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Georgia

Moderate

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: GA

Overview

Instruction days
180 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
Georgia Department of Education (Declaration of Intent) / Local Public School Superintendent (umbrella school reporting)
Official website
https://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Policy/Pages/Home-School.aspx

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Within 30 days of starting; then September 1 annually for returning families
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • At least one nationally normed standardized test administered every three years beginning in grade 3; test must be given in the presence of a trained testing administrator
  • Scores do not need to be submitted to the state — parent retains results
  • Annual written progress assessment report in each required subject (retained for 3 years)

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
MathematicsEnglish Language ArtsReadingScienceSocial Studies
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

Georgia is considered moderate-regulation. The annual DOI, 180-day/4.5-hour requirement, and every-3-year testing are the core compliance items. Written annual progress reports must be retained but not filed. The GHEA (ghea.org) is the primary state advocacy group. Most families choose the direct home study pathway; umbrella schools are popular especially for families wanting transcripts for college admission.

Tips for Homeschooling in Georgia

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Within 30 days of starting; then September 1 annually for returning families". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: At least one nationally normed standardized test administered every three years beginning in grade 3; test must be given in the presence of a trained testing administrator, Scores do not need to be submitted to the state — parent retains results. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Join a local Georgia homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open Georgia Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Georgia Department of Education (Declaration of Intent) / Local Public School Superintendent (umbrella school reporting) or a qualified education attorney.