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Homeschooling in Virginia

Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Virginia. Virginia offers four ways for parents to legally homeschool. The method you choose will depend largely on the reason behind why you want to homeschool. Be sure to research each option for homeschooling well so your unique needs are served and compliance is maintained. Virginia’s nickname is “Mother of Presidents” because eight U.S. presidents were born there. This moniker is a solid reminder that your child’s home education will have a large and lasting impact on their future.

Snapshot of Requirements

  • Complexity

    Virginia offers four ways in which you can legally homeschool, with varying requirements and guidelines. Homeschooling in this state will require detailed research to be sure you are in compliance. Virginia ranks as a moderately challenging state to homeschool in.
  • Teaching

    Virginia requires that parents qualify to provide home instruction through at least one of four ways: have a highschool diploma or GED, hold a current Virginia teacher's license, provide a curriculum or program of study as part of your home instruction program, or give evidence that you are able to provide an adequate education.
  • Testing

    When homeschooling under the Virginia homeschool statute, annual evaluations must be submitted to your local superintendent. There are four acceptable methods of evaluation. Virginia's remaining homeschool options do not require annual evaluations.
  • Registration

    Virginia does require annual notice of intent to homeschool when operating under the homeschool statute. Virginia's remaining options for homeschooling have varying methods and frequency requirements regarding notices of intent to homeschool.
  • Grade Level

    Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Virginia requires children between the ages of 5 and 18 to be schooled.
  • Reporting

    Virginia has no requirement for homeschool record keeping.

Advice For Homeschooling In Virginia

Strive for excellence in homeschooling by creating a mission statement, setting annual progress goals, being diligent about annual assessment, and using external rubrics for measuring academic success. While Virginia does not have any mandated subjects for home education, it is advised that you provide instruction in subjects commonly taught in public schools. Make it a priority to keep good records of your student’s home education. Good records will benefit your child in many future endeavors. Continuing their education, entering the military, or passing a background check for employment will all require some level of proof of education.

QUICK FACTS

Over 100,000 students homeschool in the Old Dominion State of Virginia!

Virginia has a variety of co-ops and tutorials for the homeschoolers!

Virginia parents have had the right to homeschool since 1982.

Featured Field Trip In Your Region

Billy Graham Library

An Ongoing Crusade

Come journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. Millions of people were impacted by Billy Graham over the course of his nearly 60-year ministry. Now, many more have the opportunity to learn about him and be inspired by his message of God’s love.

Through state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits, film and audio recordings, and memorabilia, you can relive many of the historic moments of his life and that of his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. Tour the restored Graham family home where he grew up in Charlotte and spend a time of reflection in the beautiful Prayer Garden.

Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas

Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.

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