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Homeschool laws · Virginia

How to homeschool in Virginia

The religious exemption works differently and needs school board action.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Virginia. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Virginia requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. Home instruction: a notice of intent to the superintendent by August 15 every year, with a list of subjects and proof of one parent qualification option.

Minimum school time

None set.

Required subjects

None mandated; you list your subjects.

Parent qualifications

One of: a high school diploma, a Virginia teaching license, a curriculum or program of study, or evidence you can teach.

Testing or evaluation

Evidence of progress by August 1 each year: a test at or above the 4th stanine, an evaluation letter, a report card or transcript, or another accepted assessment.

Records to keep

Keep copies of what you file.

Compulsory school ages

5–18

Legal ways to homeschool in Virginia

  • Home instruction
  • Religious exemption
  • Certified tutor
  • Private school at home

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    Home instruction: a notice of intent to the superintendent by August 15 every year, with a list of subjects and proof of one parent qualification option.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    Virginia sets no minimum number of days or hours. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Virginia asks for: keep copies of what you file. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    Evidence of progress by August 1 each year: a test at or above the 4th stanine, an evaluation letter, a report card or transcript, or another accepted assessment.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Virginia homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Virginia?

Home instruction: a notice of intent to the superintendent by August 15 every year, with a list of subjects and proof of one parent qualification option.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Virginia?

Virginia does not set a minimum number of days or hours for homeschoolers.

What subjects are required in Virginia?

None mandated; you list your subjects.

Does Virginia require testing for homeschoolers?

Evidence of progress by August 1 each year: a test at or above the 4th stanine, an evaluation letter, a report card or transcript, or another accepted assessment.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Virginia?

One of: a high school diploma, a Virginia teaching license, a curriculum or program of study, or evidence you can teach.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Virginia and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states