Virginia Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Virginia—
Homeschooling in Virginia
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Virginia Homeschool
Homeschooling in Virginia: Overview for Families
Legal Options to Homeschool
Virginia allows parents to homeschool under one of the following options:
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Home Instruction Statute (§22.1-254.1) – Most common
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Certified Tutor Provision
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Religious Exemption (§22.1-254 B.1) – For families with sincere religious beliefs (requires careful consideration)
📝 Home Instruction Statute (Most Common Option)
Step-by-Step Requirements:
1. File a Notice of Intent (NOI) by August 15 each year
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Sent to your local school division superintendent
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Must include:
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Your intent to homeschool
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The legal basis (one of four options – see below)
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A list of subjects you plan to teach
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Evidence of qualifications (e.g., diploma or curriculum)
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Optionally, your curriculum description
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2. Choose one of four qualification methods:
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Hold a high school diploma
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Be a certified teacher in Virginia
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Provide a curriculum/program from a correspondence school or approved program
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Show the ability to provide adequate education (subject to superintendent approval)
3. Provide Proof of Progress by August 1 (following school year)
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Either:
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Standardized test results (must show the child scored in or above the 4th stanine)
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Or evaluation/assessment by a licensed teacher or other approved method
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🎓 Certified Tutor Provision
Parents with a Virginia teaching license may tutor their own children without submitting an NOI. You must notify your district and show your valid license.
🙏 Religious Exemption
Families with deeply held religious convictions against state-run education may file for exemption, but this route is strict and can be difficult to obtain. Approval is at the discretion of the school board.
💡 Additional Notes
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Kindergarten: Not mandatory until age 5 (can delay until age 6 with notice).
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High school diplomas: Parents issue their own diploma upon completing high school-level coursework.
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Special needs: No IEP services are guaranteed, but some services may be available through local districts.
Virginia School K-12 School Choice
Charter Schools: While Virginia does not have a statewide charter school law, local districts can establish charter schools. These schools operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools and are open to all students within the district.
Collectively, these programs aim to expand educational choices for Virginia families, though their availability and implementation may vary across the state
Virginia K-12 Scholarship Summary
Virginia offers several school choice programs aimed at providing families with more educational options, though the scope and accessibility of these programs vary.
Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC): Established in 2012, this program allows individuals and businesses to receive a 65% state tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations that assist students in attending private K–12 schools. The program is capped at $25 million annually .
Opportunity Scholarships: Proposed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2024, this initiative aims to provide $5,000 scholarships to approximately 10,000 low-income students to attend private schools. The program is designed to assist families earning up to about $81,120 annually for a family of four .
Parental Choice Education Savings Accounts (PCESA): This proposed program would allow eligible students, including those with disabilities, to receive 90% of the state’s per-pupil funding into a savings account. Parents could use these funds for various educational expenses, such as private school tuition, tutoring, and college costs .
Lab Schools: Virginia has introduced public “lab schools,” which are partnerships between public universities and K–12 education systems. These schools offer innovative curricula and are open to all Virginia residents, with admission often determined through a lottery system.
Homeschool Resources for Virginia
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.