Homeschooling In Virginia
Virginia has more than 40,000 homeschoolers and the number is growing every year. Thanks to Home Educators Association of Virginia and other organizations, Virginia homeschooling families have an active presence in the state legislature. Home educating families have three ways to homeschool in the commonwealth:
- File a Notice of Intent under a Home Instruction Statute (the most commonly used option). Under this option, families must submit annual evidence of progress in August.
- Apply for a religious exemption from compulsory education (for those with a bonafide religious conviction)
- Teach under the certified tutor provision (for Virginia licensed teachers)
Homeschoolers are required to adhere to the same vaccination schedule as public school students unless they file a religious or medical exemption to immunization. This is different from the religious exemption from compulsory education noted above.
For more information and details on these requirements, visit the HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia) Virginia Homeschool Laws page.
Statewide Homeschool Organizations
- Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV)
Since 1983, HEAV has come alongside tens of thousands of parents who want to teach and train their children at home, providing a continuous voice in the legislature and with the Virginia Department of Education, an annual convention, sponsored events, magazines and newsletters, counseling, support, encouragement, and accurate information.
- The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VAHomeschoolers)
Originally founded as the Virginia Home Education Association, it changed its name to VaHomeschoolers in 2004. Their goal is to provide homeschooling support to their members, as well as accurate information about homeschooling to Virginia’s families, school divisions, legislators and policymakers, the media, and the community at large.
Local and Online Support
Virginia homeschool families have many options for local connections as well; support groups and/or co-ops are present in virtually every county. A list of local groups may be found at HEAV Support Groups, HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association), and VAhomeschoolers.
Families who cannot find a compatible group nearby can find networking options online through social media. Here is a sampling of available Facebook groups:
Homeschooling in
Virginia Homeschooling
in Hampton Roads Homeschooling in
Northern Virginia Virginia Homeschoolers
Virginia Homeschooling Families
Home Educators Association of Virginia
Homeschool Events and Resources
Virginia homeschooling families can find information and resources all year-round online, by phone, and at annual events specifically designed for homeschoolers.
- Two annual conventions: HEAV’s 37th Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention and Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers.
- Homeschool magazines: The Virginia Home Educatorand The Voice
- Free e-mail newsletter and legislative updates
- Local support group and sports team info
- MomLife! and LeaderLife! Conferences
- An annual Day at the Capitol
- Homeschool Day events at museums and parks
- Homeschool Success Seminars
- Comprehensive Virginia Homeschool Manual
Learn about homeschooling in another state. Learn more at the Homeschooling In All 50 States series.
