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Homeschooling in Georgia is a legally recognized and parent-directed educational option. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re researching Georgia homeschooling programs and curriculum, this guide will walk you through the essentials, clarify state requirements, and help you create a strong start.
To begin homeschooling in Georgia, parents must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Georgia Department of Education. This can be done online through the Georgia Home Study Program portal. First, visit the GaDOE website and navigate to the Home Study DOI page. Create an account or log in, then complete the online form with the required information, including parent and student details, your homeschool address, and start date. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email, which you should save for your records.
The DOI must be submitted within 30 days of starting your homeschool program and again by September 1 each year thereafter. Once this form is submitted, you can officially withdraw your child from public or private school and begin homeschooling. There is no waiting period for approval.
Georgia law requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to be enrolled in school. Families can legally homeschool during these years by following state guidelines.
The Declaration of Intent must be filed with the Georgia Department of Education annually. There’s no approval process, but you must keep a copy of your submission for your records.
Home study programs must operate at least 180 instructional days per year with an average of 4.5 hours of school per day, unless the child is physically unable to meet this requirement.
Instruction must include, at minimum, reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
In Georgia, you do not submit your attendance records or written annual progress report to the state, except for the Declaration of Intent (DOI). Although these attendance records are not submitted, parents must maintain them in their personal files. There is no mandated format for tracking attendance; you can use a simple calendar, planner, spreadsheet, or even a homeschool logbook. Each subject should include a brief overview of the material covered, how the student performed, and any notable progress or challenges. It’s a good idea to include observations about learning strengths and areas for future improvement as well. What matters is that the records clearly show the days your child received instruction. It’s recommended to keep these records for at least three years in case they’re ever requested for verification, particularly if your child re-enrolls in a traditional school or you move out of state.
Starting in third grade, homeschoolers in Georgia must take a nationally standardized test every three years. Commonly accepted nationally standardized, norm-referenced tests that Georgia homeschoolers typically use are:
You can administer the test yourself if you have a bachelor’s degree from any college or university in any subject area – you do not need a teaching certificate. If you do not hold one, you need someone who is trained in administering and interpreting norm-referenced standardized tests, such as the ITBS, CAT, Stanford, TerraNova, or MAP Growth. The key is that this person must be comfortable with the test protocols and able to administer the exam correctly and interpret the results in a way that ensures reliability.
While Georgia doesn’t require submission of scores, it’s essential to store them with your homeschool records in case they’re ever needed.
Homeschooling in Georgia can range from almost free to several hundred dollars annually, depending on the materials and programs you use. The costs of homeschooling depend on whether you choose all-inclusive packages, free online resources, or assemble your own curriculum. Georgia does not provide financial stipends or assistance for homeschoolers. Some public charter or online programs are available for free, but are considered public schooling.
Whether you prefer a Charlotte Mason approach, classical learning, or unit studies, Georgia parents are free to choose the teaching style that best fits their child.
For a mastery-based, multisensory foundation, we recommend All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math. These open-and-go programs are based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, made for busy parents, and only take 20 minutes a day.
Some families pursue free homeschooling programs in Georgia by using online platforms, open-source curricula, and public library resources. These can be especially helpful for families new to homeschooling or working within a budget.
According to Georgia homeschooling laws, students must study reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Parents may also include electives like music, foreign language, or physical education to enrich their homeschool curriculum.
Successful homeschooling begins with a blend of structure, support, and flexibility. One of the first steps is to create a designated learning space; this doesn’t have to be a formal classroom. It can be as simple as the dining room table, a quiet corner with a small desk, or a cozy spot with a lap desk and bookshelf. The key is consistency: having a place where your child knows it’s time to focus helps reduce distractions and builds a learning mindset.
Setting daily or weekly learning goals is another great way to provide structure while allowing for flexibility. A daily goal might be, “Work on math for 20 minutes and read one chapter of a science book.” A weekly goal could be, “Write a short story, learn five new spelling words, and complete a nature journal entry after visiting the park.” These goals help track progress without being overwhelming and can be adjusted based on your child’s pace and needs.
Support is just as important. Georgia homeschoolers benefit from connecting with local co-ops, park days, and community events. Consider visiting Georgia museums, nature centers, or state parks to supplement lessons. Many organizations offer homeschool-specific days or workshops. These offer not only social time for kids but also support and encouragement for parents.
Finally, be open to refining your methods as you discover how your child learns best. When you combine routine, a dedicated space, achievable goals, and community connection, you set the stage for a rich and rewarding homeschool experience.
Can you homeschool in Georgia?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Georgia and governed by clear requirements that ensure parent-led instruction meets state standards.
How to enroll in homeschool in Georgia?
You enroll by filing a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education. No additional registration or approval is required.
How does homeschooling work in Georgia?
Parents teach required subjects at home, follow attendance and instruction guidelines, test every three years from third grade onward, and keep basic records.
What are the best homeschooling curriculum options in Georgia?
There is no single best program, but many families choose All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math for their research-based approach. Options for homeschooling in Georgia also include online classes, classical packages, and literature-rich resources.
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Georgia?
Yes, starting in third grade, students must take a standardized test every three years. Results are not submitted, but must be kept by the parent.
Georgia homeschooling allows families the freedom to design an education that aligns with their values, learning objectives, and daily routines. Since there are clear guidelines but no mandated curriculum, parents can tailor their programs to fit their children’s unique needs. With careful preparation and support from the homeschooling community, families can feel confident in meeting Georgia’s homeschooling requirements.
Disclaimer:
All information is current as of May 2025. All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. Please consult the Georgia Department of Education or HSLDA for official guidance.
Resources
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Georgia Department of Education: https://www.gadoe.org/
Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA): https://www.ghea.org/
HSLDA – Georgia: https://hslda.org/legal/georgia
Georgia Department of Education Declaration of Intent: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Pages/Home-Schools.aspx
All About Learning Press: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/free-resources/
