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Homeschool laws in Georgia

Georgia is fairly manageable for homeschoolers, but families do have to file a declaration of intent, teach the required subjects for the required time, keep attendance, write annual progress reports, and complete standardized testing every three years after a certain grade.

Last verified

2026-04-20

Compulsory age range

6-16

Quick-start checklist

What parents need to do first

This is the plain-English checklist a parent can follow to get started without reading a mountain of legal text.

1Confirm that the teaching parent or tutor has a high school diploma or GED.
2File your Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting.
3Choose a curriculum that covers reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science.
4Plan for at least 4.5 instructional hours a day across 180 days each year.
5Track attendance monthly and keep the records in your files.
6Write an annual progress report for each child and save it for at least three years.
7Schedule standardized testing every three years starting at the end of third grade.

Full breakdown

Every field is designed to answer the real-world compliance questions parents ask first.

Legal status

Homeschooling is legal in Georgia under the home study program law.

Compulsory age range

6-16

Notification required

Yes. Parents file a Declaration of Intent to operate a home study program.

Who you notify

The Georgia Department of Education.

Notification deadline

Within 30 days of starting a home study program and then annually by September 1.

Required subjects

Reading, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, Science

Hours or days required

At least 4.5 instructional hours per day for 180 school days each year.

Record keeping

Keep monthly attendance records, write a yearly progress report for each student, and retain those records for at least three years.

Testing and evaluation

Yes. Students must take a nationally standardized test at regular intervals.

Testing frequency

Every three years beginning at the end of third grade.

Teacher qualifications

The parent or tutor must have at least a high school diploma or GED.

Curriculum freedom

Families have solid day-to-day flexibility, but they must cover the required subjects and meet the state’s time, recordkeeping, and testing rules.

Umbrella school option

Not usually needed because Georgia already has a direct home study option.

Virtual school option

Public virtual options may be available, but those are separate from independent homeschooling under the home study law.

Special education

Some services may be available through public programs, but access can be limited and often depends on local practice or enrollment status.

High school diploma

Parents can generally issue a homeschool diploma and transcript for a student who completes the family’s high school program.

College admission

Georgia colleges commonly accept homeschool applicants with transcripts, course records, and test or dual-enrollment documentation.

Sports access

Public school sports access is limited and depends on current state and local participation rules.

Dual enrollment

Yes. Georgia homeschool students often use dual enrollment, subject to program eligibility rules.

Notes

First-pass draft generated from HSLDA and Georgia DOE/rule sources. The provided Georgia rule link is an enrollment and withdrawal rule, so families should also rely on the DOE home study materials for the practical filing steps and timelines.

Official sources

Parent-friendly reminder

This page is designed to reduce confusion, not replace legal advice. If something changes or feels unclear, verify with your state Department of Education before making compliance decisions.

Want more homeschool guidance and encouragement? Follow Dani at @thedanicerrato.