Last updated: January 2026 · Approx. 6 minute read
Homeschool Laws in Virginia (2026)
Virginia requires annual notification and a year-end evaluation. Two main legal paths: home instruction statute or religious exemption.
Quick facts at a glance
Notification & registration
Submit a Notice of Intent to your local superintendent by August 15 (or as soon as you begin if mid-year).
Required subjects in Virginia
Virginia requires homeschool families to cover the following subject areas:
- No specific subjects mandated under home instruction statute
Hours & days of instruction
Not specified
Evaluations & testing
Annual: standardized test (composite score above 4th stanine), evaluation by certified teacher, portfolio review, or other agreed-on alternative.
Recordkeeping requirements
Submit Notice of Intent and year-end evaluation.
Legal homeschool options in Virginia
How to start homeschooling in Virginia
- Submit a Notice of Intent to your superintendent by August 15.
- Include parent qualifications (high school diploma or alternative).
- Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.
- Plan curriculum based on family goals.
- Submit year-end evaluation by August 1 of the following year.
Notes & nuances
The religious exemption (Code § 22.1-254(B)(1)) requires a one-time school board approval but exempts families from all reporting.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Virginia homeschool notice due?
By August 15 each year, or as soon as you begin if mid-year.
What is Virginia's religious exemption?
A one-time school board approval that exempts families from compulsory attendance and ongoing homeschool reporting.
What evaluation options does Virginia offer?
Standardized test, certified teacher evaluation, portfolio review, or other agreed-on alternative.
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