Your state guide · 2026
Virginia homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
Virginia parents may teach their children at home after sending their local school division a yearly notice of intent by August 15, along with a list of subjects and proof that they meet one of four qualification options.
At a glance
- Notice of intent due August 15 each year
- Parent meets one of four qualification options
- Proof of progress due August 1
- Test score at or above 4th stanine, or an evaluation
- Religious exemption is a separate route
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 5–18 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | Every year by August 15. Families who move in or start after the school year begins notify as soon as practicable and meet the rest of the law within 30 days. |
| Required subjects | No set list. The parent submits a list of the subjects the child will study in the coming year. |
| Instruction time | Not specified in state law |
| Parent qualifications | The parent must meet one of four options: hold a high school diploma or higher; meet Board of Education teacher qualifications; provide a program of study or curriculum (correspondence, distance learning or another method); or provide evidence of being able to give the child an adequate education. |
| Tests & assessments | By August 1 after each school year, the parent submits either a composite score at or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed achievement test (or an equivalent ACT, SAT or PSAT score), or an evaluation the superintendent accepts, such as a letter from a teacher licensed in any state or a person with a master's degree, or a report card or transcript from a college or correspondence school. Without it, the program can be put on one year of probation with a remediation plan. Children under 6 on September 30 are exempt. |
| Records to keep | Not specified in state law |
| Immunizations | Home-instructed children must meet the same immunization requirements as enrolled students and show proof if the superintendent asks. A religious affidavit or a medical certification exempts the child. |
How to start homeschooling in Virginia
By August 1 after each school year, the family must show the child's progress with a test score at or above the fourth stanine or an approved evaluation. Families can instead seek a religious exemption from school attendance, which is a separate process.
Choose your homeschooling option
Home instruction. A parent who meets one of four qualification options files the annual notice and submits evidence of progress each year under § 22.1-254.1.
Religious exemption. The school board must excuse a child whose family is conscientiously opposed to school attendance because of bona fide religious training or belief. Political, philosophical or personal moral views do not qualify.
Qualified tutor. The child is taught by a tutor or teacher whose qualifications meet Board of Education rules and who is approved by the division superintendent.
Prepare your notice
A notice of intent to home instruct, a list of subjects for the coming year, and evidence that the parent meets one of the four qualification options.
Open the official notice resource ↗Check when and where to file
When: Every year by August 15. Families who move in or start after the school year begins notify as soon as practicable and meet the rest of the law within 30 days.
Where: The division superintendent of the local school division (not the Virginia Department of Education).
Subjects to teach
- No set list. The parent submits a list of the subjects the child will study in the coming year.
Sports & extracurricular activities
Not specified in state law
Official forms & law
Virginia Department of Education ↗
Forms & guidance
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in Virginia?
A notice of intent to home instruct, a list of subjects for the coming year, and evidence that the parent meets one of the four qualification options.
When do I file in Virginia?
Every year by August 15. Families who move in or start after the school year begins notify as soon as practicable and meet the rest of the law within 30 days.
What assessments are required in Virginia?
By August 1 after each school year, the parent submits either a composite score at or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed achievement test (or an equivalent ACT, SAT or PSAT score), or an evaluation the superintendent accepts, such as a letter from a teacher licensed in any state or a person with a master's degree, or a report card or transcript from a college or correspondence school. Without it, the program can be put on one year of probation with a remediation plan. Children under 6 on September 30 are exempt.
Check the original
Sources
- Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1, Declaration of policy; requirements for home instruction ↗Virginia General Assembly
- Code of Virginia § 22.1-254, Compulsory attendance required ↗Virginia General Assembly
- Code of Virginia § 22.1-271.4, Health requirements for home-instructed, exempted, and excused children ↗Virginia General Assembly
- Home Instruction ↗Virginia Department of Education
Last verified .