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Subcommittee advances bill to guarantee homeschoolers access to PSAT, AP testing at residency schools
Summary
Senate Bill 63 would require local school systems to allow homeschool students to take state-administered PSAT and AP exams at their residency school when the district offers such testing. The subcommittee voted to send the bill to the full committee after testimony from homeschool advocates and discussion of fees and security.
Sen. Dixon presented Senate Bill 63 (LC 610062/SP63), which would allow students educated at home to take College Board–administered tests, including the PSAT and AP exams, at their residency public school when the district provides the test. Dixon said the bill grew from parents who must travel long distances or pay fees to access testing and argued homeschool families seek "equal access" to tests administered only in brick-and-mortar schools.
The sponsor clarified the bill would not require districts to waive fees that they already charge enrolled students: "If their residency school charges enrolled students a fee, then the homeschoolers would have to pay that same fee," he said. Committee members and public witnesses discussed security, logistics and local control. A witness estimated the PSAT cost at about $18 per student; the sponsor and witnesses said the number of homeschool students seeking tests is small and that local registration would let schools plan security and accommodations.
Several homeschool advocates testified in support. Marybeth Morris of the Georgia Home Education Association called the proposal "equal access" and noted other states (Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia) have statutes allowing similar access. Marilyn Reynolds, a homeschool parent, described PSAT and AP exams as gateways to National Merit scholarships and college credit, and Amy Sanchez, another parent, said her daughter was denied PSAT access through her local Gwinnett County school and had to test through a private program instead.
Committee members asked about the scope and potential fiscal effects. Senator Dixon and witnesses said existing district policies control logistics (location, security measures) and that homeschoolers would pay any fees that the district already charges enrolled students. A representative estimated a small number (e.g., 30 students countywide in one prior PSAT session) had needed outside testing in Gwinnett.
After testimony and questions, the subcommittee voted by voice to pass SP63 to the full committee.
