HOMESCHOOLING IN GEORGIA & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your children in Georgia, but don’t know where to start regarding homeschool laws in Georgia. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program legally in Georgia. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Georgia, current Georgia homeschool laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Georgia
Homeschooling in Georgia has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of the state. In 1877, the Georgia Constitution provided for free public school but did not make school attendance compulsory. In 1916, Georgia passed its first compulsory attendance law, but it was not consistently enforced. In 1984, the General Assembly enacted Georgia’s homeschool law explicitly allowing homeschooling. This law provided a legal framework under Georgia’s homeschool law for parents who wanted to educate their children at home.
Since then, homeschooling has grown in popularity in Georgia. According to the National Center for Ed. Statistics, the number of homeschooled students in Georgia increased from approximately 50,000 in 2003 to an estimated 90,000 in 2021. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including dissatisfaction with public school, a desire for more control over children’s education, and the availability of support for homeschool families.
Current Georgia Laws and Regulations
In Georgia, compulsory schooling applies to children between the ages of 6 and 16. Parents who fail to comply with this law can be charged with truancy and may face legal consequences.
However, Georgia homeschool laws provide several legal options. Under Georgia’s homeschool law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690), parents may educate their children at home if they meet one of the following requirements:
The parent or guardian holds a high school diploma or GED certificate.
The parent or guardian enrolls the student in one of the accredited homeschool programs in Georgia accredited by a state-recognized accrediting agency.
These requirements are designed to ensure that homeschooled children receive an adequate education and are not subject to educational neglect.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Georgia
Georgia’s homeschool laws require a parent to follow specific guidelines for each grade level, ensuring that qualified teachers oversee the educational process.
If you are a parent or guardian in Georgia who wants to homeschool, there are several Georgia homeschool requirements under Georgia’s homeschool law:
Ensure that you meet one of the legal requirements for homeschooling. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you will need to enroll your child in a fully accredited homeschool program.
Submit the declaration of intent within 30 days of the start of homeschooling and by September 1 annually in accordance with Georgia homeschooling laws. You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person at the Georgia Department of Ed. office in Atlanta. This form can be found on the department’s website: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Pages/Home-Schools.aspx
If you are withdrawing your child from a public or private school to begin homeschooling, you must file a withdrawal form with the school in accordance with Georgia’s homeschool law. This form notifies the school that your child will no longer be attending and ensures that your child is not counted as truant.
Plan your homeschool curriculum and begin teaching. Georgia law requires that homeschooled students receive schooling in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. However, you have flexibility in choosing your curriculum and teaching methods.
It is important to note that parents do not need to be Georgia certified teachers to homeschool in Georgia to comply with Georgia’s homeschool law. As long as you meet one of the legal requirements for homeschooling, you can provide instruction in the required subjects to your child at home.
If you move to Georgia from another state and wish to continue homeschooling, you must follow the same steps as a resident starting a new program. This includes submitting a declaration of intent or enrolling in an accredited online education program, depending on your own educational experience and qualifications.
If you are going to homeschool in Georgia, laws regarding homeschooling are not that difficult to navigate.
Maintaining Your Georgia Homeschool
Once you have set up your homeschool in Georgia, there are several requirements you must meet to maintain your homeschool under Georgia’s homeschool law:
Georgia’s homeschool laws require an annual declaration of intent to ensure a qualified teacher provides teaching, covering all required subjects for each grade level.
Provide instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. While you have flexibility in choosing your content and teaching methods, you must cover the core subjects under Georgia’s homeschool law.
Operate you homeschool in Georgia on a regular basis during the school year. Georgia law requires that homeschools operate for at least 180 days per year or 900 hours per year. This ensures that homeschooled students receive a comparable amount of teaching to students in public or private school.
Maintain attendance records. Monthly attendance reports must be sent to the local superintendent at the end of each month in accordance with Georgia homeschooling laws. The local school superintendent will, upon request, provide the reporting forms.
Submit an annual declaration of intent to home-educate. You must submit a new declaration each year to the Georgia Department of Ed. No additional paperwork or filings are required by the state under Georgia homeschool laws. However, it is recommended that you keep records of your child’s coursework, grades, and educational progress for future reference, such as applying to college or transferring to another school.
Beginning in third grade, you must give at least one nationally normed standardized test every three years to comply with Georgia homeschool laws.
In Georgia, students who are physically unable to attend traditional institutions can discover online homeschool programs that provide flexible learning options. These programs, supported by certified teachers, guide students from early grades through the twelfth grade.
Georgia Homeschool Reporting Requirements
The home study program instructor must write an annual progress assessment report in each required subject area and retain the reports for a period of at least three years in accordance with Georgia homeschool laws. O.C.GA §20-2-690.
It is also recommended that parents maintain records of their children’s coursework, grades, and accomplishments. These records can be useful for several purposes:
If your student plans to attend college, they will likely need to provide transcripts and other evidence of their educational background. Keeping detailed records of your child’s homeschool coursework and grades, including a homeschool portfolio, can make this process much easier.
If your student decides to transfer to a public or private institution, they may request records of their previous schooling. Having detailed records can help ensure a smooth transition.
In the unlikely event that your home school is ever investigated by the state or other authorities, having records of your child’s education can help demonstrate that you are providing an adequate schooling.
There are many ways to keep records of your child’s home schooling. Some parents choose to use online homeschool record-keeping software, while others prefer to keep paper records. Whatever method you choose, it is important to be consistent and thorough in your record-keeping.
Homeschool Testing In Georgia
Students in home study programs must take an appropriate nationally standardized test administered in consultation with a person specifically trained in administration and interpretation of norm reference tests, at least every three years beginning at the end of third grade and the program must retain the results of these tests, although they are not required to be submitted to the local school district superintendent under homeschooling laws in Georgia. O.C.GA §20-2-690.
There are other benefits of standardized testing as well, which include:
To track your child’s progress: standardized tests can provide an objective measure of your child’s academic progress and help you identify areas where they may need additional support or challenge.
To prepare for college admissions: many colleges and universities require applicants to submit standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT. By administering these tests to your child as part of your homeschool program, you can help them prepare for the college admissions process.
To compare your child’s performance to other students: standardized tests can provide a way to compare your child’s academic performance to that of other students in their age group or grade level.
There are many options of standardized testing available. Some popular tests for homeschoolers include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the Stanford Achievement Test, and the California Achievement Test. You can purchase these tests from various publishers and administer them at home, or you can find a local testing center that offers them.
Funding Your Georgia Homeschool
Georgia homeschooling can be a significant financial commitment, as parents are responsible for purchasing curriculum materials, supplies, and other resources. Unfortunately, Georgia does not provide any direct funding.
However, there are some ways that homeschoolers in Georgia can offset the costs of homeschooling:
Tax credits and deductions: Homeschoolers may be eligible for certain tax credits or deductions for educational expenses. For example, the Georgia Private Tax Credit allows taxpayers to receive a credit for donations made to qualified private schools, including homeschools. A homeschool family may also be able to deduct the costs of educational materials and supplies on their federal income tax returns.
Scholarships and grants: There are several organizations that offer scholarships and grants specifically for homeschoolers. These include the Home School Foundation, the Georgia Home Education Association Scholarship, and the Georgia Homeschool Education Association Scholarship.
Used homeschool curriculum and materials: One way to save money on homeschooling expenses is to purchase used curriculum materials and supplies. There are many online marketplaces and local homeschool groups where you can find gently used books, workbooks, and other materials at a discounted price.
Free online resources: There are also many free online resources available, including educational websites, videos, and printables. By taking advantage of these resources, you can supplement your purchased curriculum and save money on additional materials.
Federal Tax Breaks
A homeschool family may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for some homeschool programs or instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Georgia Immunization Requirements
In Georgia, homeschooled students are not subject to the same immunization requirements as students in public or private schools. This means that you are not required to provide proof of immunization for your child in order to homeschool.
However, it is still strongly recommended that homeschooled children receive all necessary vaccinations to protect their health and the health of others. By ensuring that your child is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations, you can help protect them from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. If you have any questions or concerns about immunizations, consult with your child’s healthcare provider.
Georgia State Graduation Requirements
As a homeschooling parent in Georgia, you have the flexibility to design your student their own curriculum and graduation criteria for their homeschool diploma program. The state does not set specific graduation criteria for homeschooled students.
However, many choose to follow the graduation criteria set by the Georgia Department of Education for public school. These requirements include:
4 units of English/Language Arts
4 units of Math
4 units of Science
3 units of Social Studies
1 unit of Health and Physical Education
3 units of electives such as fine arts
2 units of the same foreign language
By following these requirements, you can ensure that your child’s homeschool education is comparable to that of students in public school and that they are well-prepared for college or career after graduation.
It is important to note that while these requirements for individual courses and subjects are not mandatory for homeschoolers, some colleges and universities may have specific admission requirements that include certain high school coursework. If your child plans to attend college, it is a good idea to research the admission requirements of the colleges they are interested in and plan your homeschool curriculum accordingly.
Additionally, if your child plans to participate in the HOPE Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance for college to eligible Georgia students, they will need to meet certain academic requirements, including completing a specific set of high school courses.
Georgia Homeschool Charters
There are multiple charter schools in Georgia with at least one online public school. Georgia Cyber Academy is an online public school that is a charter. Charters are publicly funded schools that are operated independently of the traditional public school system and are typically subject to different regulations and accountability measures.
Additionally, there are several private homeschool associations, co-ops and support groups throughout the state that offer resources and activities. These co-ops and groups are not regulated by the state and do not receive public funding, but they can provide valuable support and community for homeschoolers.
Homeschool co-ops and homeschool associations vary in their structure and offerings, but many provide the following:
Group classes and activities: Many co-ops offer classes in a variety of subjects, such as art, music, science, and foreign language, as well as field trips and other educational activities.
Social opportunities: Homeschool co-ops and support groups can provide opportunities for children to socialize with other homeschooled children and build friendships.
Parent support: Homeschooling can be challenging, and co-ops and support groups can provide a network of other homeschooling parents who can offer advice, resources, and encouragement.
Curriculum and resource sharing: Some co-ops and support groups organize curriculum and resource sharing among members, which can help families save money on educational materials.
If you are interested in joining a homeschool co-op or support group in Georgia, you can find a list of homeschool associations and groups on the Georgia Homeschool Education Association website.
Local Georgia Homeschooling Resources
While Georgia does not provide direct funding for homeschooling, there are several resources available in the state. These resources can provide support, community, and educational learning opportunities for homeschoolers.
Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA): GHEA is a statewide non-profit organization that provides support, materials, and advocacy for homeschoolers in Georgia. They offer a variety of services, including legal support, educational materials, and an annual homeschool convention.
Local homeschool co-ops and support groups: There are numerous local homeschool co-ops and support groups throughout Georgia that offer activities and materials for homeschool families. These groups can provide valuable community and support for homeschool families.
Online curriculum providers: There are online learning and curriculum providers like the SVHS online platform that offer comprehensive homeschooling programs in Georgia that meet the state’s educational requirements. These programs can be a good option for a family who want a structured curriculum and support from experienced teachers.
Public libraries: Public libraries in Georgia often offer programs for homeschool families, such as educational materials and field trips. Check with your local library to see what they offer.
Museums and educational institutions: Many museums and educational institutions in Georgia offer programs specifically for homeschool families, such as workshops and discounted admission. Some field trips include the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta History Center, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
By taking advantage of these resources and building connections with other homeschool families in your area, you can discover a supportive and enriching homeschooling and learning experience for your child. Remember to research and explore all of the options available in the Peach state. You, as their learning coach, will be able to keep them on their own path to become a successful graduate. When homeschooling in Georgia, laws or other requirements should not be a barrier in your journey.
