Homeschool Laws in Georgia

Georgia's homeschool law is straightforward: file an annual Declaration of Intent, teach the required subjects, meet attendance requirements, and conduct periodic standardized testing. The state otherwise leaves families free to choose their own curriculum and methods.

Legal Basis

Georgia home education is governed by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690, which creates a specific home study option distinct from private school enrollment.

Step 1 — File a Declaration of Intent

Each year, you must file a Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program with your local school district superintendent.

Deadline: September 1st each school year, or within 30 days of beginning home study.

What to include:

• Names and ages of children to be home-studied
• Your name and address
• Certification that you will provide instruction in the required subjects

Contact your local school district to find out where to submit the declaration. Some districts have an online form; others require a paper form or letter.

Keep a copy of your filed declaration and any confirmation you receive.

Step 2 — Teach the Required Subjects

Georgia law specifies five required subject areas:

• Reading
• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science

You are free to use any curriculum, textbook, method, or approach you choose. The state does not prescribe specific materials or teaching methods.

Step 3 — Meet Attendance Requirements

Georgia requires home-studied students to receive at least 180 days of instruction per year. There is no mandated hours-per-day requirement.

Keep a simple attendance log to document your school days.

Step 4 — Annual Testing (Every Three Years)

Georgia requires standardized testing every three years — specifically in grades 3, 6, and 9. If your child is in one of these grades during your homeschool years, a standardized test is required.

Details:

• The test must be a nationally normed standardized test
• You choose which test to use — Georgia does not mandate a specific test
• You administer the test yourself (or through a testing service)
• Results are kept in your own files — you do not submit them to the school district

If your child is not in grades 3, 6, or 9, no testing is required that year.

Compulsory School Age

Georgia's compulsory attendance applies to children ages 6 through 16. Once a student turns 16, they are no longer legally required to attend school.

Qualifications Required

Georgia requires that the parent or teacher providing home instruction be a high school graduate or hold a GED. There are no college degree or teaching certificate requirements.

Umbrella School Option

Some Georgia families choose to operate under a church school or private school umbrella. Under this arrangement, your family is considered enrolled in the umbrella's program rather than operating a standalone home study program. The umbrella handles some administrative requirements.

Umbrella schools in Georgia operate under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690(c), a separate provision for church school programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I homeschool if I didn't finish high school? No — Georgia requires the teaching parent to be a high school graduate or hold a GED. If neither parent meets this requirement, the options are umbrella school enrollment or hiring a private tutor who qualifies.

Does Georgia require a teaching portfolio? No. Georgia does not require a portfolio. Testing every three years (in grades 3, 6, 9) is the primary assessment method.

Can my child play public school sports? Georgia does not have a universal Tim Tebow-style law. Some districts allow homeschoolers to participate; others do not. Contact your local school district to ask.

What if I miss the September 1st deadline? File as soon as possible. The law says "within 30 days of beginning home study," so if you start after September 1st, your 30-day clock runs from your start date.

Key Resources

• Georgia Department of Education — Home Study
• Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA)
• HSLDA — Georgia