Homeschool Sports Eligibility in Georgia
Yes. Under the Dexter Mosely Act, a Georgia home study student in grades 6 through 12 can try out for sports and other activities at the resident public school, if the family meets the Act's notice and course conditions.
How homeschool participation works
The Dexter Mosely Act, section 20-2-319.6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), took effect in 2021. Your child plays on behalf of the resident school, the public school your child would attend based on where you live, under that school's sponsorship and control.
Participation covers the whole season: tryouts, off-season and summer conditioning, in-season practice, and every scrimmage, contest, and postseason game.
A resident school, its school system, or an athletic association cannot deny a home study student who meets the Act's conditions the chance to try out and to play if selected. A public high school also may not compete under an athletic association that refuses to treat such a student as eligible, which covers the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). The Georgia Department of Education does not run athletics; eligibility questions go to the local school system and GHSA.
Rules that decide participation
Notice 30 days ahead
At least 30 calendar days before the first school day of the semester, you give the resident school's principal and the system's superintendent written notice naming the activities. Include your most recent annual progress assessment report and the instructor's written statement that your child is passing each home study course and meets the activity's requirements.
One qualifying course
In each semester your child takes part, your child enrolls in and attempts one qualifying course through the resident school system. It can be a virtual course, a dual credit course, or an on-site course required for the activity.
Same rules and tryouts
Your child meets the age, academic, conduct, residence, and zoning rules that apply to all students, follows the same code of conduct and transportation policies, and completes the same tryout process.
Home study status
Your child is in a home study program with a current declaration of intent on file with the Department of Education.
Before the season
First step
Ask the resident school system which qualifying courses it offers for home study athletes, then send the principal and superintendent your written notice.
What can rule a player out
A student who withdraws from a public school to start home study cannot take part in any activity for 12 months from the date of the declaration of intent.
When to start
Send the notice and progress documents at least 30 calendar days before the first school day of each semester in which your child takes the qualifying course.
School that fits around the season
Lessons start at your child's level and go wherever practice and travel do. We grade the work as it is submitted and keep the grades and transcript a school or league may ask to see.
$149/month per child after the trial.