AES/Homeschool

Thank you for your interest in playing sports at Valwood School as a homeschool or alternatively educated student (AES). You can start our initial inquiry process by completing this form.

Guidelines

• Students must be in grades 6-12 to participate as a Homeschool or Alternatively Educated Student (AES)
• Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) regulates the number of AES athletes allowed to participate on each team. Valwood School follows the GIAA AES regulations for both Middle School and Varsity competition.
• Enrollment in a Valwood course on campus is required to complete as an AES within GIAA.  
•  AES acceptance at Valwood School is not only based on availability, but the joint admission decision between the Admissions Committee and Head Coach. Participation within each team is not guaranteed, but at the discretion of the Head Coach of each sport.
• AES Reenrollment is not guaranteed, but based on:
  • conduct and attendance during the previous school year
  • availability on requested team 
  • space within requested class
• Valwood dress code and behavior expectations apply to all students enrolled in any Valwood course and/or participating in Athletics/Fine Arts
• Only full-time students are eligible to:
  • Earn a diploma and walk at graduation
  • Run for Student Council, class officers, etc.
  • Attend dances (unless as a guest of a full-time Valwood student)
  • Attend/be recognized Senior Banquet and Honors Day
  • Participate in class trips
  • Participate in performances/events related to a specific course unless enrolled in that specific course

AES Tuition

The Valwood AES Tuition is either 1/8 of Valwood’s tuition plus a 20% fee for each academic class taken on campus. Valwood School will charge $500/academic year per student for elective classes and extracurricular participation.

AES Enrollment

In order to begin the enrollment process for a Valwood Alternatively Educated Student (AES), please complete an online application ($50) & select AES under the Applicant Information section: How to Apply | Valwood School

Once an application has been completed, and enrollment has been offered, Valwood will require a completed enrollment packet and the following documentation:

• Pre-Participation physical evaluation 
•  Copy of the student’s social security card
•  Copy of the student’s birth certificate
•  Georgia Form 3231 (immunization record)

Visit School Vaccines and Updates for more information on Georgia immunization requirements, including medical and religious exemptions. An “Affidavit of Religious Objection to Immunization” form is attached.

The GIAA requires the following of Varsity participants:  

• Official Birth Certificate (NOT Certificate of Live Birth)
• AES Student-Athlete Information Form
• A copy of the Declaration of Intent Form that was submitted to the Georgia DOE for the student. 
• Most recent Report Card/Transcript

According to Georgia homeschool regulations, homeschool students must take an appropriate nationally standardized test at the end of their 9th grade year. Valwood School must provide the results of the test to the GIAA Office. Once a homeschool (AES) student has taken this test in the 9th grade, s/he will have three years left of eligibility in GIAA.