Hi-dee-ho, neighbor! Are you considering homeschooling or just curious about how it works here in Georgia? Whether you're new to the idea or already have a plan in mind, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about what you need to know. As a homeschooling mom myself, I know the journey can feel both exciting and a bit overwhelming—but don’t worry, we’ll break it down together.

If you're thinking about homeschooling in Georgia, the first thing you’ll need to do is file a Declaration of Intent with the Georgia Department of Education. It sounds fancier than it is—you’re just letting them know you're ready to take on teaching your little (or not-so-little) ones at home. Once that’s done, you're free to dive into the adventure!

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Now, I bet you’re wondering why so many families in Georgia and across the nation are choosing to homeschool these days. Let me tell you, there are as many reasons as there are homeschoolers for some, it’s all about flexibility, personalized learning, and giving your child the education they truly deserve. Whether you're teaching at the kitchen table or taking lessons outside in your backyard, homeschooling lets you tailor education to fit your child’s needs and interests.

As a homeschooling mama, I’ve found that it’s not just about the academics. It’s about giving my boys the space to explore what they're curious about, all while working at their own pace. And let’s not forget—homeschooling gives us more freedom to enjoy life together, whether it's taking a mid-week field trip to a museum or sneaking in an extra-long family vacation!

Like anything, homeschooling comes with its own set of challenges. I won’t sugarcoat it, some days are hard. It can be overwhelming to juggle teaching, housework, and keeping everyone on track. And sometimes, you might wonder if your kids are missing out on the social aspect of traditional school.

But here’s a little secret I’ve learned: homeschooling doesn't mean you're doing it all alone. There are tons of homeschooling co-ops, local support groups, and even online communities like here at Mama Wilson that will welcome you with open arms. In fact, some of my boys' best friendships have been with other homeschoolers they met at local co-op activities.

Another common challenge is deciding on the structure or style of your homeschooling. Should you buy a curriculum or create your own? Each option has its pros and cons, and I’ll be diving deeper into this topic in an upcoming article. But for now, here are a few questions to ask yourself: Are you a busy mom, perhaps balancing work, or do you have extra help from your husband, a nanny, sitter, or grandparent? How organized are you, and do you enjoy creating materials? And think about your child’s age and experience—are they just starting school, or transitioning from a traditional one? Each answer can help you start piecing together a style that feels right for your family!

I couldn’t talk about homeschooling in Georgia without mentioning a few of my favorite resources:

This is by no means an exhaustive list, neighbor! You’d be amazed at the resources available right in your local Dollar Tree—affordable workbooks, flashcards, and supplies that can really add to your homeschool toolkit without breaking the bank. And just a quick note: the Georgia Board of Education is revamping their website this month, so I’ll be back to update this article once the new site goes live. I’m excited about what they’ll have to offer, and I’m expecting pretty big things! With any luck, we’ll have even more resources and tools to help make homeschooling smoother for all of us here in Georgia.

Homeschooling is a big decision, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to be deeply involved in your child’s learning journey. If you're just starting or still on the fence, know that you’re not alone in this! Plenty of other Georgia families are homeschooling too, and the community here is ready to support you every step of the way.

If you’ve got any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me a message. We can share stories, tips, and even a cup of coffee over this virtual fence. And if you want to stay updated on homeschooling news and resources, make sure to check back! I'll be updating this article as new info rolls out. Happy homeschooling, neighbor!