Mama Wilson
Homeschooling Wisdom with a Mama's Touch.
Parenting and Life Advice Right Over the Fence.
Homeschooling in Georgia: 2025 Update
Well, hi-dee-ho, neighbor! Happy New Year! If you’re diving into homeschooling in Georgia this year, or helping with grandbabies you’ve come to the right place. The Georgia Department of Education recently updated its website, and we’re breaking it all down so you can confidently homeschool without the headache. Whether you’re just getting started or need a refresher on the latest rules, this guide has got you covered. Here you will find my Ready to Homeschool checklist if keeping lists and checking off tasks help you like they do me!
The Legal Basics: What You MUST Do to Homeschool in Georgia
Homeschooling in Georgia is totally legal and easier than you might think, but there are a few things you must do to stay compliant:
✅ File a Declaration of Intent
You must submit this form every year by September 1 (or within 30 days if you start homeschooling mid-year).
The Georgia Department of Education provides an online form for quick submission.
✅ Meet Attendance & Hour Requirements
Homeschoolers need 180 days of instruction per year with at least 4.5 hours per day (unless the child is unable to meet that requirement due to learning differences). In my home, we take a year-round approach. Some days are longer, some shorter, and some days everyone just needs a break!
✅ Keep an Annual Progress Report
Each year, you’ll write a brief progress report about your child’s learning.
You do not have to submit this report to the state, but you must keep it for your records. This is something I did not do my first year of homeschooling. I was very unorganized as you may be. I have since started doing this. There is often space in a planner to jot notes daily, weekly, and monthly. I have found that going back over those notes make great yearly progress reports.
✅ Testing Requirements
Homeschoolers must take a nationally recognized standardized test every three years starting in 3rd grade.
You don’t have to submit scores, but you must keep them on file in case they are needed. The next section goes deeper into standardized testing including some that can be done from home as well.
Standardized Testing: What Changed in 2025?
The testing requirement itself hasn’t changed, but here are some updates and clarifications:
📌 Which tests count?
The ITBS, CAT, Stanford-10, and MAP Growth are all acceptable options.
Many homeschool-friendly testing services offer proctored online versions.
📌 Where can you take the test?
Some homeschool co-ops organize group testing sessions.
Online proctored testing options are now widely available.
Private tutors and local education centers may also provide testing services.
📌 What if my child has special needs?
Accommodations are available for many standardized tests, so check with the provider!
Some standardized tests are available to be taken at home. Check with test providers such as Seton Testing Services, and BJU Press, for ordering and administration details.
📌Tests Available for at Home Use:
Iowa Assessment
Stanford Achievement Test
NWEA MAP Growth
Resources to Make Homeschooling Easier
Homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to do it alone! Here are some amazing resources to support you on this journey:
- Facebook.com (I know, but some homeschool groups are great, and it's easy to find one close to you. You can always follow the Mama Wilson page as well. Maybe I'll have a reason to update it more often if you do ;))
- If you can't find one close to you creating your own is always an option with Facebook. Start with your friends and family list.
📚 Curriculum Options That Align with GA Standards
Free: Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool (I have tried this one. I found it to be awesome and helped with staying organized, but I couldn't make it work for my dyslexic son.)
Khan Academy Kids (Still use this one!) It's great for tablets and phones and ideal for reading, math, and prewriting skills for younger than pre-K up to second grade, if you are looking for something to read to your child while they follow along. The best part of all they now have a parent/teacher portal. Schools have to pay, but homeschool moms get free access. I can not recommend this one enough!
Paid: The Good and the Beautiful (They do have assessments for free in certain subjects and they offer free ELA and Math curriculum for certain grades. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a Christian-leaning curriculum or if you have a more advanced child.)
🎟️ Homeschool Discounts & Field Trips Ideas
Atlanta Zoo - Discounted admission rates for homeschool programs. Email education@zooatlanta.org for more information or call (404) 624-5822.
Fernbank Museum - Discounts for homeschool families
Georgia State Parks - Free educational programs (Contact the state park your interested in or start at https://gastateparks.org/
Georgia Aquarium - Tuesdays in the Field Homeschool Program (It is standards-based and the program runs September through March.)
Common Questions (and a Friendly Pep Talk!)
That was a lot of information! Sit back and relax for a minute. Let all that absorb while I answer a few common questions.
🤔 Do I need a teaching degree?
- Nope! Parents do not need any formal teaching credentials to homeschool in Georgia. A high school diploma or GED and that Declaration of Intent is all you need to get started.
🤷 What if my kid struggles with learning?
- That’s the beauty of homeschooling—you can adjust the pace and approach to fit your child’s needs! Any curriculum you choose can go at your child's pace. If it's not working you can change the curriculum. My 11-year-old son is still struggling to read but will finish 5th-grade math and science this year. Go at your child's pace!
😨 What if I mess up?
- Every homeschool parent has doubts at first. You’ve got this! Take it one step at a time, and remember there’s a whole community out there to support you. Every parent makes mistakes. We are all human, just learn from them and your child and keep moving forward.
About this blog
A Quick Word About Affiliates
Hey, transparency is key here! Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you! But it helps us pay the bills, and don’t worry; we only recommend products we genuinely love and think will make your parenting or homeschooling life easier (or at least a little less chaotic). It’s like a win-win—just like when Wilson dropped a life lesson and Tim actually listened.