Georgia Homeschool

Georgia homeschool programs must provide a basic education to children between the ages of six and 16 years to comply with state law.

Georgia homeschool programs may have different requirements from those in other states. It is important to become aware of each requirement before starting a homeschool program in Georgia.

1. Within 30 days of the establishment of a Georgia homeschool program, parents must submit a letter declaring intent to homeschool to the superintendent. The intent to homeschool must be resubmitted each year by September 1. The declaration must include the names and ages of all homeschooled students, the time designated as the homeschool year, and the location of the homeschool.
2. All Georgia homeschool programs must provide students with a "basic academic educational program."
3. School days must be a minimum of 4.5 hours.
4. Parents are required to submit attendance records to the local superintendent every month.
5. Parents may only teach their own children. Private tutors employed by the parents are an exception.
6. Parents must complete a homeschool progress report every year and keep it for a minimum of three years.
7. The local superintendent does not have the authority under Georgia law to force parents to produce evidence or documents of continuing compliance with homeschool laws. However, he has the right to request such documents.

• Georgia homeschool programs must include language arts, math, reading, science, and social studies.

• Children homeschooled in Georgia must complete a national standardized achievement test at least once every three years, beginning at the end of the third grade.

• Georgia does not require parents to submit standardized test scores to the public school authorities.

• Teaching parents must hold a high school diploma or GED. Employment of a private tutor who holds a high school diploma or GED is also acceptable.

• Georgia does not require an exit exam for homeschooled high school students seeking to graduate.

• To enter public school after homeschooling, students may test into the most suitable grade level or attend class on a probationary period of one grading term to determine ability.

Whether or not to homeschool your child is a major decision. You must consider both the pros and cons and discuss them with your family before making a decision

Pros:

• You will have more control over your child's education.
• Your child will experience less exposure to bullying and peer pressure.
• Your child's education can be adapted to fit your family values or religion.
• Many students are more successful academically without the pressure of constant grades and tests.
• Homeschooled children have more opportunity to learn real-world lessons.

Cons:

• Your child may face a lack of available team sport opportunities.
• Homeschooling can be considerably more expensive than public school.
• Less exposure to peers may results in social awkwardness.
• Some children require the structure and routine of public and private school.
• Homeschooling can be very stressful and time-consuming for parents.

Homeschooling can be challenging and confusing, especially to parents and children new to this educational method. Many organizations on the Internet can offer support and provide valuable information to those considering a Georgia homeschool program.

• Georgia Home Education Association
• Georgia Homeschool
• Georgia Home Education Association, Local Support Group Finder
• Georgia Department of Education
• Home School Legal Defense Association - Georgia
• Time4Learning - Georgia Homeschooling
• Homeschool World, Georgia Groups

To ensure academic success for your homeschooled child, it is important to adhere to Georgia laws and statutes. Failure to follow the law may result in improper grade placement upon return to public school or your child being denied entrance to a university following graduation.

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