Georgia Homeschool Requirements
Georgia requires declaration of intent, attendance reporting, and standardized testing every three years.
Georgia Quick Facts
- • Annual Declaration of Intent required within 30 days of start
- • Monthly attendance reports must be submitted
- • Standardized testing every 3 years (grades 3, 6, 9, 12)
- • 180 days of instruction required (4.5 hours/day)
- • No teacher qualification requirements
What Georgia Law Requires:
Declaration of Intent
Submit declaration to superintendent within 30 days of starting, then annually by September 1
Monthly Attendance Reports
Submit attendance reports by the 1st of each month showing days and hours of instruction
Required Subjects
Reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
Standardized Testing
Administer nationally normed test every 3 years in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12
180 Days of Instruction
Provide at least 180 days of instruction, 4.5 hours per day
Good News:
Georgia has no teacher qualification requirements and no curriculum approval process. You have complete freedom in choosing educational materials.
Submit Declaration of Intent
Within 30 days of establishing your homeschool (or by September 1 for annual renewal), submit declaration to your county school superintendent. Include parent name, student names/ages, and address.
Set Up Attendance Tracking
Create a system to track attendance. Many families use calendars or attendance sheets to document 180 days of instruction.
Begin Homeschooling
Start instruction covering the five required subjects. Choose your own curriculum and teaching methods.
Submit Monthly Reports
By the 1st of each month, submit attendance report showing days and hours of instruction provided the previous month.
Administer a nationally standardized achievement test and keep results on file. Common tests include:
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
Popular choice for homeschoolers
California Achievement Test (CAT)
Can be administered at home
Stanford Achievement Test
Widely accepted option
Note: You do NOT need to submit test scores to the district. Keep them in your records in case of audit.
High School & Graduation
Parents can issue diplomas. Georgia homeschoolers have access to:
- • HOPE Scholarship (if meeting requirements)
- • Dual enrollment programs
- • College admission with transcripts and SAT/ACT scores
- • Technical college enrollment
Special Education
Students with special needs can be homeschooled. While IEP services end upon withdrawal, Georgia has strong homeschool support groups for special needs families and access to private therapies.
Sports & Activities
Georgia does not require public schools to allow homeschooler participation in athletics. However, many counties have homeschool sports leagues, co-ops, and clubs available.
Connect with other Georgia homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Georgia GroupsBrowse Georgia Field TripsWhat if I forget to submit monthly attendance?
Submit as soon as you remember. Chronic failure to submit could result in truancy issues. Set up monthly reminders to stay compliant.
Do I have to submit test scores to the district?
No, you only need to keep test results in your records. They must be available if the superintendent requests to see them, but routine submission is not required.
Can I start homeschooling mid-year?
Yes, submit your Declaration of Intent within 30 days of withdrawing from school. You'll still need to complete 180 days of instruction for the year.
What counts as a school day?
Any day with at least 4.5 hours of instruction in the required subjects. This can include field trips, online learning, and hands-on activities.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Georgia?
Join other Georgia homeschool families on Homeschool Connect