Overview: Homeschooling Law in Georgia
Must file a declaration of intent with the local school superintendent. Must teach specific subjects. Portfolio of records required. Annual assessment by a professional educator OR standardized test. Attendance records required.
Graduation Credit Requirements
The commonly accepted minimum for a competitive college-prep transcript from Georgia is 23 Carnegie units. However, because Georgia homeschools set their own graduation standards (except where state law specifies otherwise), you may set a higher bar.
Recommended distribution for a college-bound student:
| Subject | Minimum Credits | College-Prep Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English / Language Arts | 4.0 | 4.0 (including composition) |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | 4.0 (through pre-calculus) |
| Science | 2.0–3.0 | 3.0–4.0 (at least 2 with lab) |
| History / Social Studies | 3.0 | 3.0–4.0 |
| Foreign Language | 0–2.0 | 2.0–3.0 (same language) |
| Fine Arts | 0–1.0 | 1.0 |
| PE / Health | 0.5–1.0 | 1.0 |
| Electives | Varies | 4.0–6.0 |
Notarization
Not required by state law. Parent as 'principal' is the authorized signatory.
Dual Enrollment
Georgia's Dual Enrollment program (formerly Move On When Ready) gives homeschool students access to qualifying postsecondary courses. O.C.G.A. §20-2-161.3. State pays tuition for approved courses at eligible Georgia colleges. Strong program — one of the best in the country for homeschoolers.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
HOPE Scholarship: Georgia's merit scholarship. Homeschool graduates are eligible with a qualifying GPA and SAT/ACT score. Must apply through the Georgia Student Finance Commission. One of the most generous state merit programs in the US.
Key Resources for Georgia Homeschoolers
- Georgia Department of Education — for official homeschool policy documents
- Home School Legal Defense Association (GA chapter) — hslda.org for legal questions
- What to include on a homeschool transcript
- Free GPA calculator
- Blank transcript template (PDF)