Homeschooling in Georgia

The Declaration of Intent

Before you start homeschooling in Georgia (or by September 1 of each school year if you're continuing), you must file a Declaration of Intent with your local school superintendent. This isn't an application for permission — it's a notification.

The Declaration must include:

• The name, age, and address of each child being homeschooled
• The address where the home study program will be conducted
• The name of the parent or guardian who will be providing instruction
• A statement that the children will be taught the required subjects

You can file online through the Georgia Department of Education's website at apps.gadoe.org. If you're pulling your child out of school mid-year, you need to file within 30 days of beginning your home study program. For continuing homeschoolers, the deadline is September 1 of each year.

One important note: Georgia requires that the parent or guardian providing instruction hold at least a high school diploma or GED. No teaching certificate or college degree required.

Attendance Requirements

Georgia requires 180 school days per year, with each school day consisting of at least 4.5 hours of instruction. The law counts the full scope of educational activities — reading time, educational field trips, science experiments, and music lessons all count.

You're required to keep a monthly attendance record. A simple log or calendar where you mark each school day will satisfy the requirement. Georgia's compulsory attendance age is 6 through 16.

Required Subjects

Georgia law requires that your home study program include these five core subjects:

1. Reading and Language Arts
2. Mathematics
3. Social Studies
4. Science
5. Reading (listed separately from Language Arts in the statute)

There are no specific textbooks or curricula mandated by the state. You can use a pre-packaged curriculum, piece together resources from different publishers, build your own from library books, or follow an unschooling philosophy.

Record-Keeping

You must maintain:

• Monthly attendance records — a log showing each school day and confirming you're meeting the 180-day, 4.5-hour minimum
• An annual progress assessment — a written report for each child describing what was studied and how the child progressed
• Standardized test results — from every three-year test on file

These records must be available for inspection by the local superintendent upon request. Beyond the legal minimums, keeping course descriptions, work samples, and a running transcript starting in high school is invaluable for college applications.

Special Considerations

Special needs students: Georgia's home study law applies equally to students with special needs. There are no additional requirements or restrictions. However, by choosing to homeschool, you may be giving up access to certain public school services.

Umbrella programs: Georgia law allows families to homeschool independently or through a homeschool cooperative or umbrella program. An umbrella can handle some administrative requirements, offer classes, testing services, and transcript preparation. Joining one is completely optional.

High school graduation: The homeschool parent determines when the student has completed their course of study. You issue the diploma. There's no state exam or external validation required.

Dual Enrollment

Georgia homeschool students can participate in dual enrollment programs at local colleges and technical schools through the state's Dual Enrollment program. This is a fantastic option for high schoolers who want to earn college credit while still homeschooling. Courses are tuition-free for eligible students, and the credits transfer to most Georgia colleges and universities. Contact your local college's admissions office for specific requirements and available courses.

Extracurricular Access

The Dexter Mosely Act (Senate Bill 42), signed in 2021, allows home study students in grades 6 through 12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities at their resident public school. To qualify, you must notify the school principal and district at least 30 days before the semester, enroll in at least one qualifying course, provide your most recent progress assessment, and meet the same eligibility rules as enrolled students.