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Considering Homeschooling?
Considering Homeschooling?
Curriculum Descriptions
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VaHomeschoolers frequently receives queries from homeschoolers about how to write the curriculum description required by law to be submitted with the annual Notice of Intent. A curriculum description is required no matter which filing option is used. (Code of Virginia, §22.1-254.1 B)
As amended, §22.1-254.1 B reads,
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“Any parent who elects to provide home instruction in lieu of school attendance shall annually notify the division superintendent in August of his intention to so instruct the child and provide a description of the curriculum, limited to a list of subjects to be followed during the coming year …”
Thanks to legislation crafted by VaHomeschoolers in 1998, homeschooled kindergartners who have not turned 6 by September 30 are exempt from the testing and evaluation requirements (§22.1-254.1, subsection C). If your homeschooled kindergartner is already 6 by September 30, then you will need to have them tested or evaluated at the end of the school year.
Amended Statute
Effective July 1, 2012, Virginia’s Home Instruction Statute defines the curriculum description with specific language that was designed to eliminate confusion on the part of both homeschooling families and school division personnel.
Previously, the statute included a curriculum description requirement with no definition of the level of detail that should be included in the description.
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As amended, the statute clarifies the requirement to be “a list of subjects to be followed during the coming year …”
VaHomeschoolers lobbied in support of companion bills in both the House of Delegates (HB 1208, Pogge-R) and the Senate (SB 564, Black-R) that created this change in the Home Instruction Statute
​Sample Curriculum Descriptions
Below are a few examples of curriculum descriptions that VaHomeschoolers believes meet the requirement of the Home Instruction Statute. Each one includes a listing of courses or subjects to be studied. We have included examples that reflect a broad array of student ages and homeschooling approaches. Please note that if your family uses a student-led educational approach, listing the subject areas that your child will be learning as distinct areas (even though they may be learning in overlapping areas much of the time) is useful in helping school divisions to recognize your curriculum description as satisfactory under the law.
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Azari’s curriculum will consist of mathematics, grammar, spelling, composition, reading, life science, and American history.
02.
Aisha’s 10th grade studies will consist of:
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Algebra II
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World Literature
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Chemistry
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20th Century World History
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Spanish 2
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Composition
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Physical Education
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Fine Arts
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Driver Education
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Ellington will be using the Oak Meadow curriculum, which includes language arts, social studies, science, math, art, music, crafts, and health. See http://www.oakmeadow.com/curriculum/third-grade.php.
04.
Florian’s 12th-grade program of study through the Keystone High School distance learning program will include AP English, Calculus, Physics, AP Psychology, French 4, and AP Art History.
05.
John will be enrolled in a local homeschool co-op this year. His courses will include mathematics, language arts, science, history, art, music, and P.E.
06.
Kai plans to continue their progress in writing composition this year. They also will be focusing on consumer and household mathematics and economics. They will further her study of Japanese culture and history through modern anime art and literature, and will extend her ecological and life sciences program.
This information is provided as a courtesy of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. It is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney.
VaHomeschoolers is a non-profit public charity with 501(c)(3) status; your donation is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.