As many moms and caregivers look to explore their options as it relates to education here in the State of Georgia. Many are turning to homeschooling. If that is you, here’s everything that you need to know to get started.
According to Georgia’s home study law, parents who wish to homeschool their child should:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Submit annually a declaration of intent to homeschool to the Georgia Department of Education by Sept 1st or within 30 days of establishing your homeschool.
- Choose a curriculum. (In Georgia, homeschool curriculum choice is up to the parent.)
- Teach the required subjects and no less than 180 days each year.
- Have their child participate in standardized testing every three years after third grade. Keep records of such tests.
- Begin enjoying learning together!
Georgia’s homeschool regulations require parents to:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Comply with compulsory school attendance for any child six years old by Sept 1. Homeschooling is one way to comply.
- Provide a basic academic educational program of five subjects (math, science, English language arts, social studies, and reading).
Georgia Homeschool Associations
When you are still in the “research” phase of homeschooling, a state homeschool association can be an incredibly helpful resource. It often contains answers to most of the frequently asked questions you have, like “How does homeschooling work in Georgia?” and What resources are available to me if I run into problems?” Even after your homeschooling adventure has begun, though, a homeschool association can continue to be an asset throughout the different stages of homeschooling. Find out what homeschool associations are in the state of Georgia and why you might want to join one of Georgia’s Homeschool Associations page. Visit the website of Georgia Homeschooling Associations.
Georgia Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Just because you are now in charge of your child’s education doesn’t mean that you have to go this homeschooling thing alone. Georgia is a vibrant homeschooling state with local and regional homeschool support groups in almost every area of the state. There are a lot of groups and Co-ops on Facebook search by your town, community, or even school district.
Homeschool Field Trips in Georgia
Although you may have already recognized that homeschooling gives you more options concerning how to educate your child, you might not have yet grasped the incredible flexibility it offers. You won’t have been homeschooling for long before it suddenly dawns on you that learning isn’t something that just happens in a classroom. It can happen anywhere and everywhere you happen to be! The other great news is that Georgia is packed with destinations and day trips where your children will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their schooling.
Georgia Standardized Testing and Test Prep
When homeschooling, Georgia students are required to take a nationally standardized achievement test every three years, starting in the 3rd grade. (The results of the test are not required to be submitted to the state, but rather kept on file by the parents.) To help your children prepare for standardized tests, you can enroll your children in a test prep program or buy books to help them become familiar with test formats and terminology, to learn test-taking strategies (when to guess, when not to), to become comfortable with time restrictions, and to practice answering different types of questions. In addition to providing standards-based instruction in areas that are most often tested on nationally-normed tests.