How do I start the process of homeschooling my child(ren) in the state of Georgia?

1. Submit a home study program declaration of intent 

   • Must be submitted by the parents or guardians only.

   • The DOI should be submitted electronically.

   • Make sure to save & print your DOI for your records, you will not receive any confirmation from the GaDOE that your Declaration of Intent form was received. 

2. Choosing a curriculum - The Georgia Department of Education does not endorse, promote or provide a curriculum for your home study program. Each parent/guardian must decide which curriculum is best for their child and then purchase the curriculum on their own. Georgia law requires academic educational programs that include the five content areas below. 

• Mathematics

• English Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies

• Reading
  

What are the required subjects that homeschooled students must be taught in Georgia?

Georgia law requires academic educational programs that include five content areas: Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Reading.

How often do I need to submit a declaration of intent for homeschooling in Georgia?

A new DOI must be submitted annually to the Georgia Department of Education by September 1 or within 30 days after the program is established.

How many instructional days are required for homeschool students in Georgia?

The law requires 180 instructional days.

What are the attendance requirements for homeschool in Georgia?

You are no longer required to submit attendance forms to the Georgia Department of Education.

What testing is required for homeschool students in Georgia?

Students must be evaluated (appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in administration and interpretation)  at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Parents are not required to send test scores to the county or to the state, but are encouraged to keep them in their records to track progress. Iew a list of standardized test suppliers, here.

How do I request a certificate of attendance for my homeschooled child in Georgia?

For driving permits or licenses all that is needed is the Declaration of Intent with a 36 character parent signature. To request a DOI for homeschool students, please email homeschool@doe.k12.ga.us.

Where can I find a list of all the laws that impact homeschooled students in Georgia?

Laws impacting homeschool in Georgia (Georgia Codes 20-2-690 and 20-2-690.1) can be found on the Georgia General Assembly's website.

Are homeschool students in Georgia allowed to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities?

Dexter Mosely Act is a new law that authorizes home study students in grades six through 12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities in the student’s resident public school system.