How to Start Homeschooling Legally in Georgia

How to Start Homeschooling Legally in Georgia

Georgia keeps the path to homeschooling refreshingly straightforward, yet every family must follow a few non-negotiable rules. From filing your paperwork on time to saving year-end reports, this guide walks you through each legal requirement so you can teach with confidence and avoid unwanted surprises.

Know the Essentials of Georgia’s Home Study Law

Georgia recognizes home study as a distinct educational option and sets the ground rules in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690. In brief, you must:

• Teach children between ages 6 and 16 (compulsory attendance window).
• Hold a high school diploma or GED to serve as the primary instructor.
• Deliver 180 instructional days per year, with at least 4.5 hours of instruction each day (unless a physical disability prevents it).
• Cover the five required subjects: reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

These guardrails still leave plenty of room for individualized schedules, field trips, and creative electives.

File Your Declaration of Intent on Time — Every Year

Within 30 days of starting your home study program — and no later than September 1 each subsequent year — you must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). The fastest route is the GaDOE’s online portal, which instantly emails a confirmation you should save with your records. 

Pro tip: File a few weeks early if you need proof of enrollment for a driver’s permit or work certificate. That DOI receipt is often the document agencies request.

Design Your 180-Day Academic Calendar

Georgia measures progress in days, not seat time, so you can choose year-round schooling, a traditional nine-month calendar, or block scheduling. Just aim for:

• 180 days of instruction
• 4.5 hours per day (projects, labs, and outdoor lessons count)

Although you no longer send attendance to the state, it’s helpful to keep a simple log; many families jot dates in a spreadsheet or planner. Good records protect you during a custody dispute or in the unlikely event of a compliance check.

Build (or Buy) a Compliant Curriculum

Georgia doesn’t prescribe textbooks, but it does mandate the five core subjects listed earlier. Whether you craft unit studies, subscribe to an online platform, or blend library books with hands-on projects, be sure each child receives:

• Reading: decoding skills, comprehension strategies, and a steady diet of quality literature
• Language arts: grammar, composition, speaking, and listening
• Mathematics: arithmetic through algebra — and higher, if your learner is ready
• Science: life, physical, and Earth sciences, with plenty of hands-on labs
• Social studies: Georgia and US history, civics, geography, and economics

If you’d like a seasoned partner to help match curricula to your child’s learning style, the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation’s homeschool support program offers personalized consultations and ready-to-use lesson plans that meet Georgia’s legal standards while keeping learning lively.

Schedule Standardized Tests Every Three Years

Starting after third grade, each student must take a nationally norm-referenced test (e.g., Iowa, Stanford, TerraNova) at least every three years: grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 if you continue through high school. You may:

• Use a certified testing service with Dr. Annise Mabry.
• Proctor the exam yourself if the publisher allows parent administrators.

Keep score reports with your homeschool file; you don’t submit them to GaDOE, but they satisfy driver’s license requests and college applications.

Write an Annual Progress Report

At the end of each school year, Georgia law requires a written progress assessment for every child. The summary should cover growth in the five core subjects and any notable achievements. Store reports for three years alongside attendance logs and test scores.

Know Which Records to Keep

Reliable recordkeeping protects your family if questions ever arise. Back up each item digitally, and hold on to the originals for the time frames below:

• DOI confirmation: Retain for the entire homeschooling period.
• Attendance log: Retain for three years.
• Annual progress reports: Retain for three years.
• Standardized test scores: Retain for three years.

A quick scan to cloud storage — or even an emailed copy to yourself — prevents a paperwork panic if your computer fails.

Engage in Public School Activities Under the Dexter Mosely Act

Georgia’s Dexter Mosely Act lets home-educated students participate in extracurriculars, such as sports or theater, at their zoned public school as long as they:

• Notify the principal 30 days before the semester starts.
• Provide the most recent progress report showing passing grades.
• Enroll in at least one qualifying course (on-site or virtual) each semester they play. 

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Throughout your homeschooling period, remember to watch out for these missteps:

• Missing the DOI deadline: Set a calendar reminder for mid-August.
• Skipping the three-year test window: Schedule tests the same month each cycle to stay on top of timelines more easily.
• Losing paperwork: Scan everything the day you create it, and email a copy to yourself for fail-safe storage.
• Neglecting subject balance: Failing to maintain balanced coverage across all five core subjects not only undermines your student’s holistic development but also risks noncompliance with Georgia’s home study statute.

Homeschool With Confidence: Get All the Support You Need

Homeschooling offers flexibility, personalized learning, and family togetherness, but even seasoned parents benefit from a strong support network. The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation — in collaboration with Home Life Academy — helps Georgia families navigate every step, from writing that first DOI to choosing curricula, scheduling tests, and planning college-ready transcripts. Explore our homeschool support program, and join a community that champions your child’s success.

The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation is dedicated to improving our community by enhancing education opportunities, promoting synchrony between law enforcement and constituents, and encouraging community engagement. Our programs and initiatives include the Southwest GA Community Policing Resource Center and Tiers Free Academy, a homeschool cooperative for students in grades 9-12 that provides an alternative diploma program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, human trafficking survivors, youth aging out of foster care, youth aging out of the public school system, youth previously under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and high school dropouts. To learn more about our offerings or to support our work, consider subscribing to our newsletter or donating today!

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the Georgia Department of Education or a qualified attorney for specific guidance.