Homeschooling in Georgia: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Georgia takes a middle-ground approach to homeschool regulation—more oversight than the minimal-requirement states, but considerably less than states like New York or Pennsylvania. You'll file an annual Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education, teach five core subjects across 180 instructional days, and test your child every three years starting after third grade.

A significant simplification happened in 2013 when Georgia eliminated monthly attendance reports to local school districts. Now you file directly with the state once annually and maintain records at home. This streamlined process makes Georgia genuinely manageable for homeschool families.

The state recently introduced the Georgia Promise Scholarship, providing up to $6,500 for eligible students—though eligibility requirements are more restrictive than some families expect. This guide covers what Georgia requires, how the Dexter Mosely Act enables sports participation, and what experienced Georgia homeschoolers have learned along the way.

Georgia Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Understanding Georgia's Homeschool Law

Georgia's home study requirements are governed by O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-690(c)^[3]. The state provides a single pathway to legal homeschooling—no multiple options like some states—but the requirements are straightforward and well-documented.

The core framework: File your Declaration of Intent annually, teach five subjects across 180 days with 4.5 hours daily instruction, test every three years, and write an annual progress report that stays in your files^[1].

What changed in 2013: Georgia eliminated monthly attendance reports to local school districts^[2]. Before this change, homeschoolers submitted attendance documentation monthly, creating ongoing interaction with districts that often led to friction. Now you file directly with the Georgia Department of Education once per year—a significant simplification.

Single pathway approach: Unlike states with umbrella school or multiple registration options, Georgia has one legal pathway^[2]. This simplifies decision-making but removes flexibility. You either meet the requirements outlined in state law 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 annual notification to the Georgia Department of Education that you're homeschooling^[1]. It's a simple process, but timing matters.

When to file[^1]: - Within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program (for new homeschoolers) - By September 1 each subsequent year

Required information[^3]: - Names and ages of all students - Your address/location - Local school system where your program is located - The 12-month period constituting your school year

How to file[^1]: - Online: https://apps.gadoe.org/Pages/Home-Study-DOI.aspx - Fax: (770) 344-4623 - Email: homeschool@doe.k12.ga.us

What happens after filing: The DOI goes into the state's records. There's no approval process—filing establishes your compliance. You won't receive confirmation unless you request it.

Common mistake: Some families think they need to notify their local school district. You don't. As of 2013, all notification goes directly to the Georgia Department of Education^[2].

Testing Requirements

Georgia requires standardized testing every three years, beginning at the end of third grade^[3]. This is one of the more manageable testing schedules among states that require assessment.

Testing schedule: After completing grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 (every three years)^[3]

Test requirements: Use a nationally normed standardized test^[2]. Acceptable options 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: Tests must be given "in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm reference tests."^[3] Parents can administer if done in such consultation. A qualified examiner typically holds a bachelor's degree from any college in any field^[4].

What to do with results: Keep them in your personal records. You do NOT submit test scores to the state, county, or any government authority^[2]. Officials don't want to see them—they're for your own assessment of progress.

Georgia Milestones: The state's End-of-Grade tests (Georgia Milestones) are NOT acceptable because they're not nationally standardized^[4]. You need a nationally normed test.

Required Subjects and Instructional Time

Georgia requires 180 school days per year with at least 4.5 hours of instruction daily (unless the child is physically unable to comply)^[3].

Required subjects (minimum 5)[^3]: - Reading - Language Arts - Mathematics - Social Studies - Science

Additional subjects beyond these five are your choice—many families add history, geography, art, music, physical education, and foreign languages.

What counts as instruction: Georgia doesn't narrowly define "instruction." Reading, math practice, science experiments, educational videos, field trips, hands-on projects, and independent study all count toward your 4.5 hours.

Flexibility in scheduling: You're not bound to a traditional September-May calendar. Your 180 days can occur across whatever 12-month period you define in your Declaration of Intent^[1]. Year-round schooling with shorter daily sessions works just as well as traditional scheduling.

No daily submissions: Georgia eliminated monthly attendance reports in 2013^[2]. You maintain records at home but don't submit them unless specifically requested (which is rare).

Annual Compliance Checklist

Sports and Extracurricular Access: The Dexter Mosely Act

The Dexter Mosely Act (passed 2021) allows Georgia homeschool students in grades 6-12 to participate in public school extracurricular and interscholastic activities, including sports^[5]. This was a significant expansion of access for homeschool families.

Six requirements to participate[^5]: 1. Written notice to the principal and superintendent at least 30 calendar days before the semester begins 2. Academic verification submitting your most recent annual progress report showing passing grades 3. Course enrollment in at least one qualifying course per semester while participating 4. Standard requirements meeting the same age, academic, behavioral, and residency rules as enrolled students 5. Code of conduct abiding by the student code of conduct 6. Competitive selection completing any required tryout process

Critical limitation: If your child withdraws from public school to homeschool, they're ineligible for 12 months from the Declaration of Intent filing date^[5]. This prevents families from pulling students mid-year just to play sports elsewhere.

Alternative options: Georgia has active homeschool sports leagues, co-op athletic programs, private club teams, and community recreation leagues^[4]. Many families find these preferable to navigating public school participation.

Georgia Promise Scholarship

The Georgia Promise Scholarship provides funding for students with qualifying circumstances—though eligibility is more limited than some families initially expect.

Award amount: Up to $6,500 for 2025-26

Eligibility: The Georgia Promise Scholarship is primarily targeted at students transitioning from public schools with specific qualifying circumstances. It's not a universal homeschool funding program.

Important distinction: Georgia's Promise Scholarship differs from universal ESA programs in other states. Eligibility criteria focus on prior public school attendance and specific situations rather than open availability to all homeschoolers.

Current status: Check the Georgia Department of Education website for current eligibility requirements and application windows, as program details evolve.

For families seeking financial support, also explore: - HOPE Scholarship (for college—available to homeschool graduates with qualifying test scores) - Georgia Virtual School (free online course access) - Dual enrollment at Georgia colleges

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Georgia homeschool parents have full authority to set graduation requirements and issue diplomas. There's no state-issued homeschool diploma—you create it based on the standards you've established.

Creating transcripts: Document courses, credits, and grades across all four high school years. Include course titles, credit hours (typically 120-180 hours = 1 credit), grades, and cumulative GPA. Add detailed course descriptions for competitive college applications.

Diploma issuance: Parents execute and sign the diploma. Georgia law recognizes parent-issued diplomas as legitimate.

University System of Georgia admission: USG schools require 17 units of required high school curriculum. Generally: 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (including labs), 3 social studies, 2 foreign language. SAT or ACT scores are typically required.

Dual enrollment: Georgia homeschoolers can access dual enrollment at Georgia colleges. Credits transfer and demonstrate college readiness. Move On When Ready provides funding for eligible students.

HOPE Scholarship: Homeschool graduates can qualify for Georgia's HOPE Scholarship based on SAT/ACT scores. This covers significant tuition costs at Georgia public colleges.

Common Misconceptions Cleared Up

Georgia homeschoolers encounter several persistent misconceptions. Here's what the law actually says:

"You must submit monthly attendance reports" — FALSE as of 2013. Georgia eliminated monthly reports to local districts. You maintain attendance records at home but don't submit them.

"You need to notify your local school district" — FALSE. All notification goes directly to the Georgia Department of Education via the Declaration of Intent. Districts are not involved.

"Test scores must be submitted to the state" — FALSE. Keep test results in your personal files. You don't submit them to anyone.

"Georgia Milestones tests fulfill the requirement" — FALSE. Georgia's state tests are not nationally normed. You need a nationally standardized test like ITBS, CAT, or Stanford.

"Homeschooled children are poorly socialized" — This myth persists everywhere. Georgia has extensive homeschool co-ops, support groups, sports leagues, and community activities. Socialization is about quality connections, not institutional peer groups.

Special Situations

Mid-year withdrawal: Georgia allows withdrawal from public school at any point during the year. File your Declaration of Intent within 30 days, and begin homeschooling. There's no waiting period.

Starting mid-year: Pro-rate your 180-day requirement based on when you begin. If you start in January, you're not expected to complete 180 days by May.

Special needs students: Georgia's Child Find requirements apply—districts must evaluate suspected disabilities when requested. However, comprehensive IEP services generally require public school enrollment. Homeschoolers with disabilities can access limited services through their local district.

Moving to Georgia: File your Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of beginning instruction in Georgia. Previous state records help establish grade level.

Returning to public school: If your child re-enters public school, the district may require placement testing. Maintain thorough records to support appropriate grade placement.

The Bottom Line

Georgia's homeschool framework is workable once you understand the core requirements: file your Declaration of Intent by September 1 (or within 30 days of starting), teach five subjects across 180 days with 4.5 hours of daily instruction, test every three years, and maintain records at home.

The 2013 elimination of monthly attendance reports significantly simplified Georgia homeschooling. Now you interact with the state once annually—file your Declaration of Intent, and you're done until next year.

Your first step: file that Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education. Then build your curriculum around the five required subjects. Testing doesn't begin until after third grade, giving you time to establish your approach before assessment enters the picture.

The Dexter Mosely Act opened public school sports to homeschoolers, though many families find Georgia's active homeschool co-ops and sports leagues equally valuable. Connect with local support groups—Georgia has a welcoming homeschool community with resources throughout the state.