Georgia (GA) State - Homeschooling Laws and Regulations

Homeschooling is legal in every American state.  The Department of Education states, "Parents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have the option to home school their children" (Department of Education, NCES). School attendance is compulsory for all children; however, parents have the legal right to withdrawal their children from government schools to enroll them in qualified private schools or to educate their children at home.  This is only proper considering the fact that the duty and the right to educate the next generation were appointed by God to parents even before God created governments.

Each state has laws that govern matters such as how parents are to declare their intention to homeschool and what topics must be included in your home-education program.  Some states require periodic standardized tests and more formal records be maintained. One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the liberty of homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum.  GETTING STARTED CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, BUT MULTITUDES OF PARENTS ARE HOMESCHOOLING AND SO CAN YOU!  It is my pleasure to help your research efforts.  Below are links to key government and non-government pages.

Georgia:  "Parents or guardians may teach their children at home in a home study program which meets the following requirements: (1) Parents/guardians must submit within 30 days after the establishment of a home student program and by September 1 annually thereafter a declaration of intent to utilize home study to the superintendent of schools of the local district in which the home study program is located; (2) The submission must include in the declaration a list of the names and ages of the students who are enrolled, the address where the home study program is located, and a statement of the 12 month period being considered the school year for this program; (3) Parents may teach their own children if they hold at least a high school diploma or GED, but may employ a tutor who holds at least a baccalaureate college degree; (4) The home study program must include, but is not limited to, reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science; (5) The home study program must provide instruction each 12 months equivalent to 180 school days that consist of at least four and one-half school hours; (6) Attendance records must be kept and submitted to the local superintendent at the end of each month; (7) Students in home study programs must take an appropriate nationally standardized test administered in consultation with a person specifically trained in administration and interpretation of norm reference tests, at least every three years beginning at the end of third grade and the program must retain the results of these tests, although they are not required to be submitted to the local superintendent; and (8) The home study program instructor must write an annual progress assessment report to include the instructor's individualized assessment of the student's academic progress in each required subject area and retain the reports for a period of at least three years. Ga. Code Ann. § 20-2-690." (Source:  "State Regulation of Private Schools," Georgia, by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Non-Public Education (2000).)

LINKS TO HELPFUL SITES

• http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/askdoe.aspx?PageReq=ASKHome

• http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/askdoe.aspx?PageReq=ASKHSResources

• Statutes: Search for statute §20-2-690 and §20-2-690.1 at: http://www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp

Counties

Disclaimer:  Balancing the Sword makes no claims about the timeliness nor the completeness of the links or legal information posted.  These homeschooling laws and legal information are being provided free of charge.  Postings of rules and regulations are subject to change.  Seek the advice of other home-educating parents or homeschooling organizations in your area for more help or contact your county superintendent of schools.  Plan to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your county superintendent or child's current principal.  (This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Intent, a Letter of Intent, a Notification of Intent, or a Declaration of Intent.  Sample from Tennessee.)   

• To Homeschooling Laws per State
• To Homeschooling Page
• To Homeschooling Organizations
• To National Homeschool Conventions List
• To Homeschooling Speakers and Workshop Leaders
• To Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
• Please email me if you find a broken link.

Homeschooling Conventions in Georgia (GA)
Conferences, Expos, and Book Fairs

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