It’s hard to decide whether to send your child to school or homeschool them, especially in the state of Georgia. Homeschooling has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important for parents to research homeschooling thoroughly before deciding. This article will discuss the legal aspects, educational resources, and homeschooling tips necessary to successfully homeschool your child in Georgia.
How to Legally Homeschool in Georgia
In Georgia, in order to homeschool a child, parents must create a Declaration of Intent (DOI). This DOI informs the state that they are taking full responsibility for the educational needs of their child. A DOI should include the following information: the parent’s full name, their address, the student’s name and address, the grade level of the student, and a plan of study.
The DOI must be notarized and submitted to the Georgia Department of Education before the beginning of the school year. There is also a homeschool testing requirement in Georgia.
Students must take an end-of-year assessment that is “nationally normed, published, and standardized and evaluates the student’s knowledge in the basic core areas of reading, language, mathematics and science. ” The assessment must be administered after the student has been homeschooling for at least 90 days.
The score and results of the assessment must be sent to the school district in which the child resides. Lastly, it is important to note that in Georgia, homeschooled students must meet all immunization requirements for public school students.
Educational Resources for Homeschoolers in Georgia
Homeschoolers in Georgia have the benefit of accessing a large variety of educational resources. The Georgia Department of Education offers educational websites, online courses, and resources that are available to homeschoolers. Furthermore, the Georgia Parent Support Network, Home Education Advisory Board (HEAB) and GAPSC offer additional information and support to homeschoolers.
Homeschoolers can also take advantage of resources offered by local community organizations and churches, such as co-ops and extracurriculars. Co-ops are typically mom-led, college-prep club classes that meet weekly.
These classes include art, dance, music, theater, foreign language, and physical education. Many churches and organizations offer extracurricular activities to homeschoolers, such as sports, hobbies, and special interest groups.
Homeschooling Tips for Georgia Parents
Homeschooling can be both a rewarding and challenging experience for parents and students alike. That being said, there are some tips and strategies to ensure a successful homeschooling experience.
First, decide which homeschooling style would work best for your lifestyle and your child’s learning style, such as virtual learning, unschooling, classical education, and Charlotte Mason method. Secondly, create a lesson plan that is tailored to your child’s needs and interests and make sure to allot enough time to review before tests and assessments. Thirdly, take advantage of local educational resources, such as co-ops, extracurriculars, and educational field trips.
It’s also important to stay organized. Create a schedule, use curriculum that is aligned to state standards, create an impressive portfolio, and keep records of all tests and lesson plans.
Lastly, take advantage of national homeschooling organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to stay abreast of changing homeschooling laws and regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is incredibly important for parents to understand the legal aspects, educational resources, and tips to successfully homeschool their children in the state of Georgia. Doing so will help create a successful homeschooling experience for both the parent and the student. With the help of this article, parents have the information and knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about homeschooling in Georgia.