Virginia Homeschool High School Guide

Parent-issued diploma recognized. No state homeschool diploma.

Parent-created. No state template.

Virginia public universities accept homeschool applicants.

Program

Part-time public school enrollment (including CTE courses)

Eligibility

Same eligibility as full-time students; applies to students under Section 22.1-254.1, may NOT apply to religious exemption

How to enroll

Contact local school division

Cost

Free (public school courses)

Va. Code §22.1-254.1; Va. Code §22.1-253.13:2

Virginia does not currently have a law guaranteeing homeschool students access to public school extracurricular activities. Some districts may allow participation on a case-by-case basis.

Virginia offers 5 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

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  Option I -- Parent Holds High School Diploma : You file a Notice of Intent with your local superintendent by August 15 each year, including a curriculum description and a copy of your high school diploma or GED. Your child must demonstrate educational progress annually (standardized test with composite score in or above the fourth stanine, evaluation by a licensed teacher or master's-degree holder, or transcript from approved program). No required subjects, hours, or recordkeeping. The most commonly used Virginia pathway.
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  Option II -- Parent is a Qualified Teacher : You file a Notice of Intent with your local superintendent by August 15 each year, including a curriculum description and evidence that you hold a teaching certificate or license as prescribed by the Board of Education. Same annual assessment requirement as Option I. This option is specifically for parents who hold a teaching credential.
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  Option III -- Approved Program of Study or Curriculum : You provide your child with a program of study or curriculum that has been approved by the superintendent or the Virginia Board of Education, and file a Notice of Intent by August 15. This covers any program of study or curriculum -- not limited to correspondence or distance learning. No specific parent credential is required. Annual assessment is still required. Good for families who want to use a structured curriculum without needing a diploma or teaching credential.
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  Option IV -- Evidence of Ability to Provide Adequate Education : You file a Notice of Intent with your local superintendent by August 15, along with evidence that you are able to provide an adequate education for your child. This evidence is typically a written letter explaining your qualifications, experience, and educational plan. The superintendent reviews the submission and determines whether it demonstrates adequate ability. No specific credential is required, but approval is not automatic. Annual assessment is still required. This pathway is a catch-all for parents who do not hold a high school diploma, do not hold a teaching certificate, and are not using an approved program of study.
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  Religious Exemption : You petition your local school board for an exemption from compulsory attendance based on bona fide religious training or belief. Once granted, there are no curriculum requirements, no annual testing, no progress reports, and no instructor qualifications. You must renew the exemption annually. This is the only Virginia pathway with no assessment requirement, but it requires school board approval and a genuine religious basis.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for Virginia