Georgia homeschool requirements
Overview
Georgia parents file a Declaration of Intent with the Department of Education within 30 days of starting and by September 1 each year, teach 180 days of at least 4.5 hours, cover five subjects, write annual progress reports, and test with a nationally standardized test at least every three years beginning after third grade.
Legal pathway: Home study program under O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.
Notification and registration
Submit a Declaration of Intent to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days after establishing the program and by September 1 annually. It lists the students' names and ages, the program address, the local school system, and the 12-month period considered the school year. GaDOE passes copies to local school systems.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Declaration of Intent | Within 30 days of starting; by September 1 each year |
Who may teach: Parents may teach only their own children, provided the teaching parent has at least a high school diploma or state-approved equivalent; alternately a tutor with a diploma or equivalent may be employed.
Ages: Not specified in the GaDOE overview reviewed.
Required subjects
- Reading
- Language arts
- Mathematics
- Social studies
- Science
How our subjects line up
MathematicsRequired
Mathematics is required.
English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)Required
Reading and language arts are required.
ScienceRequired
Science is required.
History & Social StudiesRequired
Social studies is required.
Spanish (world language)Not listed
The required subjects this guide lists for Georgia do not include a world language. Spanish is an elective here; it can still count toward a broad, balanced program.
English as a Second LanguageRelated
Supports Georgia's English / language-arts requirement for children still learning English. It does not replace a full grade-level language arts course; use it alongside one.
Instruction time: The equivalent of 180 school days each 12 months, each at least 4.5 school hours.
Testing and assessment
Nationally standardized testing at least every three years, beginning at the end of third grade.
- The test must be given in consultation with a person trained in administering and interpreting norm-referenced tests.
- Scores and records must be retained by the parent; they are not submitted to the state.
Record-keeping
Write an annual progress report for each student and keep it.
- The instructor writes an annual progress assessment report for each student covering reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science.
- Parents retain progress reports and test records (progress reports at least three years, per GaDOE).
Georgia homeschool checklist
Guidance only. Last verified 2026-10-26. Verify each step with the official sources below.
Notes and limits of this guide
- The statute page (Justia) shows an effective date of July 1, 2026; confirm current text with GaDOE.
Official sources
Last verified 2026-10-26. Always check these pages for the current rules.