Homeschooling in Georgia is straightforward. You need to file a Declaration of Intent annually, teach five subjects over 180 days, and test every three years. With a single legal pathway, it's easy to comply and manage your homeschool.
Georgia is home to approximately 95,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
Georgia homeschool requirements at a glance
Understanding Georgia's homeschool law
Georgia has clear homeschooling rules under O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-690(c). There’s only one way to homeschool legally—no multiple options like in other states. The requirements are easy to follow.
The basics
- File your Declaration of Intent each year.
- Teach five subjects over 180 days.
- Provide 4.5 hours of instruction daily.
- Test every three years.
- Keep an annual progress report in your files.
What changed in 2013
In 2013, Georgia stopped requiring monthly attendance reports to local school districts. Before that, families had to report monthly, which often led to issues. Now, you only need to file with the Georgia Department of Education once a year—much simpler!
Single pathway approach
Unlike some states, Georgia has just one legal pathway for homeschooling. This makes it easy to decide but limits flexibility. You either meet the requirements or you don’t.
How to start homeschooling in Georgia
Declaration of intent: What you need to know
The Declaration of Intent (DOI) is your yearly notice that you're homeschooling. It’s simple, but timing is key.
When to file
- Within 30 days of starting homeschool (for new families).
- By September 1 each year after that.
Required information
- Names and ages of your students.
- Your address.
- Local school system where you’re homeschooling.
- The 12-month period for your school year.
How to file
- Online: DOI Online Submission
- Fax: (770) 344-4623
- Email: homeschool@doe.k12.ga.us
What happens after filing
Your DOI gets recorded, and there’s no approval process. You’re compliant by just filing it. No confirmation is sent unless you ask for it.
Common mistake
Some think they must notify their local school district. You don’t! Since 2013, all notifications go straight to the Georgia Department of Education.
Testing requirements
Georgia requires standardized testing every three years, starting after third grade. Here’s how it works:
Testing schedule
Tests are needed after grades 3, 6, 9, and 12.
Test requirements
You must use a nationally normed standardized test. Acceptable tests include:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- California Achievement Test (CAT/TerraNova)
- Stanford Achievement Test
- Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI)
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
Who can administer the test
Tests should be given with help from someone trained in this area. Parents can do it if they consult with a qualified person, usually someone with a bachelor's degree.
What to do with results
Keep the test results in your records. You don’t need to send them to anyone. They’re just for your own review.
Georgia milestones
The state’s Milestones tests don’t count because they aren’t nationally standardized.
Required subjects and instructional time
In Georgia, you must have 180 school days each year with at least 4.5 hours of instruction per day (unless your child can’t comply).
Required subjects (minimum 5)
- Reading
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
You can add more subjects too—many families include history, art, music, and foreign languages.
What counts as instruction
Georgia is flexible about what counts as instruction. Reading, math practice, science experiments, field trips, and independent study all count.
Flexibility in scheduling
You’re not stuck with a traditional school calendar. Your 180 days can happen any time in the 12-month period you define.
No daily submissions
Since 2013, you don’t have to submit monthly attendance reports. You keep your records at home unless asked.
Sports and extracurricular access: The dexter mosely act
The Dexter Mosely Act, passed in 2021, lets homeschoolers in grades 6-12 join public school extracurricular activities, including sports.
Six requirements to participate
- Notify the principal and superintendent 30 days before the semester starts.
- Provide your most recent annual progress report with passing grades.
- Enroll in at least one qualifying course each semester.
- Meet the same age, academic, behavioral, and residency rules as public school students.
- Follow the student code of conduct.
- Complete any required tryouts.
Critical limitation
If your child leaves public school to homeschool, they can’t participate for 12 months from your DOI filing date.
Alternative options
Many families prefer homeschool sports leagues, co-op programs, or private teams instead of public school sports.
Georgia promise scholarship
The Georgia Promise Scholarship offers funding for eligible students, but it has specific requirements.
Award amount
You can get up to $6,500 for the 2025-26 school year.
Eligibility
This scholarship mainly helps students moving from public schools under certain conditions, not all homeschoolers.
Important distinction
It differs from universal ESA programs in other states. Eligibility focuses on past public school attendance.
Current status
Check the Georgia Department of Education’s website for updates on eligibility and application windows.
Additional financial support
Also look into:
- HOPE Scholarship (for college—available to homeschool graduates with qualifying test scores)
- Georgia Virtual School (free online courses)
- Dual enrollment at Georgia colleges.
High school, graduation & beyond
As a homeschooling parent in Georgia, you set the graduation requirements and issue diplomas yourself. The state doesn’t provide diplomas.
Creating transcripts
Keep track of courses, credits, and grades for all high school years. Include titles, credit hours, grades, and descriptions for college applications.
Diploma issuance
Parents sign and issue the diploma, which is recognized by the state.
University system of Georgia admission
To enter USG schools, you need 17 units of high school curriculum:
- 4 English
- 4 Math
- 4 Science (including labs)
- 3 Social Studies
- 2 Foreign Language You’ll also need SAT or ACT scores.
Dual enrollment
Georgia homeschoolers can access dual enrollment at Georgia colleges, and credits transfer. Move On When Ready offers funding for eligible students.
Hope scholarship
Homeschool graduates can qualify for the HOPE Scholarship based on their SAT/ACT scores.
Common misconceptions cleared up
Georgia homeschoolers face several myths. Here’s the truth:
- You must submit monthly attendance reports—FALSE. Monthly reports were dropped in 2013. You keep attendance records at home.
- You need to notify your local school district—FALSE. Notifications go directly to the Georgia Department of Education.
- Test scores must be submitted to the state—FALSE. Keep them for your own records.
- Georgia Milestones tests fulfill the requirement—FALSE. You need a nationally standardized test.
- Homeschooled kids are poorly socialized—FALSE. Georgia has many co-ops, support groups, and activities for socializing.
Special situations
Mid-year withdrawal
You can withdraw from public school anytime. Just file your DOI within 30 days and start homeschooling.
Starting mid-year
If you start in January, you can prorate your 180-day requirement. You don’t have to finish by May.
Special needs students
Georgia’s Child Find requirements apply, meaning districts must evaluate suspected disabilities. However, full IEP services usually require public school enrollment. Limited services are available for homeschoolers.
Moving to Georgia
File your DOI within 30 days of starting in Georgia. Previous records help with grade level placement.
Returning to public school
If your child goes back to public school, placement testing may be required. Keep good records to support their grade level.
The bottom line
Georgia’s homeschool rules are clear once you know what to do. File your DOI by September 1 (or within 30 days of starting), teach five subjects over 180 days, provide 4.5 hours of daily instruction, test every three years, and keep records at home.
The 2013 change to drop monthly reports makes things easier. You only interact with the state once a year. Just file your DOI and you’re set until next year.
Your next step
Start by filing that DOI with the Georgia Department of Education. Then, create your curriculum around the required subjects. Remember, testing starts after third grade, so you have time to find your groove before assessments begin.
The Dexter Mosely Act opens up public school sports for homeschoolers, but many families find Georgia’s co-ops and sports leagues just as good. Connect with local groups—Georgia has a friendly homeschool community with plenty of resources.
