Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords.
In Virginia, parents have four options for homeschooling their children:
- Homeschooling their own children under the homeschool statute
- Homeschooling with a religious exemption
- Hiring a certified teacher to tutor their children
- Operating their homeschool as a private school
Virginia Homeschool Mandates for Option 1
Virginia compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from ages 5 (as of September 30th) through 18. Homeschooling under the Virginia homeschool statute (option 1) requires parents to meet instructor qualifications in one of four ways:
- High school diploma or higher degree
- Current Virginia teaching license
- Evidence the homeschool uses a curriculum or program of study
- Other evidence parents can provide satisfactory instruction
Homeschools must also file an annual notice describing parent qualifications and a curriculum description by August 15th. Homeschoolers must comply with the same immunization requirements as public school students.
Additionally, Virginia requires evidence of a yearly evaluation by August 1st. Acceptable evidence choices include:
- Approved standardized tests
- Qualified licensed teacher evaluations
- Transcripts from colleges or approved correspondence schools
- Other documentation approved by the superintendent
- Please consult the Department of Education for more information on homeschooling under this and the other three homeschool options in Virginia.
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Virginia
If your children currently attend a public or private school, you will need to withdraw them to homeschool. In many cases, sending a withdrawal letter by certified mail to your school district will suffice. To begin homeschooling under option 1, parents must file a notice with the school district.
Special Education Provisions
Virginia has no additional requirements for parents wishing to homeschool their special needs children. Families who provide home education and those who homeschool via the certified tutor option are entitled to the same access to special-ed services as private school students.
Record Keeping
Virginia has no record-keeping requirements for parents homeschooling under the homeschool statute (option 1) other than filing evidence of a yearly evaluation by August 1st. However, it is wise to maintain a file for each student containing school district correspondence, attendance records, samples of your child’s work, and any standardized test scores.
It is recommended that parents homeschooling with a religious exemption (option 2) keep a permanent copy of the school board’s response to their request for exemption.
With a clear understanding of Virginia homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting Virginia’s homeschool requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing. Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
