for your children.
Whether you're seeking legal advice, curriculum recommendations, or simply friendship with like-minded families, Georgia offers numerous resources at the state, regional, and local levels.
GHEA is Georgia's primary statewide homeschool advocacy and support organization. This non-profit, member-supported group has been serving the needs and protecting the rights of Georgia homeschoolers since 1992.
GHEA provides:
Note: While GHEA operates from a Christian perspective, it offers help to all homeschooling families regardless of background.
While not Georgia-specific, many Georgia families become members of HSLDA for legal support and peace of mind.
HSLDA offers Georgia homeschoolers:
Membership is optional but can provide valuable legal reassurance, especially for new homeschooling families.
Across Georgia, there are numerous local support groups and co-ops that provide community, activities, and shared learning opportunities.
These local groups typically offer:
The best ways to find local homeschool groups in your area:
Homeschool co-ops are groups of families that meet regularly so students can learn together. These collaborative arrangements come in many forms:
Co-ops may meet weekly, bi-weekly, or on another schedule, often in churches, community centers, or members' homes.
Remember: Even when participating in co-ops, each family must still file their own Declaration of Intent and meet all Georgia homeschool requirements.
Beyond traditional co-ops, Georgia homeschoolers can access various specialized programs:
When exploring co-op options, consider:
Many Georgia homeschoolers connect through online forums and social media:
Websites that support Georgia homeschoolers include:
Tip: Online communities can be especially valuable for homeschoolers in rural areas with fewer local group options or those with scheduling constraints.
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) provides some resources for homeschoolers:
Additional state-level resources available to homeschoolers:
While primarily for public school students, homeschoolers can take individual online courses for a fee. This is especially useful for:
Georgia's homeschooling community is vibrant and well-connected. By plugging into these networks, families can:
Remember that homeschooling doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor. In Georgia, you're likely to find a welcoming community no matter where you live, along with abundant resources to help your children receive a rich and compliant education at home.
At Learning Corner, we've developed AI-powered educational tools specifically designed to support Georgia homeschool families in meeting legal requirements while enhancing the educational experience.
Stay on track with Georgia's homeschooling requirements:
Our compliance tools help ensure you meet all Georgia requirements while minimizing paperwork and administrative burden.
Ensure complete coverage of Georgia's required subjects:
Meet Georgia's curriculum requirements while maintaining the flexibility to teach in your preferred style and at your child's pace.
Document academic progress for annual evaluations:
Maintain comprehensive records that demonstrate educational progress in each subject area, making annual evaluations stress-free.
Connect with other Georgia homeschoolers and local resources:
Tap into Georgia's vibrant homeschool community and discover local resources to enrich your homeschool program.
Our AI Tutor provides personalized learning support for Georgia homeschoolers:
Tools to help homeschoolers navigate participation in public school activities under the Dexter Mosely Act, including eligibility tracking and required documentation.
Build professional-looking digital and print portfolios that showcase your student's work and achievements for evaluations, college applications, or scholarship submissions.
Navigate Georgia's dual enrollment options for homeschoolers, including course eligibility, application processes, and credit tracking for high school transcripts.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Georgia homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Georgia homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Georgia's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Georgia subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Georgia homeschoolers.
Last Updated: April 27, 2025