Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Georgia

This is general guidance based on Georgia law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Georgia. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Georgia treats homeschooled students as private school students under IDEA, which means some special education services may be available through your district. The Georgia Promise Scholarship can also help fund private therapies. You can also dually enroll your child in public school to access IEP services.

Withdrawing forfeits IEP and public school special education services. However, Georgia treats homeschooled students as private school students for IDEA purposes, meaning some equitable services may be available.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment for services

Can dually enroll in public school and receive IEP services. Note: GA regulations restrict dual enrollment solely for special education services.

How to request: Contact your local school district to request dual enrollment and special education services.

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Child Find evaluation

Districts must identify and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities.

How to request: Submit a written request to your local school district's special education department.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services (IDEA proportionate share)

Homeschool students deemed private school students for IDEA purposes, making equitable services available.

How to request: Contact your local school district about available services for private school students.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available through equitable services or Promise Scholarship from licensed therapists
Occupational therapy:: Available through Promise Scholarship from licensed therapists
Behavioral therapy:: Available through Promise Scholarship from licensed therapists

Georgia Promise Scholarship covers OT, behavioral, physical, or speech-language therapies, plus transportation to providers (up to $500/year).

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

Georgia offers Georgia Promise Scholarship (ESA). ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Georgia?

Yes. Parents in Georgia have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Georgia.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Georgia?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Georgia's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from O.C.G.A. 20-2-690(c). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026