Homeschooling in Virginia? Here’s your plan.

Virginia's framework is moderate in regulation but generous in flexibility. The law does not specify required subjects — your notice of intent includes a description of the curriculum or program of study, but the content is your choice. There is no minimum instructional time, no required hours or days. Your accountability comes through the annual assessment, which you can satisfy with a standardized test (composite score in or above the fourth stanine), an evaluation from a licensed teacher or person with a master's degree or higher, or a transcript from a college or correspondence program.

One thing that makes Virginia notable: the compulsory education age starts at 5, which is one of the earliest in the country. However, families can opt out of kindergarten without filing — the homeschool requirements under 22.1-254.1 apply to children of compulsory school age, and the kindergarten opt-out is handled separately.

District variation is significant in Virginia. Some districts are supportive and straightforward; others interpret the law more strictly. Knowing your rights under the statute — particularly what the district can and cannot require — is important. The district cannot require home visits, lesson plans, or curriculum approval. Your notice and assessment are the full extent of your obligation.

Option I (high school diploma holder) is the most common and most straightforward. Option II requires a teaching certificate or license as prescribed by the Board of Education. Option III uses an approved program of study or curriculum — not limited to correspondence or distance learning. Option IV is for parents who can demonstrate evidence of ability to provide an adequate education, even without a diploma or credential. The Religious Exemption under 22.1-254(B)(1) is entirely separate — no curriculum, no assessment, no instructor qualifications, but the school board must determine that the religious basis qualifies. Choose the pathway that fits your credentials and preferences.

Under-6 exemption. Children under age 6 as of September 30 of the school year are exempt from the annual assessment requirement. There is no general first-year exemption for older children.

Dual enrollment. Virginia law permits home-instructed students to enroll in public school courses on a part-time basis, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, but access is not guaranteed — school boards retain discretion. The Virginia High School League (VHSL) prohibits homeschoolers from participating in interscholastic athletics, and no state law guarantees access to public school extracurricular activities.

Assessment options. The fourth stanine threshold on standardized tests (roughly the 23rd to 40th percentile range) is a moderate standard. If your child does not meet the standard, the program may be placed on probation for one year. You file a remediation plan and your child is reassessed after the probation year. An evaluation letter from a licensed teacher or person with a master's degree, or a transcript from a college or correspondence program, are alternatives if standardized testing is not a good fit.

IEP and special needs. Homeschooled students are classified as private school students for special education purposes. Your child can receive an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) — a consultation-level service plan. This is not equivalent to a full IEP, but it provides access to some district resources.

High school. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized. Virginia public universities (including UVA and Virginia Tech) have homeschool-specific admissions policies. Prepare a transcript with courses, grades, and credit hours. HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia) offers transcript and graduation support.