Homeschooling in Savannah: Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about embarking on a homeschooling journey in Coastal Georgia? Navigating state regulations, local programs, and curriculum planning can feel overwhelming. Savannah is home to an active, supportive, and incredibly diverse homeschool community. Read below to find answers to your most pressing questions.
Getting Started & Legal Requirements
How do I start homeschooling in Georgia?
First, you must file a Declaration of Intent (DOI) with the Georgia Department of Education within 30 days of starting, and then renew it each year by September 1.
Next, choose your curriculum! Georgia does NOT require a state-approved curriculum. You just need to teach the required core subjects: Reading, Language arts, Math, Science, and Social studies.
What are Georgia’s legal requirements for homeschooling?
- You must file a homeschool Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education.
- Georgia requires 180 school days per year with a minimum of 4.5 instructional hours per day (parent-tracked).
- The teaching parent must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. No teaching certification or college degree is required.
- Students must take a nationally standardized test every 3 years starting at the end of 3rd grade. Common tests include the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, CAT, or TerraNova.
- Parents must maintain attendance records, annual progress reports, and standardized test scores privately on file.
Curriculum & Grade Levels
Do I have to follow a specific curriculum in Georgia?
No. Georgia law only requires that you provide instruction in the core subjects: Reading, Language arts, Mathematics, Social studies, and Science. You are free to choose traditional curriculum, online programs, Charlotte Mason, Classical, Unit studies, or unschooling-ish approaches.
How do I choose the best homeschool curriculum for my child?
The best homeschool curriculum is simply the one that fits your child’s learning style, your family’s lifestyle, and your teaching capacity - not necessarily the most expensive or “highest rated” program.
Can I homeschool multiple children at different grade levels?
Yes. Georgia homeschool law is written for the family unit, not individual school setups. You can teach all your children together, separately, or a mix of both. Most families don’t run separate full “school days” for each grade. Instead, they mix:
- Shared subjects (together): History, science experiments, art, music, PE, and read-alouds are completed together at different depths of learning.
- Separate core work: Math, phonics, and language arts are studied at each child’s individual skill level.
- Independent work time: Older kids work independently while you focus on younger children.
What if I’m not confident about teaching certain subjects like math or science?
If you don’t feel comfortable teaching certain subjects, you still have several solid homeschool options:
- Fully online curriculum: Your child learns from videos and auto-graded lessons (e.g., Time4Learning, Khan Academy, or K12) while you supervise progress.
- Hire help: Private tutors, local learning centers, or subject-specific teachers can step in for advanced subjects.
- Hybrid/Co-op programs: Certified educators or other parents share teaching responsibilities in collaborative group settings.
Costs, Lifestyle & Logistics
How much does homeschooling cost?
Low-budget approach ($200 - $800 per child annually): Focuses on open libraries, free printable systems, and resources like Khan Academy.
Average family model ($500 - $2,500 per child annually): Includes core structured curriculum ($200 - $1,000), supplies, supplemental books, and simple co-op fees or local field trips.
High-support model ($2,500 - $5,000+ per child annually): Involves paid online academies, private tutors, hybrid part-time schools, or specialized enrichment programs.
Can I homeschool while working full-time?
Yes, it is possible, but it works best as a blended system rather than a standard live instruction model. Homeschooling while working works well when:
- The curriculum is mostly self-directed and built around a consistent routine.
- Kids attend local co-ops or hybrid programs a few days a week.
- Parents act as reviewers of work in the evenings, rather than teaching every subject live.
- As children grow older and more independent, the process becomes significantly easier.
Testing & Progress
How is academic progress measured in homeschooling?
In Georgia, progress is tracked privately in a few simple ways:
- Standardized tests: Required every 3 years starting in 3rd grade. These measure reading, math, and core academic skills (results are kept for your personal files).
- Annual progress reports: Parents create a yearly written summary of what was taught and learned. This is not submitted to the state, but kept on file.
- Portfolio work samples: Keeping regular samples of writing, math work, and reading lists to easily show growth over time.
Quick Action Tips for Savannah Homeschool Families
- Keep it simple early on: Don't overbuild your system. Start with one core math program, one reading routine, and one basic science resource before adding expensive additions.
- Leverage Local Assets: Take advantage of Savannah’s museums, parks, and historic centers. Live Oak Public Libraries host excellent regular programs.
- Use Family Memberships: Memberships to Oatland Island Wildlife Center or the Savannah Children's Museum make field trips low-cost and frequent.
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Socialization, local Co-ops & Hybrid Schools
Are there homeschool co-ops or groups in the Savannah area?
Yes! Savannah features a highly collaborative network of groups and programs:
Kingdom Builders Co-Op
An established Christian co-op in the Savannah area. They offer structured group classes, enrichment, and a strong parent-involved model (not drop-off) for families wanting community and academics.
The Village Homeschool Cooperative
A community-focused cooperative that includes academic classes, enrichment programs, and regular field trips for regional and Savannah-area families.
Story Book Farm
A family farm and outdoor enrichment space that blends agricultural, environmental, and nature-based experiences. Families use this farm-based learning hub as a supplement to teach animal care, gardening, ecology, and seasonal farm sciences.
Tidewater Waldorf (Thunderbolt)
An in-person program operating 3 days a week (typically Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Follows the Waldorf model, combining arts, nature, and hands-on, development-focused learning for a holistic approach.
Veritas Academy Savannah (Downtown)
A part-time, Classical Christian hybrid model. Homeschool families can selectively plug in for specific courses, electives, or study days, providing structured support when needed.
How do families connect and plan activities locally?
Savannah families coordinate heavily through local Facebook groups to arrange: