Dexter Mosley Act (SB 42)

Homeschool Students

The Dexter Mosely Act authorizes homeschool students, in grades 6 through 12, to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic (E/I) activities, including sports, in their local public school system. In order to participate, all six of the following requirements must be met:

  1. Parent Notification:  At least 30 calendar days before the first school day of the semester in which a home study student will enroll in a qualifying course, the parent/guardian provides to resident principal and superintendent a written notice of home study student’s intent to participate in one or more E/I activities.  

  2. Student Progress Verification:  Parent/guardian must provide to the resident principal and superintendent a copy of the home study student’s most recent annual progress report, with written verification by the home study program instructor that the student is currently receiving a passing grade in each home study program course, is maintaining satisfactory progress towards advancement, and meets the academic requirements for participation in the specified extracurricular or interscholastic activity.   

  3. Qualifying Course Enrollment:  The home study student must enroll in and attempt to complete one qualifying course for each semester of the regular school year during any part of which the home study student participates in an E/I activity. Participation in an E/I activity includes tryouts; practices, rehearsals, and conditionings (in- and off-season, summer, and holiday); and all exhibitions, contests, and competitions.   

  4. Participation Requirements:  The home study student must meet established age, academic, behavioral, conduct, disciplinary, residence, zoning, and other rules and requirements applicable to all students for participation in the specified E/I activity and must provide any supporting documentation required by the resident school.  

  5. Policy Adherence:  The home study student must abide by the same student code of conduct and disciplinary measures and transportation policies as students enrolled at the resident school who are participating in the same E/I activity as the home study student.  

  6. E/I Activity and Selection Requirements: The home study student must complete the tryout process or equivalent for participation in the specified E/I activity applicable to all students for participation in the E/I activity and must be selected for participation in those E/I activities which involve a competitive selection process. The home study student must provide any supporting documentation required by the resident school. The resident school, system or athletic association shall not deny the home study student the opportunity to try out and participate, if selected, in any E/I activity available if the student meets the eligibility requirements outlined above.     

Ineligibility – a student who withdraws from a public school to participate in a home study program shall be ineligible for participation in any E/I activity for 12 months from the date of the home study Declaration of Intent submission to GaDOE.

School-sponsored social events and non-interscholastic activities do not fall within the scope of participation rights established in the Dexter Mosely Act.  Students who are in grades PK-12, and are not enrolled in Atkinson County Schools, will not be allowed to participate or attend such events or activities.