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Homeschooling in Virginia

Virginia home instruction requires an annual notice by August 15 with a subject list and parent qualification evidence, plus evidence of academic progress (test or evaluation) by August 1.

Last checkedAgainst Statute + state sources

Virginia at a glanceLevel: Moderate

Notice to the state
Yes
A notice of intent to the division superintendent by August 15 each year, with a subject list and proof you meet one of four parent criteria (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(B)).
Testing
Yes
By August 1 each year, send evidence of progress: a nationally normed test score in or above the 4th stanine, or an evaluation the superintendent accepts (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C)).
Record-keeping
Not required
No ongoing records beyond the yearly notice and evidence of progress. Send immunization proof if the superintendent asks, unless you submit a religious or medical exemption (Va. Code §22.1-271.4).
Immunization
Required
Homeschoolers must meet school immunization requirements and submit proof on the superintendent's request, unless they submit a religious affidavit or medical exemption (Va. Code §22.1-271.4).
Required subjects
None specified
Instruction time
Same number of days and hours per day as the public schools, during the period public schools are in session
Va. Code §22.1-254(A)
Parent qualifications
One of: a high school diploma, Board teacher qualifications, a program of study or curriculum (including distance learning), or evidence you can provide an adequate education
Va. Code §22.1-254.1(A)
Compulsory school age
5 on or before September 30 until the 18th birthday
Va. Code §22.1-254.1(A); VDOE

Ways to homeschool here: Home instruction (§22.1-254.1) · Religious exemption (§22.1-254(B)(1)) · Tutor or teacher with Board-prescribed qualifications and division superintendent approval (§22.1-254(A))

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Overview

Virginia treats home instruction as an acceptable alternative to school once the statute’s requirements are met. Separately, a school board must excuse a pupil who, with the parents, is conscientiously opposed to school attendance because of bona fide religious training or belief (§22.1-254(B)(1)); this is a different exemption from home instruction. Decisions of the division superintendent may be appealed to an independent hearing officer within 30 days (§22.1-254.1(E)). School boards must make AP, PSAT/NMSQT and PreACT exams available to home-instructed students (§22.1-254.1(F)).

Requirements at a glance

  • Notice: Annual notice of intent to the division superintendent by August 15, with a list of subjects for the coming year and evidence of meeting one of four parent criteria; families who move in or start mid-year notify as soon as practicable and comply within 30 days. (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(B); VDOE)
  • Testing or assessment: By August 1 after each year, submit evidence of progress: a composite score in or above the 4th stanine on a nationally normed achievement test (or equivalent ACT/SAT/PSAT), or an evaluation the superintendent accepts (e.g., a letter from a licensed teacher or a person with a master’s degree or higher in an academic discipline who knows the child’s academic progress, or a college/correspondence school report card). Missing evidence can lead to one year of probation with a remediation plan. Not required for children under 6 on September 30. (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C))
  • Records: No ongoing academic records beyond the annual notice and evidence of progress; immunization proof must be submitted if the division superintendent requests it, unless a religious affidavit or medical certification is submitted. (Va. Code §22.1-271.4)
  • Subjects: None specified
  • Instruction time: Same number of days and hours per day as the public schools, during the period public schools are in session (Va. Code §22.1-254(A))
  • Parent/teacher qualifications: One of: high school diploma; teacher qualifications set by the Board; providing a program of study or curriculum (including correspondence or distance learning); or evidence of ability to provide an adequate education (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(A))
  • Compulsory attendance ages: 5 on or before September 30 until the 18th birthday (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(A); VDOE)

Sources

This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.