Virginia Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Aug 14, 2026Homeschooling is legal in Virginia. Most families teach at home under the home instruction statute, which begins with a written notice to the division superintendent by August 15 each year. The ongoing requirements are meeting one of four parent qualification options, describing the curriculum you will use, and sending evidence of your child's academic progress by August 1 after each school year. A separate religious exemption route exists and is decided by the local school board.
Last Reviewed: August 14, 2026. Reviewed by the Modern Homeschools Editorial Team. Next scheduled review: August 14, 2027.
Virginia Homeschool Requirements at a Glance
| Topic | What applies in Virginia |
|---|---|
| Compulsory attendance ages | A child who reaches the fifth birthday on or before September 30 through the eighteenth birthday. A parent may request a one year delay for a child who is not yet six by September 30 |
| Notification or registration | An annual notice of intent to the division superintendent, no later than August 15 |
| Legal pathway or homeschool definition | Home instruction under section 22.1-254.1. A religious exemption under section 22.1-254 is a separate route granted by the local school board |
| Parent or instructor qualifications | Meet any one of four options: hold a high school diploma; be a teacher of qualifications prescribed by the Board; provide a program of study or curriculum; or provide evidence of the ability to provide an adequate education |
| Required subjects | No list of required subjects is named. The notice must include a description of the curriculum and a list of the subjects to be studied |
| Instructional time | No days or hours requirement appears in the home instruction statute |
| Testing or evaluation | Annual evidence of progress by August 1: either a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed standardized achievement test, or an evaluation or assessment showing adequate progress. It does not apply to children under age six as of September 30 |
| Required records | The August notice with curriculum description and qualification evidence, and the annual evidence of progress. Keep copies of everything you send |
| Responsible government agency | Your local school division and its superintendent, who receive every filing. The Virginia Department of Education publishes statewide guidance |
How to Start Homeschooling in Virginia
- Send the notice of intent by August 15. Write to your division superintendent stating that you intend to provide home instruction. Include a description of your curriculum and a list of the subjects your child will study.
- Show which qualification option you meet. Include the evidence for one of the four options with your notice, so the division has everything at once.
- Notify promptly if you start mid-year or move in. Families beginning home instruction after the school year starts should notify the division as soon as practicable and comply with the requirements within 30 days.
- Choose your curriculum. Virginia names no required subjects, so the materials and approach are your family's decision. The subjects you list in the notice are the ones you describe teaching.
- Plan the annual evidence of progress early. Decide whether you will test or use an evaluation, since both take scheduling.
Testing, Attendance, and Record Keeping
The evidence of progress is due by August 1 following the school year. You may send either a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on any nationally normed standardized achievement test, or an evaluation or assessment showing that your child is achieving an adequate level of educational growth and progress. Children under the age of six as of September 30 are not covered by this requirement.
There is no attendance register to file and no portfolio to submit. Keeping your own copies of each notice, each curriculum description, and each year's evidence of progress is a practical step rather than a separate filing, and it makes the following August far easier.
The religious exemption is a different path. Under section 22.1-254, a pupil who, together with a parent, is conscientiously opposed to school attendance by reason of bona fide religious training or belief may be excused by the local school board. Because the school board decides these requests and procedures vary by division, families considering this route should ask their division what it requires.
Official Virginia Homeschool Resources
- Virginia Department of Education, Home Instruction
- Code of Virginia section 22.1-254.1, requirements for home instruction
- Code of Virginia section 22.1-254, compulsory attendance and exemptions
Beginning Your Homeschool Journey?
Your First 30 Days of Homeschooling provides a practical path for establishing your priorities, planning your next steps, and creating a rhythm that works for your family.
Modern Homeschools provides educational information to help families understand and navigate homeschooling requirements. Because requirements may change, families should confirm current details with the official state sources linked within this guide.