Georgia home study programs submit a Declaration of Intent to the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting and by September 1 each year after that. The law requires 180 instructional days and at least mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies, and reading. Students take a nationally standardized test at least every three years from the end of third grade, and the parent keeps the test records.
What the official sources say
- Declaration of Intent
Submit within 30 days of beginning a home school program and by September 1 annually after that. It is the only official document a parent submits to GaDOE, online or by fax, mail, or email.
Source: GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024) - GaDOE’s role
Under O.C.G.A. 20-2-690, GaDOE only has authority to collect and maintain the Declaration of Intent.
Source: Georgia Department of Education - Home School - 180 instructional days
The law requires 180 instructional days. GaDOE says to count forward from the date you actually begin teaching at home; days already spent that year in a public or private school count toward the total.
Source: GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024) - Subjects and instructor
A basic academic program including mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies, and reading at a minimum. A parent needs at least a high school diploma or GED to provide direct instruction, or may hire someone with similar or better credentials.
Source: GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024) - Testing
Students take an appropriate nationally standardized test, given in consultation with a person trained in norm-referenced tests, at least every three years beginning at the end of third grade. The parent keeps the test records. Georgia Milestones assessments are not nationally standardized tests.
Source: GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024) - Withdrawing from public school
Local school systems must have proof of home-school enrollment within 45 days of withdrawal from a Georgia public school. The submitted Declaration of Intent satisfies this.
Source: GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024) - Annual progress report
Georgia law also refers to an annual progress assessment report under paragraph (8) of subsection (c) of O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690 (cited in Senate Bill 42 of 2021). Read the statute for what it must contain.
Source: Georgia Senate Bill 42 (2021), signed legislation (PDF)
Records worth keeping in Georgia
The list below mixes what the sources above require with habits that make the year easier to show later. Only the facts above are legal requirements.
- A copy of each year’s Declaration of Intent.
- A count of instructional days toward 180 for each 12-month school year.
- Standardized test records, at least every three years from the end of third grade.
- Work samples and the annual progress report the statute refers to.
Where TeachKeep fits
TeachKeep is an iPhone app for recording completed learning. It keeps each child’s records separate by school year.
- Every record is dated, so you can check learning days against your 180-day count.
- Tag activities by subject to show all five required areas.
- Attach test score reports as local evidence files.
- Use the free printable 180-day tracker alongside the log.
Keep the Georgia record as the year happens.
Log what was done, by child and subject, in under a minute.
Official sources and last check
- Georgia Department of Education - Home School
- GaDOE - Georgia Home School Supporting Information (PDF, Oct. 10, 2024)
- Georgia Senate Bill 42 (2021), signed legislation (PDF)
Retrieved and last checked October 18, 2026. The date records when the linked material was read. It does not guarantee that no rule changed afterward.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Georgia Declaration of Intent due?
Within 30 days of starting a home study program, then by September 1 each year you continue.
How many days do Georgia homeschoolers need?
GaDOE says the law requires 180 instructional days, counted forward from the date you begin teaching at home. Days already spent in a public or private school that year count.
How often do Georgia homeschoolers have to test?
At least every three years beginning at the end of third grade, using a nationally standardized test. The parent keeps the records.