Homeschooling in Virginia.

Who you notify

Your division superintendent, every year.

When

By August 15 for the coming school year. If you start mid-year or move into the division, notify as soon as practicable, then send the rest of the required information within 30 days.

What the notice includes

Your intent to homeschool, a list of subjects you'll teach this year, and proof that you meet one of four parent options.

Parent qualification

Meet one: (i) a high school diploma or higher degree; (ii) a Virginia teaching license; (iii) a program of study or curriculum, such as a correspondence or distance course; or (iv) evidence you can provide an adequate education.

Diploma note

VDOE says a high school equivalency certificate doesn't count for option (i). For option (iv), each division decides what evidence it accepts, so ask first.

Required subjects

No subject list is set by law. You choose the subjects and list them in your notice.

School days and hours

No minimum days or hours.

Evidence of progress

By August 1 after each school year, send your superintendent a composite result in or above the fourth stanine (23rd percentile) on any nationally normed achievement test, an equivalent ACT, SAT or PSAT result, or another evaluation.

Other accepted evaluations

A letter from a teacher licensed in any state, or someone with a master's degree or higher, who knows your child's progress; or a report card or transcript from a college, distance learning program or correspondence school. Your superintendent decides.

Younger children

Evidence of progress isn't required for children under 6 on September 30 of the school year.

If progress isn't shown

Your superintendent may set one year of probation with a remediation plan. If the plan isn't accepted or evidence isn't sent by the next August 1, home instruction must stop. You can appeal within 30 days.

Records

None required by law beyond what you submit. Practical guidance, not law: keep copies of your notice, qualification proof and evidence of progress.

Exam access

Your school board must let homeschooled students take Advanced Placement (AP), PSAT/NMSQT and PreACT exams and tell you the registration deadlines.

What it is

Your school board must excuse a child who, with the parents, is conscientiously opposed to school attendance because of bona fide religious training or belief. Political, sociological or philosophical views, or a personal moral code, don't qualify.

Who you ask

Your local school board, not the superintendent. Ask your division how it wants the request submitted.

What doesn't apply

The home instruction notice, parent qualification and evidence of progress rules don't apply to this route. Practical guidance, not law: ask whether your school board expects you to renew.

Statute citation

Va. Code § 22.1-254(B)(1)

What it is

A tutor or teacher who meets state Board of Education qualifications, approved by your division superintendent, teaches your child. VDOE says the tutor must hold a valid Virginia teaching license. A parent who holds one can be the tutor.

What you do

Ask your division superintendent to approve the tutor. The home instruction notice and evidence of progress rules belong to a different route.

Statute citation

Va. Code § 22.1-254(A)