Hold My Sweet Tea! Your Super-Sized, Sass-Filled Guide to Homeschooling in Georgia
Alright, listen up, folks! You’ve been thinking about ditching the school bus routine, swapping out that frantic morning rush for a few more minutes of peace (and maybe a second cup of coffee). You're eyeing that lush Georgia landscape and thinking, "Can I actually make a 'home study program' happen right here in the Peach State?" The answer, my friend, is a resounding "Heck, yes!"
Georgia is, bless its heart, one of the most homeschool-friendly states out there. They keep the rules simple, which is totally clutch. It means you get a ton of freedom to craft an education that fits your kid like their favorite pair of broken-in jeans. But before you swap that algebra textbook for a fishing pole, you gotta cross your Ts and dot your lower-case J's. Don't worry, this isn't rocket science, but you need to know the score. So grab a snack, put your feet up, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, Georgia-style!
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| Can I Homeschool My Child In Georgia |
Step 1: Prove You're the Head Honcho (The Qualifications Check)
This first step is super quick, so don't even sweat it. Think of it as showing your ID at the door—just gotta confirm you're legit.
1.1 The Diploma Lowdown
To be the main teacher (or "Parent/Guardian," as the state calls you), you need to have a high school diploma or a GED. That's it. No fancy teaching certificate required, no pop quizzes on calculus, no surprise inspection of your classroom organization (thank goodness!).
You can totally hire a tutor to help out with a subject or two, but even that hired help needs to have that same basic qualification. So, if you've got that parchment tucked away somewhere, you're golden!
1.2 Withdrawing the Student (If They’re Currently Enrolled)
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If your kiddo is currently cruising through the public or private school system, you can’t just ghost them. That’s a fast track to a truancy nightmare, and nobody wants that drama.
The Move: You need to formally withdraw your child from their current school.
The Why: This simple action tells the school district that your kid is not a no-show; they’re just changing zip codes for their education. Do this before you officially start homeschooling to keep everything on the up-and-up.
Step 2: Declare Your Intent (The Paperwork Power Move)
This is the big one. It's the official high-five you give the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to let them know you're running a "home study program."
2.1 The Magic Document: Declaration of Intent (DOI)
Every year, you need to file a Declaration of Intent (DOI). It's basically a short form that says, "Yep, we're homeschooling, peace out!"
When to File:
First Time: You need to submit your first DOI within 30 days of starting your home study program.
Annually: Every year after that, you must re-file the DOI by September 1st. Mark it on your calendar, set a phone reminder, write it on your bathroom mirror—you don't want to miss this deadline!
What's on it? Just the basics, like your kid’s name and age, the address of your "school," and the 12-month period you’re calling your school year.
How to File: The GaDOE has an online submission portal, which is hands-down the easiest way to do it. Hit submit, print the confirmation page, and stash it in your official "Home Study Program" binder.
2.2 Picking Your School Year Dates
This is where the flexibility starts to feel like a major win. You get to pick your own 12-month school year! It can be August to May, January to December, or whatever funky schedule works for your family. Planning a month-long trip to see the Grand Canyon in October? Go for it! Just make sure you follow the next rule...
Step 3: Clocking the Required Time (No Slouching Allowed)
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
Homeschooling is a blast, but it's not a year-long vacation. Georgia wants to make sure your kid is getting a quality education, which means you have to hit some minimum requirements.
3.1 The 180-Day Rule
Your home study program must provide instruction equivalent to 180 school days per year. That's the same as the public school calendar!
Pro Tip: Homeschooling is way more efficient than traditional school. No fire drills, no assembly presentations, no searching for lost library books. What takes a public school six hours might only take you three or four. Seriously!
3.2 The 4.5 Hour Minimum (Mostly)
Each of those 180 days must consist of at least 4.5 hours of instruction. Unless, of course, your little scholar has a physical inability to meet this requirement—then you adjust!
Remember: This doesn't mean you're chained to the dining room table for four and a half hours straight. It can be broken up throughout the day: an hour of reading, a nature walk for science, an afternoon project for history. Flexibility is your superpower!
Step 4: What You Gotta Teach (The Core Subjects)
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You have a ton of freedom with how you teach, but Georgia lays down a non-negotiable list of five core subjects that must be covered.
4.1 The Fab Five Academic Subjects
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Your program must include a "basic academic educational program" covering:
Reading
Language Arts (Think grammar, writing, comprehension—the whole shebang)
Mathematics (No escaping the numbers, buddy)
Social Studies (History, civics, geography—learn about the world!)
Science (Get those lab coats ready for some awesome experiments!)
The Curriculum Freedom: This is where you get to shine. Georgia does not mandate a specific curriculum. You can use textbooks, online programs, co-ops, field trips, library books—a mix of everything! You can be traditional, eclectic, or even try "unschooling" as long as you can show you are meeting those five basic subject requirements. It’s your world, teacher!
Step 5: The Necessary Paper Trail (Record Keeping)
No one is going to come to your house and demand to see your lesson plans, but Georgia requires you to keep some records on hand for your own personal files.
5.1 End-of-Year Progress Reports
At the end of your 12-month school year, you need to write a brief, written Annual Progress Report for each student in each of the five required subjects.
What to Write: A simple paragraph or bulleted list summarizing what your child accomplished in math, reading, etc. Did they master long division? Did they read 12 chapter books? Did they build a working volcano? Document the win!
The Retention Rule: You must keep these progress reports in your private files for at least three years. Don't lose 'em!
5.2 Standardized Testing (The Big Test)
This requirement is important, so pay attention. Homeschool students in Georgia are required to participate in a nationally standardized testing program at least every three years, beginning at the end of the third grade.
When to Test: After 3rd grade, 6th grade, 9th grade, and 12th grade is a common schedule.
What to Do: You can administer the test yourself, or have a qualified testing professional do it. Common tests are the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) or the Stanford Achievement Test.
The Good News: You do not have to submit the results to the state. They just need to be kept in your records with your progress reports for three years. It's a tool for you to see how your student is tracking nationally.
FAQ Questions and Answers
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How do I legally withdraw my child from public school in Georgia?
You must formally notify the public school of your intent to withdraw your child and begin a home study program. It is best practice to submit this withdrawal in writing and file your Declaration of Intent (DOI) with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) within 30 days of starting your homeschool program.
Can my homeschooled child participate in public school sports and activities?
Yes! Under the Dexter Mosely Act, qualifying homeschooled students in grades 6–12 can access extracurricular activities, like sports or band, at their local public school. You typically have to notify the school district of your intent to participate, provide a copy of your annual progress report, and meet the same eligibility requirements as traditionally schooled students.
Do I have to buy a specific curriculum for homeschooling in Georgia?
Nope! Georgia law does not mandate any specific curriculum, textbooks, or teaching style. As long as you cover the five required subjects (reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science), you are free to choose an online program, use a textbook-based approach, join a co-op, or design a custom curriculum tailored to your child’s needs.
What happens after my child graduates from our Georgia home study program?
In Georgia, the parent/guardian is responsible for determining their child’s graduation requirements and for issuing the homeschool diploma. This diploma is recognized as valid in Georgia. You will also create an official high school transcript to be used for college applications or employment.
Is the 4.5 hours of instruction a day a hard and fast rule?
It’s the legal minimum, but it’s very flexible. The instruction can be spread throughout the day and include things like educational field trips, projects, and structured activities. The law allows for an exception if the child is physically unable to comply with the 4.5-hour requirement.
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