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Homeschool laws · State guide

Homeschooling in Georgia

Georgia asks for a yearly Declaration of Intent, 180 days of 4.5 hours, five core subjects, a standardized test every three years from grade 3 and yearly progress reports.

Last checkedAgainst Statute + state sources

Georgia at a glanceLevel: Moderate

Notice to the state
Yes
File a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting, then by September 1 each year (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)).
Testing
Yes
A nationally standardized test at least every three years from the end of grade 3; the parent keeps the scores and need not submit them (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(7)).
Record-keeping
Required
Annual written progress assessment report by the instructor covering each required subject, kept for at least 3 years; test records and scores kept. (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(7)–(8))
Immunization
Not required
Home study students are not subject to school immunization rules (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-2-2; DPH school guidance). Private school students must meet the rules or have an exemption.
Required subjects
Yes, 5
Reading, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, Science
Instruction time
Equivalent of 180 school days of at least 4.5 school hours each, every 12 months, unless the child is physically unable to comply
O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(5)
Parent qualifications
Teaching parent needs at least a high school diploma or state-approved high school equivalency diploma; a tutor with the same credential may be employed
O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(3)
Compulsory school age
6 to 16
GaDOE, citing O.C.G.A. §20-2-690.1

Ways to homeschool here: Home study program (Declaration of Intent) · Private school

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Overview

Georgia recognizes home study programs as educational entities (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690). The Georgia Department of Education describes its role as ‘very limited’: it collects the Declaration of Intent information. Local school systems must have proof of home school enrollment within 45 days of a student’s withdrawal from public school, and the Declaration of Intent satisfies this (GaDOE). Parents may teach only their own children.

  • Home study program (Declaration of Intent)
  • Private school

Requirements at a glance

  • Notice: Declaration of Intent to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting a home study program and by September 1 every year after; lists students’ names and ages, the program address, the local school system and the 12-month school year. File online or by mail, email or fax. (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(1)–(2); GaDOE)
  • Testing or assessment: An appropriate nationally standardized test at least every three years beginning at the end of grade 3, given in consultation with a person trained in norm-referenced testing; scores are kept by the parent and are not required to be submitted. (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(7))
  • Records: Annual written progress assessment report by the instructor covering each required subject, kept for at least 3 years; test records and scores kept. (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(7)–(8))
  • Subjects: Reading, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, Science
  • Instruction time: Equivalent of 180 school days of at least 4.5 school hours each, every 12 months, unless the child is physically unable to comply (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(5))
  • Parent/teacher qualifications: Teaching parent needs at least a high school diploma or state-approved high school equivalency diploma; a tutor with the same credential may be employed (O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)(3))
  • Compulsory attendance ages: 6 to 16 (GaDOE, citing O.C.G.A. §20-2-690.1)

Home study students in grades 6–12 may take part in extracurricular and interscholastic activities in their resident public school system under the Dexter Mosely Act (O.C.G.A. §20-2-319.6), per GaDOE.

Sources

This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.

Statute text was read on Justia (2025 Code, version effective July 1, 2026); the official O.C.G.A. is hosted by a third-party publisher.