Georgia Homeschool Documents & Templates

What to file

simple notice

Send to

Georgia Department of Education

Deadline

Within 30 days of establishing the home study program, and by September 1 of each subsequent year

How often

annual

Free-form letter accepted?

Yes. You can write your own letter instead of using an official form.

Declaration of Intent must include per statute: student name(s) and age(s), program address, local school system, and 12-month school year period. One-page form, no fee.

O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)

First-time vs. renewal

Status

Not required, but recommended to prevent truancy concerns

Send to

school principal or attendance office

Not legally mandated but strongly recommended to prevent truancy proceedings. File Declaration of Intent and withdraw simultaneously or within a short timeframe. Ensure the school records the child as withdrawn, not absent/truant.

Frequency

annual

Submit to

Your school district

Annual progress assessment retained by parent for at least 3 years per statute. NOT submitted to any authority. Must include student name and age, address where instruction took place, and written summary of subjects taught and student's progress. Declaration of Intent must be renewed annually by September 1. Monthly attendance reports are NOT required (common misconception).

O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)

Deadline

September 1

Annual progress assessment retained by parent for at least 3 years per statute. NOT submitted to any authority. Must include student name and age, address where instruction took place, and written summary of subjects taught and student's progress. Declaration of Intent must be renewed annually by September 1. Monthly attendance reports are NOT required (common misconception).

O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)

• ✓Attendance records

Records may be reviewed by the district.

Must maintain attendance records (showing 180-day compliance), standardized test results (every 3 years), and copies of annual Declarations of Intent. Superintendent may request records but cannot compel production outside legal proceedings. No portfolio or daily lesson plan requirement. Retain records for at least 3 years per statute.

O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(c)

This page covers Home Study Program. Georgia offers 2 different ways to homeschool, and each may require different documents:

• •
  Home Study Program(this page): You file a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education by September 1, teach five core subjects for 180 days (4.5 hours/day), and administer a standardized test every three years starting at 3rd grade. You retain an annual progress assessment (not submitted). No minimum test score required.
• •
  Private School / Umbrella School Enrollment: You enroll in a private or umbrella school that handles filings and compliance with the state on your behalf. No state-mandated testing, no required subjects from the state, and no personal Declaration of Intent. Best for families who want administrative simplicity or prefer having a formal school affiliation.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one and generates the correct documents. Compare all pathways for Georgia