Homeschooling in Georgia: Steps to get started

The moment you decide to homeschool, a dozen practical questions usually follow. What forms do you fill out? How do you choose a curriculum? What about testing? Georgia makes it relatively simple, but having a clear roadmap from the start helps everything run more smoothly.

This quick-start guide walks you through how to begin homeschooling in Georgia, what you’re responsible for during the year, and how tools like Outschool can make it easier to create a learning experience that fits your child’s needs and personality.

Homeschooling options in Georgia

Homeschooling in Georgia follows a single path, and it’s one that gives parents the lead. The home school program is the official homeschool route, and it puts you in charge of your child’s learning plan, daily structure, and yearly progress.

This program isn’t a hands-off arrangement. You’ll need to file paperwork with the Georgia Department of Education, commit to a full school year, and make sure the required subjects are taught. But once you’re set up, you’ll have the freedom to choose how and what your child learns day to day.

How do online charter schools fit in?

Online programs like Georgia Cyber Academy may feel similar to homeschool, but they’re part of the public school system. That means you won’t file any homeschool paperwork, but you’ll also follow the public school’s calendar, curriculum, and testing requirements. These schools handle compliance for you, but they operate outside of Georgia’s home school program.

Requirements for Georgia’s home school program

Georgia gives families plenty of flexibility, but there are clear boxes to check to keep your homeschool compliant and organized.

Enrollment paperwork

You’ll need to file a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education each year. This form confirms that your homeschool is registered and active and must be submitted within 30 days of starting and again by September 1 every year. It serves as proof of your homeschool status for things like driver’s licenses, permits, and educational verification.

Attendance and instruction

Georgia requires a minimum of 180 instructional days per year, with a minimum of 4.5 hours per day. You can waive this requirement if your child has a physical limitation. You’re also welcome to count earlier instruction from a public or private school if it falls within the same year.

Instructor qualifications

The person teaching your child, whether it’s you or a hired tutor, must have a high school diploma or GED.

Curriculum guidelines

You’ll need to cover five core subjects in your homeschool:

• Reading
• Language arts
• Math
• Science
• Social studies

Beyond that, it’s up to you. You can add anything from art to life skills or coding. Georgia doesn’t dictate what materials to use, so you’re free to choose or build a curriculum that matches your child’s learning style.

Recordkeeping

Each year, you’ll write a progress report for each required subject and keep it on file for at least three years. You should also maintain attendance records and any relevant documentation, like report cards or work samples. You don’t have to submit these to the state, but they should be part of your personal homeschool file.

Testing and assessments

Starting in third grade, your child will need to take a nationally standardized test at least once every three years. You can choose the test and make sure it’s given by, or with support from, someone trained in test administration. These results stay in your own records; there’s no need to report them to the state.

Homeschool with Outschool

If you’re looking for ways to round out your homeschool, Outschool offers flexible classes that make it simple to explore new subjects, build skills, or dive into your child’s interests.

Here’s what makes Outschool a great companion for your homeschool:

• Live classes across all subjects, from reading to robotics
• Schedules that work with your family’s learning rhythm
• Small group classes for community and collaboration
• Certified teachers and tutors who bring expertise to every lesson
• Self-paced options for independent learners
• Tools to help you document your child’s progress

With Outschool, you can add variety and support to your homeschool without extra hassle.

How to get started

Georgia’s home school program lays out a clear starting path. Here’s what you’ll need to do to get things up and running the right way.

Step 1: Make sure the instructor is qualified

The parent or guardian filing the paperwork must have a high school diploma or GED. If someone else will be helping with instruction, like a tutor, they’ll need that same level of education.

Step 2: File your Declaration of Intent

You’ll need to submit this form to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting your homeschool program, and again every year by September 1. It includes your homeschool address, the names and ages of your students, your local school district, and your school year dates.

Step 3: Plan for 180 days of instruction

As we’ve previously mentioned, your homeschool year should include 180 instructional days, with at least 4.5 hours of learning per day. If your child has a physical condition that affects their ability to meet this time requirement, it can be adjusted.

Step 4: Cover the basics

While you have flexibility in how and what you teach, your homeschool must include the core academic subjects required by the state.

Step 5: Write a short yearly progress report

At the end of each school year, write a brief summary of how your child is doing in each required subject. Keep this on file for at least three years.

Step 6: Schedule standardized testing every three years

Once your child finishes third grade, they’ll need to take a nationally standardized test every three years. The results stay in your personal homeschool file.

Find support through homeschool communities in Georgia

Even if you’re leading your homeschool, you don’t have to do it alone. There are plenty of groups and statewide resources in Georgia where you can connect with other families, share ideas, and find practical support.

Statewide organizations

• Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA): This organization provides legislative updates, guidance on state requirements, and resources for navigating Georgia homeschool law. While not exclusively secular, its legal resources are relevant to all Georgia homeschoolers.
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE): Offers policy updates, homeschool guidance, and advocacy focused on student rights and academic standards.
• SEA Homeschoolers: An extensive online network of secular, eclectic, academic homeschoolers offering curriculum suggestions, conferences, and peer support.

Local groups and co-ops

• Learners and Educators of Atlanta and Decatur (LEAD): A secular, volunteer-run community offering à la carte classes, parent-organized events, and inclusive support for homeschooling families in the Atlanta and Decatur areas.
• Mountain View Homeschooling: Serves families in Banks, Barrow, Jackson, and Hall Counties with weekly academic enrichment classes and educational field trips.
• North Georgia Homeschool: An inclusive group focused on building social connections through park days, hikes, book clubs, museum visits, and parent meetups. The group welcomes all homeschooling families and offers a variety of activities for different ages.

These communities can help you stay connected and find a rhythm that works for your homeschool.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Starting your family’s homeschool journey often brings up specific questions about rules, paperwork, and what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most common questions Georgia parents ask.

What are the legal requirements for starting homeschooling in Georgia?

To homeschool legally in Georgia, you must be your child’s parent or legal guardian and have a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to file an annual Declaration of Intent, teach the required subjects for 180 days a year with 4.5 hours per day of instruction, write yearly progress reports, and test your child every three years starting after third grade.

Does my child have to take standardized tests as a homeschooler in Georgia?

Yes. Once your child completes third grade, you’ll need to administer a nationally standardized test every three years. The test must be given with support from someone trained in administering and interpreting it.

Can homeschool students in Georgia participate in public school sports or extracurriculars?

They can, under the Dexter Mosely Act. Students in grades 6-12 may participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities at their local public school if they meet certain requirements. This includes submitting a notice of intent, enrolling in at least one qualifying course each semester, and following the school’s code of conduct and tryout procedures.

Can I homeschool more than one child at different grade levels?

Yes. Many families homeschool multiple children at the same time, even if they’re in different grades. You’ll need to include each child on your annual Declaration of Intent and maintain separate progress reports and records for each one.

What happens if I decide to enroll my child back in public school?

If you return to public school, the local district will decide grade placement based on its policies. Keeping clear progress reports, attendance records, and test results can help support a smooth transition if you need to show your child’s academic history.

A clear path forward

Once you understand Georgia’s homeschool law, the process feels a lot less overwhelming. With the right paperwork, subject planning, and testing schedule in place, your home study program becomes a well-supported foundation for learning.

And you don’t have to do it alone. Tools like Outschool can bring flexibility to your homeschool year, offering extra support as you build a learning experience that works for your child and your family.