GA

How to Start Homeschooling in Georgia (2026)

Georgia requires a home study program to submit a declaration of intent to the Department of Education within 30 days of establishment and by September 1 each year, and to administer a nationally standardized test at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade.

Legal framework

Under O.C.G.A. 20-2-690(c), parents or guardians may teach their children at home in a home study program that meets these requirements: a declaration of intent is submitted to the Department of Education within 30 days after the program is established and by September 1 annually thereafter; the program provides a basic academic educational program that includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science; the program provides instruction each 12 months equivalent to 180 school days, each consisting of at least four and one-half school hours; parents or guardians teach only their own children and hold at least a high school diploma or a state approved high school equivalency diploma (a tutor with the same credential may be employed); students take an appropriate nationally standardized test at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade, with records retained but not required to be submitted to public education authorities; and the instructor writes an annual progress assessment report for each subject area, retained for at least three years.