Homeschooling in Georgia? Here’s What You Need to Know

Interested in homeschooling in Georgia? You’re in luck! The state allows you to homeschool, as long as you follow some rules and requirements.

During the 2021-2022 school year, more than 91,000 students homeschooled in the state of Georgia. That’s an increase of 18 percent since 2019, when just over 77,000 students homeschooled in the state.

If you want to join the fast-growing ranks of homeschoolers in Georgia, read on for some important rules and information to start homeschooling in the Peach State!

Homeschooling Options in Georgia

Homeschooling under the state statute is the only homeschooling option for families in Georgia. See below for the steps you need to take when homeschooling your child.

Georgia State Homeschool Law Summary

Meet the qualification requirements to homeschool your child. You must be a parent or legal guardian before filing a declaration of intent to homeschool that child. You may allow a tutor to help homeschool your child. The teaching parent/guardian or tutor must have a high school diploma or GED.

Submit an annual declaration of intent to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days after you begin homeschooling and every year thereafter by September 1. This must include the name and age of each student, the location of your homeschool, your local school district, and the 12-month period that you’re considering to be your school year.

Provide the equivalent of 180 days of instruction, with each school day consisting of at least 4.5 school hours (unless your child is physically unable to meet this requirement).

Teach the required subjects, including reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies.

Write annual reports detailing the progress your child made in each required subject. This report must be kept in your records for at least three years but does not need to be submitted to public school officials.

Test your child at least every three years after completion of 3rd grade. You may administer the test “in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm reference tests.” You don’t need to submit results to public schools.

Can You Still Access Public School Facilities and Activities While Homeschooling in Georgia?

As of 2020, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), pursuant to Section 20-2-319.6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, homeschooled students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and interscholastic activities in their districts if the following six requirements are met:

At least 30 days before the first school day of the semester in which a home study student will participate in activities, the parent or guardian of the student notifies the district that the student will be participating, provides a copy of the student’s most recent annual progress report, and provides “written verification” that the student is “receiving a passing grade in each home study program course, is maintaining satisfactory progress toward advancement, and meets the requirements for participation in the specified extracurricular or interscholastic activity,” O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(1);

For each semester in which the home study student participates in an extracurricular or interscholastic activity, the home study student enrolls in and attempts to complete one “qualifying course,” which can be a class taken at a virtual instruction program, a dual-enrollment college course, or an on-site course that is required for participation in an athletic program, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(2);

The student “meets established age, academic, behavioral, conduct, disciplinary, residence, zoning, and other rules and requirements applicable to all students for participation in the specified extracurricular or interscholastic activity and provides any supporting documentation required by the resident school,” O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(3);

The student “abides by the same student code of conduct and disciplinary measures and transportation policies as students enrolled at the resident school who are participating in the same extracurricular or interscholastic activity as the home study student,” O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(4);

The student “completes the tryout process or the equivalent for participation in the specified extracurricular or interscholastic activity applicable to all students for participation in the specified extracurricular or interscholastic activity and provides any supporting documentation required by the resident school,” O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(5);

If the student wishes to participate in an extracurricular or interscholastic activity which involves a competitive selection process, the home study student must be selected, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(c)(6).

If these requirements are met, the school district “shall not deny a home study student the opportunity to try out and participate if selected in any extracurricular or interscholastic activities available at the resident school or in the resident school system,” O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319.6(f).

To read the full Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-2-319.6, click here.

In Georgia, public school access includes participation in public school classes, sports, and activities. According to the HSLDA, states use different vocabulary when it comes to these types of activities–“extracurricular,” “co-curricular,” “curricular,” “interscholastic,” “program,” “activity,” for example. Make sure you know your state’s definition, because there’s typically significance behind the choice to use that particular word.

Is It Necessary to Keep Records?

Because the state of Georgia does not require submission of reports or test scores, it’s not mandatory to keep records. However, it’s always recommended you not only keep a portfolio of your student’s assignments, evaluations, and projects, but also to maintain a folder of all relevant homeschooling forms, communication between you and the state or the local superintendent, and grades/transcripts so you’re prepared for college applications or the event the state asks you to produce certain records or documents.

And there you have it! Homeschooling in Georgia is legal and growing in popularity. So if you’re planning on homeschooling in the Peach State, now is a great time to start! As you continue to research homeschooling, call the experts at Bridgeway Academy at (800) 863-1474 to discuss your options, learn about our award-winning programs and curriculum, and enroll!