Virginia Homeschool Legal Requirements

Virginia Homeschooling Legal Requirements

See the Full list of Homeschooling Requirements by State

Below is a quick reference guide on the homeschooling requirements for the state of Virginia. For more information on the legal requirements visit the HSLDA Virginia page.

There are four options for homeschooling in Virginia per the HSLDA:

Option 1: Homeschooling under the home instruction option:
To homeschool under Virginia’s home instruction option, you’ll need to follow these requirements.

1. Ensure that you possess one of four home instructor qualifications.
2. File annual notice with your school superintendent.
3. Provide an annual evaluation.

Option 2: Homeschooling with a religious exemption:
Under Virginia law, your school board must excuse your child from school if the child, “together with his parents, by reason of bona fide religious training or belief is conscientiously opposed to attendance at school.” To homeschool under this option, you need to follow these requirements:

1. Send a religious exemption application letter to your school board.
2. Obtain a reply to your religious exemption letter.
3. Exempt any additional children.
4. If needed, reapply next year.

Option 3: Homeschooling with a certified tutor:
A person with a current Virginia teacher license can ask the school superintendent to approve him or her as a tutor. Once approved, the person can tutor any children he or she wants—including his or her own. If a child is being taught under such a tutor, the child is in compliance with compulsory attendance.

Option 4: Homeschooling under the private school option:
Virginia law allows private school students to attend their school without physically being present at the school if the student’s attendance is for the same number of hours per day, for the same days per year, and during the same period of the year as public schools. If a private school student receives his instruction while he is at home, it will resemble homeschooling in many ways.

Visit the HSLDA Virginia page for more information on these options and homeschooling in Virginia.

Be sure to join our How to Homeschool for Free Facebook Support Group for daily help, freebies, encouragement, and more to support you in your homeschooling journey!

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