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Homeschool

Homeschool Instruction

In Virginia, the compulsory attendance law permits a child subject to that law to attend a private or public school or receive an education through alternatives to school attendance outlined in state law unless the child is excused from attendance by a local school board, as stated in § 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia.

Home instruction or home schooling is one alternative to school attendance. In Virginia “any parent, guardian, legal custodian, or other person having control or charge of a child” (§ 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia) may provide home instruction as prescribed by § 22.1-254.1 of the Code of Virginia.

 

Section 22.1-262 of the Code of Virginia requires a school attendance officer to refer to a juvenile and domestic relations court (with the knowledge and approval of the school superintendent) any parent who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance law.   

The Code requires parents who home instruct to provide their local school division with:

  • Evidence of having met one of the criteria for providing home instruction (see "Criteria for Providing Home Instruction” below)
  • A notice of intent to home instruct
  • A list of the subjects to be studied for the coming year, and
  • Evidence of academic progress at the end of the school year by August 1

 

Criteria for Providing Home Instruction

The Code of Virginia requires the parent providing home instruction to submit evidence to their local school division that they meet one of the following options:

  • Option I: The parent holds a high school diploma or a higher credential
  • Option II: The parent meets the qualifications of a teacher as prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education
  • Option III: The parent provides the child with a program of study or curriculum which may be delivered through a correspondence course or distance learning program or in any other manner
  • Option IV: The parent provides evidence that the parent can provide an adequate education for the child

If you are a returning student, you will need the following information: 

  • Evidence of having met one of the criteria for providing home instruction (see "Criteria for Providing Home Instruction” below)
  • A notice of intent to home instruct
  • A list of the subjects to be studied for the coming year, and
  • Evidence of academic progress at the end of the school year by August 1

If you are a new student, you will need the following information: 

  • Evidence of having met one of the criteria for providing home instruction (see "Criteria for Providing Home Instruction” below)
  • A notice of intent to home instruct
  • A list of the subjects to be studied for the coming year

 If you plan to provide homeschool instruction for your student(s), please complete the appropriate form below and upload the required documentation. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Carllnisha Bullard at dpshomeschool@mail.dps.k12.va.us or 434-799-6400 ext. 223