Dexter Mosely Act
Information regarding the new law that authorizes home study students in grades six through 12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities in the student’s resident public school system.
Home school options
Georgia’s home study law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690) requires homeschool parents/guardians to provide a basic academic educational program which includes the five content areas below. You may also teach other content areas.
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Mathematics,
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English Language Arts,
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Science,
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Social Studies, and
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Reading
After you decide to begin a home study program, the most difficult decision is deciding which curriculum to use. The Georgia Department of Education does not endorse, promote or provide a curriculum for your home study program. Each parent/guardian must decide which curriculum is best for their child and then purchase the curriculum on their own. You may search the Internet for “homeschool curriculum reviews” and read what other people are saying about each curriculum so you can make an informed decision. It is advisable to choose your home study curriculum prior to registering your child/children by submitting the “Declaration of Intent” online. You must submit a declaration of Intent by September 1st or within 30 days after a home study program is established. You may employ a tutor. Parents must have a high school diploma or GED.
Write annual progress reports.
At the end of every school year, you must write a report of the progress that your child made in each of the required subjects. You must keep this report in your records for at least three years. It does not have to be submitted to public school officials.
Length of School Year and Days
- Private schools must provide 180 days of instruction each 12months, with each school day consisting of four and one-half school hours. O.C.G.A. §20-2-690(b)(3),(d).
- Children between the ages of 6 and 16 excused from attendance at private schools for sickness, emergencies, or other reasons authorized by board policy for public schools, are exempt from compulsory attendance. O.C.G.A. §20-2-693(b).
- The local school superintendent or visiting teachers and attendance officer will report truants to the appropriate court after written notice to the parent or guardian. O.C.G.A. §20-2-701.
