Homeschool testing in Georgia
Verified against primary sources on July 19, 2026
Georgia's home study law requires a nationally standardized test only once every three years, beginning at the end of grade 3 — and the scores never leave your files. A separate annual progress report (also retained at home) covers the in-between years.
At a glance
- Testing required
- Yes
- When
- every 3 years, beginning end of grade 3
- What qualifies
- Nationally standardized test required
- Who administers
- Parent may administer, in consultation with a person trained in norm-referenced test administration/interpretation.
- Results
- Kept in your records
- Score floor
- None.
What the law says
“Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm reference tests… records of such tests and scores shall be retained but shall not be required to be submitted to public educational authorities.”
— O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690(c)(7)
Your options
Triennial nationally standardized test — the only test route
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690(c)(7) requires an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm-referenced tests; a parent may administer within that consultation arrangement. GaDOE disclaims any authority to recommend or approve specific tests — and Georgia Milestones, the public-school test, is not nationally standardized and does not qualify.
Annual written progress report
Separate from the triennial test: a written assessment of the student's progress, every year. Like test scores, it is retained by the family, not submitted.
Key dates
- End of grade 3, then every 3 years
- Administer a nationally standardized test; retain the scores.
- Every year
- Write the annual progress report; retain it.
- No filing
- Neither test scores nor progress reports are submitted to public educational authorities.
Worth knowing
GaDOE disclaims authority to recommend or approve tests. Georgia Milestones are NOT nationally standardized and do not qualify.
Where the Fledgemark Check fits
The Fledgemark Check is a diagnostic, not a nationally standardized test, so it cannot serve as Georgia's triennial test. With three years between required tests, families use it in the off years to catch drift early.