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How to homeschool in Virginia

The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.

✓ Checked against Virginia law on Oct 20, 2026 · See what changed

What changed

Nothing since we began checking Virginia’s own pages every week in October 2026.

The usual way: Home instruction. Your notice each year, and evidence of progress.

Ages
5 to 18
Notice
Each year
Tests
Each year
Set time
None

What to do

  1. Notice of intent, with a list of subjects and proof of your qualification, to your superintendentBy Aug 15 (as soon as you can, if you start or move in later)
  2. Evidence of progress: a standardized test (4th stanine or higher) or an evaluation letter, to your superintendentBy Aug 1 at the end of the school year
  3. Teach your children at homeYou can teach if you have a high school diploma, or a teacher’s license, or a correspondence program, or evidence you can teach. The yearly evidence isn’t needed for a child 5 or younger on Sep 30.

Other legal ways

With a religious exemption

Excused from school for your family’s religious beliefs.

You can teach, with no set qualifications. Nothing else is set; your school board may ask you to apply again.

  • Request for a religious exemption to your local school board (As soon as you can)
With a certified tutor

Taught by a tutor with a Virginia teaching license.

Taught by a tutor with a Virginia teaching license. Your superintendent approves the tutor; nothing more is set.

  • Your superintendent’s approval of the tutor (Before you start)
As a private school

Your own private school, with public schools’ days or hours.

You can teach, with no set qualifications. The same days or hours as public schools: 180 days or 990 hours.

Source: law.lis.virginia.gov

This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Vermont, Washington, or all 50 states + DC.