Guide to Homeschooling in Georgia

Resources

Georgia Homeschool Laws and Requirements

It is recommended that parents desiring to implement a Home Study program for their students do their research to ensure they are operating within the laws and requirements for the state of Georgia. More information may be found through the Georgia Home Education Association page, but much will be covered here.

Parents need to ensure that their Home Study program meets the state requirements by keeping track of student days/hours, printing reports, and incorporating all 5 required subjects. Georgia’s six homeschool requirements are listed below.

1. TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS

   Any teaching parent, guardian or tutor who teaches your child in your home study program must have a high school diploma or GED.

    

2. REGISTER WITH THE STATE OF GEORGIA

   You are required to register your child as a homeschooler with the state of Georgia by filing a “declaration of intent to utilize a home study program”.  You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child in order to file this form.  The declaration of intent will be filed with the Georgia Department of Education online or via regular mail and must be submitted within 30 days after beginning the Home Study program and every year thereafter by September 1^st. Note that you must continue to submit this form yearly, even throughout your child’s high school years, until they complete their home study program.

   You will be required to provide names and ages of your students, as well as the location of your homeschooling program and which local school system it is located in.  You also must provide the 12-month period you have chosen to be your program’s school year.

   *If your child is withdrawing from public or private school to homeschool, you must withdraw them before filing the Declaration of Intent.

3. CERTAIN NUMBER OF DAYS OF INSTRUCTION

   Georgia Home Study programs must provide the equivalent of 180 days of education, each school day consisting of at least 4.5 hours of instruction, unless your child is physically unable to comply with that requirement.

    

4. TEACH SPECIFIED SUBJECTS

   Your educational program must include (though not limited to) five core subjects. Georgia’s Home Study requirements allow you the flexibility to add extra-curricular activities to enhance your child’s homeschool experience.

   Required Subjects:

   • Reading
   • Language Arts
   • Math
   • Social Studies
   • Science

5. ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS

   At the end of each school year (12 months), you are required to write a report of the progress that your child has made in each of the required subjects. This doesn’t need to be submitted to school officials, but is for you to keep it in your records for at least three years.

    

6. TESTING STARTING AT 3RD GRADE

   You are required to test your child every three years, beginning at the end of the 3^rd grade. You may administer the test yourself if you do so “in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm-referenced tests.” In general, this means you need to follow the test publisher’s requirements for the test.

Resources

Georgia State Testing and Graduation Requirements

Georgia law allows homeschoolers to use a variety of nationally standardized achievement tests, which need to be administered at least every three (3) years, beginning in the third grade. The variety of tests allow parents to choose the best fit for their students. Administering the same tests consistently allows the scores/student data to be more easily interpreted.

Parents are NOT required to send in test scores to the local school or the state.  It is recommended that tests are kept in a file designated as a permanent folder for each child. The Georgia Home Education Association provides a list of test suppliers on their website: GHEA.org.

Resources

Homeschooling Groups & Support in Georgia

Homeschool support networks are a great resource for parents. Homeschool groups, organizations, and co-ops enhance the homeschooling experience for everyone involved. Most states have at least one organization that provides resources and support to homeschool families.

The Georgia Homeschool Education Association (GHEA) is the only statewide organization in Georgia. The GHEA is a faith-based organization that provides free information and resources on its website and additional services to members, such as legal counsel for homeschool-related problems and discounted HSLDA memberships.

In addition to homeschool associations, families can join groups and co-ops for further support. Georgia has a large number of homeschool groups, many of which have a specific focus. Some groups are faith-based, while others focus on specific homeschooling methods or subjects like STEM or fine arts.

Similar to homeschool groups, co-ops allow for collaborative homeschooling experiences. While homeschool groups are more like clubs, co-ops are more academic focused, allowing students to learn alongside peers. The majority of homeschool groups and co-ops can be found on Facebook with a simple search of your city and a potential area of interest.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Dahlonega: This zoo is home to over 100 rescued animals, both exotic and native. Homeschoolers can see the different wildlife species that they learn about in their science curriculum.
• Heritage Village at Hurricane Shoals Park in Maysville: Great for history lessons, the Heritage Village allows students to see historic buildings, including chapels, schools, and courthouses.
• InterActive Neighborhood for Kids in Gainesville: Students can experience hands-on learning through interactive exhibits, including a medical clinic, firetruck, and family playhouse.
• State Botanical Gardens of Georgia in Athens: Homeschoolers can explore nature and regional biodiversity at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia. Educational programs are available for children of all ages.
• The Breman Museum in Atlanta: With the goal of connecting people to Jewish culture, history, and arts, The Breman Museum provides exhibits, tours, and events for the whole family.
• Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon: This museum provides homeschool programs for children of all ages. The planetarium, fine art, and discovery houses exhibits allow students to see how their school subjects relate to the world around us.
• Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins: Homeschoolers can tour award-winning exhibits, participate in educational programs, and attend various events at the second-largest U.S. Air Force Museum. Admission is free, making this an affordable choice for the whole family.
• Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta: With a planetarium and observatory, Fernbank Science Center is the perfect field trip for science lovers. The center offers various student programs.

These are only a few examples of the field trips available in Georgia. The flexibility of homeschooling allows students to explore gardens, zoos, museums, and so much more!