How to Homeschool in Virginia

In Virginia, homeschooling lets you draw on the commonwealth’s deep colonial heritage, coastal ecosystems, and bustling urban hubs to help build a curriculum tailored to your child.

From hands-on explorations of Jamestown’s archaeological treasures to monitoring life in the Chesapeake Bay, clear state guidelines and active support networks ensure you have all the tools you need.

Confidently guide your child’s learning every step of the way.

How to Homeschool in Virginia

To begin homeschooling in Virginia, you must choose one of three legal pathways. The most common option, Home Instruction, simply requires you to notify your local school division. To do this, parents file a Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction in writing with the superintendent by August 1 for the upcoming school year (or within 30 days of starting mid-year). This notice formally registers your program under state law.

The other two options—homeschooling under a Religious Exemption or with a Certified Tutor—require you to seek and receive formal approval from the superintendent before you can begin.

Homeschooling in Virginia: Laws and Requirements

Virginia law has no requirement for the number of days or hours of instruction per school year.

While Virginia does not mandate a specific list of subjects, parents must include a list of the subjects they intend to teach for the coming year with their Notice of Intent.

Reporting and Evaluations

After filing your Notice of Intent, the only state-required submittals involve evaluations for children ages 6 through 16. By August 1 each year, parents must provide one of the following:

• A nationally normed achievement test with scores in the fourth stanine or above
• A written evaluation from a qualified evaluator (certified teacher, relevant college graduate, etc.)
• A transcript or report card from an accredited institution
• Another evaluation method approved by your superintendent

No immunization records, daily lesson logs, or additional filings are required by state law once the Notice of Intent is submitted.

Virginia Homeschool Curriculum and Programs

Virginia allows families complete curricular freedom, so you may select mastery-based, multisensory programs or combine online and hands-on materials. Many parents choose:

• All About Reading to build strong phonics and fluency skills
• All About Spelling to develop systematic spelling mastery
• All About Math for concrete, visual math understanding

Virginia’s public library systems, museum outreach programs, and community co-ops provide local resources to enrich every subject.

Online and Low-Cost Homeschooling Options in Virginia

Families may supplement or fully deliver instruction through online programs offered by accredited providers. Free resources include:

• Khan Academy
• Virginia DOE online materials
• All About Learning Press Free Resources

Some districts offer public cyber schools at no cost. These are considered public education, not independent homeschooling.

Cost Considerations and Grants

Virginia imposes no fees for filing the Notice of Intent and does not provide state-funded stipends. Families can reduce curriculum costs through:

• Library lending programs
• Community co-op sharing
• Free online tools

Private foundations and local co-ops may occasionally offer scholarships or sliding-scale program fees.

Homeschool Groups in Virginia

Virginia boasts a vibrant homeschooling community, with cooperatives and support networks organizing group classes, field trips, and social events. The Home Educators Association of Virginia and county-based groups offer curriculum fairs, workshops, and encouragement for new families.

Virginia Homeschool Diploma and Graduation

Virginia does not issue diplomas for homeschoolers, so parents may create their own diploma and transcript. Many follow Virginia DOE guidelines to align courses with college admission expectations.

If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:

• How to Start Homeschooling
• Free Resources for Teaching at Home
• 7 Tips for Staying Organized
• 6 Inexpensive Ways to Build Your Home Library
• I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, but…
• What I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer:

All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.