Georgia Laws and Requirements for Homeschool
Georgia Homeschooling Laws, Requirements, and Resources
Homeschooling Requirements in Georgia
Georgia has specific laws to guide families who choose homeschooling as an educational pathway. Here's an overview:
1. Notification Requirements
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Declaration of Intent: Submit a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
- Must be submitted online or via mail by September 1 each year or within 30 days of starting homeschooling.
- Include the names, ages, and school years of the children, along with the address of the homeschooling program.
2. Instructional Requirements
- Provide 180 days of instruction each school year, with each day consisting of at least 4.5 hours of instruction, unless your child is physically unable to comply.
- Subjects to cover:
- Reading
- Language arts
- Math
- Social studies
- Science
3. Recordkeeping
- Parents must maintain:
- Attendance Records: These records must be available for five years.
- Annual Progress Reports: Summarize the student’s progress in each subject area and keep them for your personal records.
4. Testing Requirements
- Students must take a nationally standardized test at least every three years, beginning in the 3rd grade.
- Test results are kept by the parent and do not need to be submitted to the state or local authorities.
Georgia Homeschooling Resources
Local Homeschool Support Organizations
-
Georgia Home Education Association (GHEA)
- Statewide organization providing legal support, events, and curriculum resources.
- Website: ghea.org
-
Georgia Homeschool Support
- Offers webinars, guidance on Declaration of Intent, and answers to frequently asked homeschooling questions.
- Website: georgiahomeschool.com
Educational Resources and Curriculum Providers
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Time4Learning
- Online curriculum aligned with Georgia homeschool requirements for grades K-12.
- Website: time4learning.com
-
Abeka
- Christian-based curriculum widely used by Georgia homeschooling families.
- Website: abeka.com
-
HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
- Provides legal support, recordkeeping templates, and guidance for homeschooling in Georgia.
- Website: hslda.org
Support Groups and Co-ops
-
Cherokee County Homeschoolers (CCH)
- Connect with families in Cherokee County for resources, field trips, and support.
- Facebook: Search "Cherokee County Homeschoolers"
-
North Georgia Homeschool Co-Op
- A group that organizes enrichment classes, field trips, and social opportunities.
- Website: northgeorgiahomeschool.com
-
Atlanta Homeschool Cooperative (AHC)
- Offers educational and social opportunities for homeschooling families in the Atlanta area.
- Website: atlantahomeschool.org
Online Learning Resources
-
Georgia Virtual School (GAVS)
- State-run program offering free or low-cost online courses for grades 6-12.
- Website: gavirtualschool.org
-
Khan Academy
- Free, high-quality video lessons in core subjects like math, science, and history.
- Website: khanacademy.org
-
Outschool
- Live, interactive classes on various subjects taught by experienced educators.
- Website: outschool.com
-
Discovery K12
- Free online homeschool curriculum for grades K-12 covering all core subjects.
- Website: discoveryk12.com