Homeschooling in Georgia
Everything you need to know about the Declaration of Intent and GaDOE requirements.
Georgia is a "moderate regulation" state that requires annual notification and standardized testing, but generally leaves curriculum and instruction decistions to the parent. The process is streamlined through an online Declaration of Intent system managed by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- You must file a Declaration of Intent annually by September 1.
- Parents must have a High School Diploma or GED.
- Standardized testing is required every 3 years starting in 3rd grade.
- Attendance and progress reports must be kept on file.
Legal Framework
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1 defines the requirements for home study programs.
Find a homeschool co-op in Georgia
14 homeschool co-ops in Georgia, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in GeorgiaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in Georgia
The Waldorf Map lists 5 schools and 1 kindergarten in Georgia, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Academe of the Oaks, Decatur
- Waldorf School of Atlanta, Decatur
- Gather Forest School, Decatur
- Root To Rise School, Dawsonville
Required Subjects
Curriculum choice is up to the parent.
Reading
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Filing Requirements
What to file
Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program
When
Within 30 days of starting, then annually by September 1
Where
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)
How to submit
Online via GaDOE website (recommended for immediate processing)
What to include
- • Child information
- • Parent attestation of qualifications
Required for driver's license/learner's permit and work permits. Testing every 3 years starting 3rd grade (nationally standardized - keep results 3 years, don't submit). 180 days / 4.5 hours per day. Parent must have HS diploma or GED. **No sports** - GHSA generally excludes homeschoolers (Dexter Mosley Act allows if enrolled in 1 course). Attendance: Monthly reports to state NO LONGER required (old rule removed). **Promise Scholarship**: ~$6,500 for students in low-performing public schools only (NOT universal voucher).
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Every 3 years
Grades: Starting 3rd Grade
Nationally standardized test required every 3 years.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Declaration of Intent
Submit the official form to the Georgia Department of Education.
- •Create an account on the GaDOE website.
- •Submit the Declaration of Intent form online.
- •Print/Save the submitted form with the digital signature.
Tip: Filing online is highly recommended because you get immediate proof (needed for driving permits, etc.).Within 30 days of start (and by Sept 1 annually)
- 2
Set Up Records
Prepare your attendance log and plan for progress reports.
- •Create a method to track attendance (180 days required).
- •Plan how you will write the annual progress report.
Ongoing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Online filing is efficient
- ✓Curriculum freedom
- ✓No portfolio review by state
Cons
- •Mandatory testing (even if results aren't submitted)
- •Strict daily hour requirement in statute
- •Parent qualification required
Help with the cost in Georgia
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Promise Scholarship (SB 233)ScholarshipPassed in 2024. If you accept this scholarship, you may be classified as a 'scholarship student' with different legal status than traditional home study. | ~$6,500 per student (2024-2025) | LIMITED: Only students currently enrolled in low-performing public schools are eligible. This is NOT a universal voucher for existing homeschoolers. | mygeorgiapromise.org |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
Homeschoolers in Georgia generally do *not* have automatic access to public school sports (GHSA rules), though some "Dexter Mosley Act" provisions allow participation under specific conditions (enrolling in one course).
Questions about homeschooling in Georgia
Do I have to submit my test scores to the state?
No. You must administer the test and keep the results on file for three years, but you do not send them to the GaDOE.
Can I hire a tutor?
Yes. Parents may hire a tutor to teach their children. The tutor must also hold at least a high school diploma or GED.
Does my child need to take the Georgia Milestones?
No. Homeschool students take a nationally standardized test of the parent's choice, not the state accountability tests.
Get Georgia’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Georgia page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for Georgia deadline reminders and news when our Georgia page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Georgia paperwork tools
Generate your Georgia notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · GA homeschool law guide