Anyone who lives in Virginia and is considering homeschooling their child will need to know and understand this state’s requirements before doing so.
The Compulsory Attendance Law For Virginia Homeschooling
The State of Virginia has a compulsory attendance law for all children who are between the ages of 6 (before September 30 of that school year) and 18-years-old. If you decide to homeschool a child who falls between these age ranges, you must file a notice of intent to homeschool. This is something that you will need to do each school year, along with meeting certain other qualifications.
Qualifications For Being A Homeschooling Parent
In order to be a homeschooling parent in Virginia you must meet at least one of the following guidelines:
- Parents must have a high school diploma or a college degree. Otherwise you will need to be either a state certified teacher or use a tutor.
- Parents must agree to follow the curriculum that is pre-approved by the state of Virginia
- Parents must file an approved curriculum that shows what they intend to teach their child including both math and language arts. Another option is to file a letter of religious exemption.
Other Guidelines For Homeschooling in Virginia
In Virginia testing must also be approved for all homeschooling families. With this in mind, parents are required to submit results of standardized testing by August 1 of the following year. These children have to score in at least the 23rd percentile.
An option for this is for the parent to submit a portfolio outlining the course of study that was undertaken by the student so that the state may review it. Parents may also be subject to independent assessment by a certified teacher who will submit a letter to the state on their behalf.