Homeschooling in Georgia.

Statute citation

Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 20-2-690(c). Compulsory attendance is in § 20-2-690.1.

Who you notify

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), which makes your filing available to your local school system.

How and when

File a Declaration of Intent (DOI) within 30 days of starting home study, then by September 1 every year. File online or in writing. List your children's names and ages, the program address, your local school system and your 12-month school year.

Compulsory ages

Between your child's 6th and 16th birthdays.

Who can teach

A parent or guardian with at least a high school diploma or a state-approved high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, teaching only their own children. You may also hire a tutor with the same credential.

Subjects

Reading, language arts, math, social studies and science, at a minimum.

Instruction time

The equivalent of 180 school days in each 12 months, with at least 4½ school hours a day, unless your child is physically unable. You don't report attendance or hours.

Testing

A nationally standardized, norm-referenced test at least every three years, starting at the end of grade 3, given in consultation with someone trained to give and interpret such tests. Keep the results; you don't submit them.

Records required

Write a yearly progress report covering each required subject and keep it at least three years. Keep test records too; the law sets no period for those. You don't submit either.

Signing documents

As the home study parent, you can sign forms that verify your child's enrollment, such as for a driver's license or a work permit.