Homeschooling in Georgia? Here’s your plan.

Georgia's homeschool law (O.C.G.A. 20-2-690(c)) is straightforward. Your Declaration of Intent goes to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting, and again by September 1 each year after that. You can file online on the GaDOE website, or print the form and send it by email, fax, or mail. The declaration lists each child's name and age, the program address, the local school system, and the 12-month period that counts as your school year.

The time requirement is the equivalent of 180 school days each year, with each day at least 4.5 school hours. You set your own calendar and daily schedule. The only exception in the law is for a child who is physically unable to meet this schedule.

Testing happens at least every three years beginning at the end of third grade. Your child takes an appropriate nationally standardized test, given in consultation with a person trained in administering and interpreting norm-referenced tests. There is no passing score. You keep the scores and records yourself, and you do not send them to the state.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship is an education savings account with its own eligibility rules. If your child qualifies, the funds can be used for approved educational expenses.

Dual enrollment. Georgia's Dual Enrollment program (formerly Move On When Ready), administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, lets eligible high school students, including homeschoolers, take college courses at eligible Georgia institutions. Students must meet age and readiness requirements.

The private school option. Some families enroll their child in a private school instead, sometimes called an umbrella school. Your child is then a private school student rather than a home study student, and you do not file a Declaration of Intent. Under O.C.G.A. 20-2-690(b), the school must teach reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science and provide 180 school days of at least 4.5 hours. Since July 1, 2026, a school that teaches only virtually is exempt from the day and hour minimum. The school reports your child's enrollment to your local superintendent within 30 days after the school year begins, and reports new enrollments and withdrawals each month. The home study testing rule does not apply.

Progress assessments. At the end of each school year, write a progress assessment for each child covering reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Keep it for at least three years. Georgia law does not require an attendance log, and you do not submit your records to the state.

Testing logistics. The standardized test must be given in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm-referenced tests. Keep the scores and records in your files.

Driver's license and work permits. Homeschool students applying for a driving permit, driver's license, or Youth Work Permit need a copy of the Declaration of Intent with the 36-character parent signature. GaDOE can send a copy of a past declaration if you email homeschool@doe.k12.ga.us.

IEP and special needs. Contact your local school district's special education department to ask about evaluations and any services available to home study students. The Georgia Promise Scholarship may be another funding source for eligible students with special needs.