The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
Welcome to Virginia! We hope you enjoy our beautiful state.
Homeschoolers in Virginia are much like homeschoolers in any other state. We are a diverse, dedicated assortment of families who want what is best for our children. We encourage you to connect with your local support groups to make new friends and discover new resources and opportunities for your family.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers encourages you to read and understand Virginia homeschooling law
A few good points to know about homeschooling in Virginia:
Children in Virginia between the ages of 5 and 18 as of September 30 of the school year are required to attend school. There is a special provision for children who are older than age 5 but younger than age 6. Homeschooled children age 16 or older may take the GED if they so choose.
Homeschoolers in Virginia use a variety of different curriculums and approaches, ranging from prepackaged curriculum materials and correspondence schools to child-initiated learning or "unschooling". The law requires home instruction filers to submit a description of their curriculum However, this description is for informational purposes only.
Access to public school classes, services, and programs is at the discretion of the local school division. Some school divisions allow homeschoolers to take classes part time, or participate in extracurricular activities, while others do not. School divisions must provide special education services and programs to homeschooled students, but the level of services provided can vary at the discretion of the school division. Homeschoolers in Virginia may not participate in high school interscholastic sports or other activities at this time.
Homeschoolers in Virginia do not receive high school diplomas from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Most students go directly from homeschool to college or career without an official diploma. Parents of homeschooled teens keep their own records and prepare their own transcripts, rather than going through an umbrella school. If your child transfers from homeschool to public school, some homeschool coursework may transfer automatically, while other coursework may not. Read High School Transfer Credit Procedures to learn more about how transfer credit currently works in Virginia.
Some Virginia public schools are experimenting with "virtual schools" or "virtual learning academies" run in partnership with K12, Inc. Students who enroll in these programs full time are considered public school students, rather than homeschoolers, according to the Virginia Department of Education. Read K12, Inc. and "Virtual Learning Academies" to learn more about these programs.
You may begin homeschooling your child in Virginia at any time during the school year.
According to the Home Instruction Statute (§22.1-254.1 B) "any parent who moves into a school division or begins home instruction after the school year has begun shall notify the division superintendent of his intention to provide home instruction as soon as practicable and shall thereafter comply with the requirements of this section within 30 days of such notice."
To read the complete text of the law: §22.1-254.1 Declaration of policy; requirements for home instruction of children.
You have multiple filing options in Virginia. Most families choose to file under one of the four options of the home instruction statute, while others may choose the approved tutor provision or the religious exemption. Each filing option has its own set of pros and cons. Learn as much as possible about each option and decide which one best suits your family's needs.
If you are moving into Virginia after the start of the school year, please read Starting Homeschooling Mid-Year
Two important notes:
If you have questions, please email VaHomeschoolers or call our toll free number (866) 513-6173.
Nothing in this document should be perceived as legal advice. For legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney who is experienced with education and homeschooling law.
Your membership in The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers supports our efforts to provide information, advocacy, and support to homeschooling families in Virginia. We welcome you to learn more about our Organization and the benefits of membership
VaHomeschoolers works hard to protect your homeschool freedom and empowers you by giving you the information that helps you homeschool with confidence. This is all a free service to you. But providing these services does cost money without which we could not maintain this site, cover our lobbyists' expenses while they work for you at the Virginia General Assembly, or produce and mail the VaHomeschoolers newsletter. Show how much you value the indispensable services VaHomeschoolers provides you--by joining or donating to VaHomeschoolers! If you are already a member, check out our give-back programs where purchases you normally make can earn money for VaHomeschoolers at no cost to you. When you join or donate to VaHomeschoolers, you are supporting the Old Dominion's only fully inclusive, member directed, and volunteer driven state homeschool association.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers is a non-profit public charity with 501(c)(3) status; your donation is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.