If you’re thinking about homeschooling your child in Georgia, or have already begun the journey, you may have lots of questions about what to expect. This guide should help answer some of the more common questions parents have about homeschooling in the state. Georgia has some of the looser regulations in the South when it comes to homeschooling, making it a fairly easy choice.
What Are Georgia’s Homeschooling Laws?
Georgia requires parents to register with their county of residence, receive authorization from the Georgia Department of Education, and maintain records at their home. Parents are required to keep attendance records, keep current contact information, and provide proof of the child’s age and identity.
The Georgia Department of Education must approve a student’s curriculum, course of study or instructional materials at least once every two years. Parents are also responsible for assessing their student’s academic progress twice in every academic year by use of an end-of-grade test approved by the Georgia Department of Education. The progress assessment must be given to the student no later than June 30th.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Homeschooling in Georgia?
Parents must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent, or have their rights to a diploma restricted. They must also submit a “Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home Study Program” to their county Board of Education each year. The form must be signed by both parents, and should include the name, date of birth and social security numbers of the child being homeschooled.
It is also important to note that only one parent is required to homeschool a child.
What Courses Must I Include When Homeschooling My Child?
When homeschooling in Georgia, parents must include reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health education in the student’s course of study. Parents may also include art, music, physical education and foreign language classes.
How Do I Ensure My Child’s Success in Home Education?
When homeschooling in Georgia, a parent should do their best to provide a learning environment that allows their child to have the best possible education. Parents should familiarize themselves with their state’s requirements for homeschooling and ensure all documents are filled out correctly, adhere to all deadlines and make sure the curriculum is rigorous and covers all subjects required by their state.
Parents should also look for online resources to supplement their child’s learning and create a schedule that works best for them. Consider including extra-curricular activities as part of their curriculum, engaging activities and games to make learning more engaging and always challenge your child, and plan to standardize your child’s assessments through exams or tests to gauge their progress. Finally, establish a regular routine and try to stay on track with it.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling My Child?
Homeschooling can provide a variety of benefits for parents and their children. Homeschooling can provide a personalized educational experience tailored to the specific needs and learning style of the student. Parents also have more flexibility in creating a unique learning experience for their child.
Homeschooling allows parents to follow their own interests and passions, which can help foster a strong sense of self-confidence, creativity, and independence in their children.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Homeschooling My Child in Georgia?
One possible disadvantage of homeschooling can be the difficulty finding socialization opportunities for your child. However, there are a variety of ways for a homeschooler to stay connected and make friends, such as virtual classes, field trips, classes hosted by community organizations, and even activities with other homeschoolers.
Homeschooling can also be a challenge for parents with full-time jobs or multiple children. It requires a lot of discipline and organization, parent-child communication and dedication to ensure that each student can reach their full potential.
Are There any Financial Resources Available for Homeschool Families in Georgia?
Yes, many organizations offer financial resources to families who are homeschooling in Georgia. The Georgia Home Education Association, Georgia Parent’s Education Association, and Home School Legal Defense Association all have scholarship funds and other resources for homeschoolers. Additionally, parents may be able to take advantage of certain tax credits, grants and other forms of financial support.
How Do I Get Support from Other Homeschoolers?
There are several online resources that can help you connect with other homeschoolers in Georgia. Facebook groups, local meetups and virtual forums are all great places to get advice and support from other homeschooling families.
Additionally, there are many associations and organizations in the state that host events, workshops and activities designed to help homeschoolers network and get advice from experienced homeschoolers.
Do I Need to Provide Qualifications to Homeschool in Georgia?
No, you don’t need to provide any qualifications to homeschool in Georgia. However, if you’re interested in being certified as a teacher or seeking recognition for your homeschool program, you may need to seek recognition from either the Georgia Professional Standards Commission or from the organization Homeschool Legal Defense.
Can I Still Receive Educational Benefits for My Child While Homeschooling in Georgia?
Yes, homeschoolers in Georgia are eligible to receive educational benefits and services, including access to state-funded K-12 services, curriculum materials, library access, participation in online extracurricular activities and more.
Are Virtual Schools an Option in Georgia?
Yes, virtual schools are an option for homeschoolers in Georgia. Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) offers online courses to students, and the Georgia Home Education Program (GEHP) offers online courses to homeschoolers in grades K-1 Both programs are free and provide access to state-funded resources and materials.
Are There Alternatives to Providing Instructional Materials?
Yes, there are a number of alternatives to providing instructional material for homeschoolers in Georgia. You can check your local library for instructional materials or purchase them from a homeschool or education book store. You can also use online resources such as Khan Academy, EdX, Udemy, and Curriki for free or inexpensive classes and tutorials.
Is Homeschooling Expensive?
Homeschooling can be expensive, depending on the type of curriculum and instruction you choose. Sources such as online classes, homeschool publications and curriculum packages can be costly, but there are also several free resources and instructional materials available online.
Additionally, some homeschooling families are able to save money by swapping resources with each other or accessing their local library’s resources.
Conclusion
For those looking to homeschool their child, the state of Georgia provides the ability to receive a quality education in the comfort of your own home. With certain requirements, such as registering with the county, providing instructional materials and assessing your child’s progress, you can ensure that your child will get the best education possible.
With financial resources, virtual schools and alternatives to providing instructional materials, homeschooling can be a great choice for many families in Georgia.