Virginia (VA) State - Homeschooling Laws and Regulations

Homeschooling is legal in every American state.  The Department of Education states, "Parents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have the option to home school their children" (Department of Education, NCES). School attendance is compulsory for all children; however, parents have the legal right to withdrawal their children from government schools to enroll them in qualified private schools or to educate their children at home.  This is only proper considering the fact that the duty and the right to educate the next generation were appointed by God to parents even before God created governments.

Each state has laws that govern matters such as how parents are to declare their intention to homeschool and what topics must be included in your home-education program.  Some states require periodic standardized tests and more formal records be maintained. One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the liberty of homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum.  GETTING STARTED CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, BUT MULTITUDES OF PARENTS ARE HOMESCHOOLING AND SO CAN YOU!  It is my pleasure to help your research efforts.  Below are links to key government and non-government pages.

Virginia:  "Parents are permitted to provide home instruction in lieu of school attendance if they meet any one of the following four conditions. The teaching parent: 1) holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education; 2) meets the qualifications for a teacher prescribed by the board of education; 3) enrolls the child or children in a correspondence course approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction; or 4) provides a program of study or curriculum which, in the judgment of the division superintendent, includes the standards of learning objectives adopted by the Board of Education for language arts (English) and mathematics and provides evidence that the parent is able to provide an adequate education for the child. Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254.1 By August 1, the parent is required to submit evidence of the child’s academic achievement in one of the following ways: 1) Evidence that the child has attained a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on a batter of achievement tests approved for use in the public schools; or 2) An evaluation or assessment which, in the judgment of the division superintendent, indicates that the child is achieving an adequate level of education growth and progress. Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254.1 (C). Local school boards may permit part-time attendance of home schooled and private school students. Students may be allowed to enroll in classes in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, foreign language, vocational education, and fine arts. Participation in certain interscholastic activities such as varsity sports is governed by policies of the Virginia High School League. Other extracurricular activities are governed by policies of the local school board. It is not required that children being taught at home be allowed to participate in extra-curricular or special programs offered by the school division. In the absence of program guidelines for the specific request, local school board policy prevails." (Source:  "State Regulation of Private Schools," Virginia, by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Non-Public Education (2000).)

LINKS TO HELPFUL SITES

• http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/suptsmemos/2006/inf124.html

• Statutes: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Parents/hmistatu.pdf

• http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r277/r277-604.htm#T4

• http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Parents/home-instruction-faq.pdf

Counties

Disclaimer:  Balancing the Sword makes no claims about the timeliness nor the completeness of the links or legal information posted.  These homeschooling laws and legal information are being provided free of charge.  Postings of rules and regulations are subject to change.  Seek the advice of other home-educating parents or homeschooling organizations in your area for more help or contact your county superintendent of schools.  Plan to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your county superintendent or child's current principal.  (This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Intent, a Letter of Intent, a Notification of Intent, or a Declaration of Intent.  Sample from Tennessee.)   

• To Homeschooling Laws per State
• To Homeschooling Page
• To Homeschooling Organizations
• To National Homeschool Conventions List
• To Homeschooling Speakers and Workshop Leaders
• To Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
• Please email me if you find a broken link.

Homeschooling Conventions in Virginia (VA)
Conferences, Expos, and Book Fairs

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