Georgia Homeschooling Requirements
Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) that has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and the Georgia Department of Education as educational policies are subject to change over time.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C.; however, with a freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, yet you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help!
Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Georgia’s homeschooling requirements.
Georgia’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance
|
Does the parent need to notify the state? |
Yes |
|
Academic Calendar Requirement |
Yes |
|
Reporting Age Requirement |
6 |
|
Instructor Qualifications |
Yes |
|
Required Subjects |
Yes |
|
Standardardized Assessment |
Yes - Beginning in 4th grade |
|
Immunization Requirement |
Yes, with exemptions |
|
Keep a Portfolio |
Yes |
|
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Georgia Families |
Yes |
Notifying the State
The Georgia Department of Education requires homeschooling families to inform the state of their intent to homeschool using this online form.
Note the following submission dates to submit the form by:
First year of homeschooling:
Notify the state within 30 days after starting at Enlightium Academy.
Each subsequent year of homeschooling:
By September 1 or within a week of starting courses at Enlightium Academy.
Academic Calendar
The Georgia Department of Education requires 180 days of education each school year; each school day must have at least four and one half hours of learning. Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.
Age Requirement
Ages five or younger:
Students are not required to attend school, but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.
Ages six through 16:
Students must continue their education at a school of their parents’ choice until they turn 17 or graduate; this includes homeschooling at Enlightium Academy.
Immunization Requirement
Immunization is required in the state of Georgia; therefore, parents are required to keep their children’s immunization records or exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Enlightium Academy does not require student immunization as we serve homeschool students.
You may find the Georgia state exemption form here. To complete an immunization exemption form, the state of Georgia requires you to be eligible under one of the following:
- Medical exemption: Medical exemptions are used only when a child has a medical condition that keeps him from being able to receive a specific vaccine(s), not all vaccines. A medical exemption must be marked on the Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231). A letter from a physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or physician assistant (PA) attached to the certificate will not be accepted as a medical exemption. It must be marked on the certificate. A physician, APRN or PA must re-evaluate the need for a medical exemption at least once each year and issue a new certificate of immunization at that time. The date of expiration on the section of the certificate marked “medical exemption” should be one year from the date of issue and never be longer than one year.
- Religious exemption: For a child to be exempt from immunizations on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must furnish the school/childcare facility with a notarized Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization (DPH Form 2208). This Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization form should be filed instead of the Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231). The affidavit does not expire.
Instructor Qualifications
The Georgia Department of Education requires the parent/guardian/teacher to have a high school diploma or GED.
As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI certified. A number of our faculty members have Masters and Doctorate degrees in their fields. The teacher-led support packages are available for students in grades 3-12. Learn more at our Teachers page.
Enlightium Academy also offers parent-led options for grades PreK-2 and for students in grades 3-10 Bronze support package. Under the parent-led option, parents act as teachers while Enlightium Academy provides grading and guidance support.
Required Subjects
The Georgia Department of Education requires the following subjects:
The above subjects are core courses at Enlightium Academy and should be assigned by your student’s counselor.
Standardized Assessment
The Georgia Department of Education requires students to have a standardized assessment every three years starting at the end of the student’s third grade year.
Enlightium provides multiple assessment options:
- Grades PreK-2: Please check with your local district to facilitate a state-approved assessment for grades PreK through 2.
- Grades 3-8: Iowa Complete Annual Assessment - tests cover the required material and test scores are provided via email to the parent.
- Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the SAT and ACT
Keep a portfolio
You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy which should include:
- Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with weekly progress reports. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
- Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
- Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide them during the registration process - Primary School (PreK-2), Elementary (3-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12).
- Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students after quarters 1 and 3 and report cards/transcripts at the end of semesters 1 and 2.
- Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
- Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, and the Presidential Award.
- Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Georgia Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Georgia to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements.
Your family will be automatically added to this group upon enrolling at Enlightium and downloading the Enlightium Parents app (which is provided upon enrollment).
Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?
- Explore Enlightium Academy’s website or watch this video about online homeschooling.
- If you have any questions:
- Chat with a team member
- Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
- Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process and select the blue button near the top of the page.
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (866) 488-4818, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.
We review state requirements and regulations annually however each state may update their guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions please contact your state board of education.
Sources reviewed in March 2022:
