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 you renew it by September 1 each year. You can file online at the GA DOE website. The declaration lists each child's name and age, program address, local school system, and the 12-month school year period.

The 180-day, 4.5-hour-per-day requirement (810 hours per year) is more specific than most states, but it gives you full flexibility in scheduling. You decide which days count as school days and how to structure each day. Field trips, library visits, and hands-on projects all count.

Testing happens every three years beginning at grade 3. You administer a nationally normed standardized test and keep the results on file. There is no minimum score, and you do not report results to the state. The tests are for your records.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship is rolling out in phases, starting with students entering kindergarten and first grade, students with special needs, military families, and families in low-performing school zones. If you qualify, the funds cover curriculum, tutoring, educational therapy, and other approved expenses.

Dual enrollment. Georgia's Move On When Ready program provides tuition-free dual enrollment at eligible public colleges and universities. Homeschool students are eligible with appropriate readiness documentation. This is one of the most accessible dual enrollment programs in the Southeast.

The umbrella school option. Georgia recognizes umbrella schools (also called "cover schools") as a separate pathway. Under this option, your child is classified as a private school student rather than a home study student. Umbrella schools handle much of the administrative work, but the requirements and benefits differ from the home study pathway.

Attendance records and progress assessments. Maintain attendance records and write an annual progress assessment at the end of each school year. You do not submit the progress assessment to anyone. Keep it in your files for at least three years. No detailed grades or portfolio required. Keep your attendance log simple and consistent.

Testing logistics. The standardized test must be administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm-referenced tests. Many homeschool groups organize group testing sessions, which can be easier for families testing multiple children. No minimum score. Keep results on file for at least three years.

High school. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized by the University System of Georgia. For college applications, create a transcript and course descriptions. Georgia public universities have homeschool-specific admissions requirements — check with the admissions office for the most current policies.

IEP and special needs. Homeschooled students are treated as private school students for IDEA purposes, which means equitable services are available at district discretion. The Georgia Promise Scholarship provides an additional funding source for students with special needs.