Homeschooling in Georgia

Hello there, dear friends! Homeschooling is a wonderful way of providing education to your children in a more personalized and flexible manner. In Georgia, homeschooling is legal, and parents have the right to educate their children at home. However, there are certain laws and regulations that must be followed. Let’s dive in and explore them in more detail.

Firstly, parents or guardians who wish to homeschool their children in Georgia must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Georgia Department of Education. The DOI must be submitted annually, and it should include basic information about the homeschooling program such as the names and ages of the children being homeschooled, the subjects being taught, and the qualifications of the teacher(s).

Secondly, homeschooling parents should ensure that they are teaching the subjects required by the state of Georgia. These subjects include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and reading. Parents are free to choose the curriculum and materials they want to use, but they should ensure that the content is appropriate for their child’s age and grade level.

Thirdly, homeschooling parents should keep records of their child’s attendance and academic progress. These records may be requested by the Georgia Department of Education during an evaluation. Evaluations may be conducted by a certified teacher, a homeschool evaluator, or through standardized testing.

Finally, homeschooling parents should be aware of the laws regarding participation in extracurricular activities. Georgia law allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public school, provided they meet certain requirements such as being enrolled in at least one course at the public school.

In conclusion, homeschooling in Georgia is legal and can be a great option for parents who want to provide a more personalized and flexible education for their children. Just remember to follow the laws and regulations, submit the Declaration of Intent annually, teach the required subjects, keep records of academic progress, and be aware of the laws regarding participation in extracurricular activities. Happy homeschooling, dear friends!