Gwinnett County committee approves bill for homeschoolers to take state tests at local schools

The Georgia Senate Committee on Education and Youth convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at facilitating access to standardized testing for homeschool students. The bill seeks to allow these students to take the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or pre-ACT at their resident schools without incurring any fees.

Senator Hickman highlighted the challenges faced by homeschool families in Gwinnett County, where inconsistent policies have made it difficult for students to access testing. He noted that some years, homeschoolers were permitted to take the tests, while in others, they were not, often requiring them to travel long distances to designated testing locations. This situation has led to significant inconvenience for families, particularly regarding transportation and scheduling.

The proposed legislation stipulates that homeschool students would register at their local schools, similar to enrolled students, ensuring that schools have the necessary information to accommodate them during testing. Senator Hickman emphasized that since homeschool families pay property taxes, they should have equal access to testing facilities without additional costs.

During the discussion, committee members raised concerns about the implications of the bill. One member pointed out that while the bill would exempt homeschool students from testing fees, many enrolled students in Georgia face challenges accessing Advanced Placement (AP) tests, which often require payment. This member expressed hesitation about supporting the bill without addressing the broader issue of equitable access to testing for all students.

Despite the concerns, the committee moved forward with the bill, ultimately passing it with a vote. The legislation now awaits further consideration, highlighting ongoing discussions about educational equity and access in Georgia's public school system.