Georgia Homeschool Curriculum Requirements by Subject

by | Apr 6, 2026 | Curriculum & Methods, Homeschooling in Georgia

This post contains affiliate links.

Georgia’s homeschool requirements are straightforward: teach five subjects and maintain records. No specific curriculum mandated, no state-approved textbook list, no content dictation. Understanding exactly what Georgia requires—and what it doesn’t—helps you build flexibility into your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia mandates only 5 subjects: reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science
  • PE, art, music, and foreign language are NOT required K-8 (optional additions)
  • High school has additional recommendations for college readiness but homeschoolers have full flexibility
  • You choose the curriculum, textbooks, and teaching method
  • Assessment every 3 years (grades 3, 6, 9, 12) is required

The 5 Required Subjects in Georgia

1. Reading

What it means: Foundational reading skills, comprehension, and development of reading fluency.

Requirements:

  • K-2: Phonics, decoding, letter recognition, sight words, beginning comprehension
  • 3-5: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, introduction to literary elements
  • 6-8: Critical reading, literary analysis, diverse genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry)
  • 9-12: College-preparatory reading, classic literature, analytical writing

How to teach:

  • Structured phonics program (Abeka, BJU, Sonlight, Winston Smith, or open-source like Orton-Gillingham)
  • Literature-based approach (living books, Charlotte Mason method)
  • Online programs (Khan Academy, Time4Learning, Outschool)
  • Mix of textbook and independent reading

Georgia-Specific: Include Georgia authors and texts set in Georgia when possible.

2. Language Arts

What it means: Grammar, writing, composition, spelling, and communication skills. Language arts encompasses more than reading.

Requirements:

  • K-2: Letter formation, phonemic awareness, simple sentence writing, basic grammar
  • 3-5: Sentence structure, paragraph writing, spelling, punctuation, parts of speech
  • 6-8: Essay writing, grammar mechanics, research skills, peer review
  • 9-12: Persuasive and analytical writing, research papers, literary analysis, public speaking

How to teach:

  • Grammar textbooks (IEW, Bravewriter, Essentials of English, Writewell)
  • Writing workshops (structured or loose)
  • Online programs (Time4Learning, Outschool, homegrown writing assignments)
  • Composition through real-world writing (journals, essays, stories)

Tip: Many families combine reading and language arts into an integrated curriculum.

3. Mathematics

What it means: Numerical literacy, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning appropriate to grade level.

Requirements:

  • K-2: Number sense, counting, basic operations, measurement concepts
  • 3-5: Multiplication, division, fractions, word problems, basic algebra introduction
  • 6-8: Pre-algebra, ratios, proportions, basic geometry, algebraic thinking
  • 9-12: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and electives (Precalculus, Statistics, Calculus for college-bound)

How to teach:

  • Traditional textbooks (Abeka, BJU, Singapore Math)
  • Self-paced online (Khan Academy, Time4Learning, Art of Problem Solving)
  • Manipulative and hands-on (Math Mammoth, Beast Academy, Homeschool+)
  • Real-world problem solving and applications

Tip: Georgia doesn’t prescribe the method—use what works for your student’s learning style.

4. Social Studies

What it means: History, geography, civics, government, and cultural understanding.

Requirements:

  • K-2: Community, basic civics, simple history concepts, geography basics
  • 3-5: State history and geography, U.S. history (colonial through modern), map skills
  • 6-8: World history or geography, U.S. history continuation, civics and government
  • 9-12: U.S. government/civics (required), U.S. history, world history, economics, geography

Georgia-Specific Content Required:

  • Georgia history (pre-Columbian through present)
  • Georgia geography (mountains, piedmont, coastal plain)
  • Georgia civics and government
  • Georgia’s role in U.S. history (Civil War, Civil Rights, Reconstruction)
  • Native American history in Georgia (Creek, Cherokee, other tribes)

How to teach:

  • History textbooks (Abeka, BJU, Sonlight)
  • Literature-based approach (historical fiction, primary sources, discussion)
  • Online programs (Khan Academy Crash Course, Time4Learning, Outschool)
  • Field trips to Georgia historical sites

Georgia Resources:

  • Georgia Historical Society
  • Georgia Secretary of State civics resources
  • Local historical societies (most Georgia counties have them)
  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Atlanta)
  • Georgia Museum of History and Holocaust Education
  • UGA Extension programs

5. Science

What it means: Inquiry-based understanding of life, earth, and physical sciences.

Requirements:

  • K-2: Basic life science, simple earth and physical science concepts
  • 3-5: Life cycles, ecosystems, weather, simple earth science, basic physical properties
  • 6-8: Life science, earth science, and physical science integrated or rotated
  • 9-12: Biology (required), Chemistry, Physics, and electives (Environmental Science, Anatomy, etc.)

How to teach:

  • Textbook-based (Abeka, BJU)
  • Hands-on experiments and observations
  • Online programs (Khan Academy, Time4Learning, online labs)
  • Documentary and video-based (Crash Course, PBS Learning Media)
  • Real-world science projects and field studies

Georgia-Specific Topics:

  • Georgia ecology (Okefenokee Swamp, coastal habitats, mountain ecosystems)
  • Georgia wildlife and conservation
  • Georgia geology
  • Sustainable agriculture and environmental science

What’s NOT Required in Georgia Homeschools

NOT Required K-8:

  • Physical Education
  • Fine Arts (art, music, theater)
  • Foreign Language
  • Technology/Computer Science (though increasingly recommended)

NOT Required 9-12:

  • Foreign language (not for homeschoolers; strongly recommended for college prep)
  • Arts (unless pursuing creative field)
  • Electives beyond core curriculum

Optional but Recommended:

  • Foreign language (high school especially, for college readiness)
  • Arts and music (developmental benefits, college applications)
  • PE and sports (community organized)
  • Electives aligned to student interests and college/career goals

High School Curriculum Flexibility

For grades 9-12, Georgia provides course recommendations (not requirements) for college-readiness:

Recommended for College:

  • English: 4 courses (Literature, Composition, AP/Honors options)
  • Math: 4 courses through Algebra II minimum (Precalculus for selective colleges)
  • Science: 4 courses including Biology and Chemistry
  • Social Studies: 3-4 courses including U.S. Government
  • World Language: 2-3 courses (Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin, etc.)
  • Arts: 1-2 courses
  • Electives: Technology, business, STEM topics

Georgia Homeschool Advantage: You’re not bound by this recommendation. You can:

  • Use dual enrollment (take college classes instead)
  • Create custom transcripts and course descriptions
  • Weight curriculum toward student strengths and goals
  • Move faster through core subjects

Testing and Assessment Requirements

Georgia requires assessment in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 (recommended schedule; some use every year).

Assessment Options:

  1. Standardized Tests — ITBS, Stanford, CAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT
  2. Portfolio Review — Compiled by parent, evaluated by certified educator
  3. Grades-Based Assessment — Parent-assigned grades with documentation

You choose the method that fits your family. Many Georgia co-ops offer group testing days (cheaper than individual registration).

Grade Levels and Focus

Elementary (K-5): Focus on literacy and numeracy foundation. All five subjects matter; heavy emphasis on reading and math.

Middle (6-8): Deepen content knowledge. Students begin tracking independent learning.

High School (9-12): Core curriculum plus specialization. Maintain transcript with course names, credit hours, grades.

Building Your Own Curriculum Map

You don’t need to follow a state standard. Instead:

  1. Review Georgia requirements (the 5 subjects above)
  2. Choose curriculum for each subject (textbook, online, literature-based, etc.)
  3. Plan year-by-year scope and sequence (what grade levels cover what topics)
  4. Document everything (curriculum used, hours, grades, assessments)
  5. Assess every 3 years per Georgia requirement
  6. Adjust as needed — Georgia allows flexibility to move faster or slower

Next Steps

  1. Choose your five core subjects curriculum (or combination)
  2. Verify Georgia-specific content is included (especially social studies)
  3. Plan high school course names and credits (if applicable)
  4. Register with Georgia’s homeschool program or file notice of intent
  5. Join a Georgia co-op or support group for resources and advice

Internal Links

Cross-State Resources: