Virginia Homeschool Requirements
Virginia requires annual notification and evidence of progress with four flexible compliance options.
Virginia Quick Facts
- • Annual Notice of Intent required by August 15
- • Parent must have high school diploma or work with tutor
- • Annual evidence of progress required (4 options)
- • Immunization requirements apply
- • No specific curriculum requirements
What Virginia Law Requires:
Notice of Intent
Submit to school division superintendent by August 15 each year describing curriculum and certifying parent qualifications
Required Subjects
Language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies (must be taught in English unless student's native language is not English)
Evidence of Progress
Submit annual evidence of progress by August 1 using one of four acceptable methods
Immunization
Maintain current immunization records (religious exemptions available)
Parent Qualifications:
Parent must have a high school diploma or equivalent, OR provide evidence that instruction will be provided by a tutor certified by an accredited institution.
Option 1: Standardized Test
Score at or above 4th stanine on nationally normed standardized achievement test (CAT, Iowa, Stanford, etc.)
Option 2: Evaluation/Assessment
Evaluation or assessment by person holding a Virginia teaching license or other qualification approved by the division
Option 3: Other Evidence
Other evidence demonstrating achievement at appropriate age and ability level (portfolio review, work samples, etc.)
Option 4: Teacher Evaluation
Evaluation by teacher of child's choice made in consultation with parents (less common)
Submit Notice of Intent
By August 15, submit Notice of Intent to your school division superintendent. Include curriculum description and parent qualification certification.
Choose Your Curriculum
Select materials covering the four required subject areas. Virginia allows complete freedom in curriculum choice.
Begin Homeschooling
Start instruction and keep records for your chosen evidence of progress method.
Submit Evidence of Progress
By August 1, submit evidence of progress using your chosen method from the four options.
High School & Graduation
Virginia homeschoolers can receive diplomas from parents. Options include:
- • Parent-issued diploma and transcript
- • Virginia Homeschool Diploma (available through organizations)
- • Dual enrollment for college credit
- • SAT/ACT for college admission
Special Education
Children with special needs can be homeschooled. Parents forfeit IEP services upon withdrawal but can access private therapies and Virginia's extensive homeschool special needs support network.
Sports & Activities
Virginia's "Tebow Bill" allows homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics and activities if they meet eligibility requirements. Contact your local school division for details.
Connect with other Virginia homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find Virginia GroupsBrowse Virginia Field TripsWhat is the 4th stanine requirement?
The 4th stanine roughly corresponds to the 23rd percentile. Most standardized tests report both percentiles and stanines, making it easy to verify compliance.
Can I use online curriculum?
Yes, Virginia allows any curriculum choice as long as it covers the four required subject areas and provides instruction in English (or the student's native language).
What if my child doesn't meet the evidence of progress standard?
You can request a review by the division superintendent. The child may be required to be evaluated or tested. If issues persist, remediation plans may be required.
Do I need to keep attendance records?
Virginia does not explicitly require attendance records, but keeping them is recommended for your own documentation in case questions arise.
Ready to Start Homeschooling in Virginia?
Join other Virginia homeschool families on Homeschool Connect