How to Start Homeschooling🌱

How to Start Homeschooling in Georgia:

A Practical Guide for New Families

If you’re considering homeschooling in Georgia, welcome to a journey that’s equal parts empowering and overwhelming. Whether you’re pivoting from public school, starting fresh with a kindergartener, or exploring alternatives that better fit your child’s needs, this guide will walk you through the legal and practical steps to get started—with clarity and confidence.

Note: This article focuses on Georgia’s homeschooling requirements. If you live in another state, your legal obligations may differ. Be sure to check your own state’s mandates to ensure you’re homeschooling legally and meeting all requirements. A helpful resource is the HSLDA Homeschool Laws Directory.

📝 Step 1: File Your Declaration of Intent (DOI)

Georgia law requires all homeschooling families to submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This form officially registers your child as a homeschooler and must be submitted:

Within 30 days of starting your homeschool program
By September 1st every year thereafter

🔍 Where to Find the DOI Form

File the DOI online through the GaDOE Home Study Portal. Filing online generates a digital signature code that serves as your official proof of homeschooling.

🧾 How to Fill Out the DOI Form

Visit the GaDOE Home Study Portal
Enter student information: full name and age of each child
Provide your home address (location of your home study program)
Select your local school district
Define your school year (12-month period)
Submit the form and save your 36-character digital signature code

Tip: Keep both digital and printed copies of your DOI with the signature code. You may need it for driver’s licenses, work permits, or other official documentation.

📚 Step 2: Curriculum Requirements in Georgia

Georgia gives families flexibility in choosing curriculum, but requires instruction in five core subjects:

Math
Science
English Language Arts
Social Studies
Reading

You’re free to add electives, life skills, or faith-based studies, but make sure the core subjects are covered annually.

✨ I’ll be sharing a follow-up post soon about how I chose curriculum for my child—what worked, what didn’t, and how I balanced rigor with joy.

⏰ Step 3: Instruction Time Requirements

180 days of instruction per year
4.5 hours of instruction per day

If your child has health challenges or other valid reasons, exemptions may apply. You can also count time previously spent in public school if switching mid-year.

📣 Step 4: Notify Your Local School System

Although GaDOE collects your DOI, your local school district must be notified if you’re withdrawing your child from a public school. To avoid confusion or delays:

Provide a copy of your DOI to the school upon withdrawal
Districts that do not receive your DOI within 45 days may refer the case to DFCS for verification

📅 Final Deadline to Declare Intent

The latest date to file your DOI each school year is September 1st. If you begin homeschooling mid-year, file your DOI within 30 days of your start date.

💬 Remember…

Starting homeschooling in Georgia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With these steps, a little planning, and support from trusted sources, you can create a learning environment that fits your child’s needs and your family’s values.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share how I chose curriculum for my child—what I prioritized, what I let go of, and how I made peace with imperfection.

If you’re just beginning, take a breath. You’ve got this. And After Recess is here to walk with you every step of the way.