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Virginia · Some paperwork
Virginia asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Virginia's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Virginia asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: August 15 each year, to your local school division superintendent. If you move into a division or begin home instruction after the school year has begun, notify the superintendent as soon as practicable and complete the requirements within 30 days of that notice. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Local school division superintendent (Virginia Department of Education publishes guidance).
Choose what to teach
Virginia does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Virginia does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
Virginia asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Composite score at or above 4th stanine on a nationally normed standardized achievement test; Equivalent score on ACT, SAT, or PSAT; Evaluation letter from a person licensed to teach in any state, attesting to adequate educational growth; Evaluation letter from a person with a master's degree or higher in an academic discipline with knowledge of the child's progress; Report card or transcript from an institution of higher education, college distance learning program, or home-education correspondence school; Other assessment the division superintendent determines indicates adequate educational growth. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Virginia education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Local school division superintendent (Virginia Department of Education publishes guidance) directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Virginia?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Virginia. Virginia has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires families to file a Notice of Intent by August 15 each year, to your local school division superintendent. If you move into a division or begin home instruction after the school year has begun, notify the superintendent as soon as practicable and complete the requirements within 30 days of that notice.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in Virginia?
Virginia does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.
What subjects are required by law in Virginia?
Virginia does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.
Does Virginia require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. Virginia requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Composite score at or above 4th stanine on a nationally normed standardized achievement test, Equivalent score on ACT, SAT, or PSAT, Evaluation letter from a person licensed to teach in any state, attesting to adequate educational growth, Evaluation letter from a person with a master's degree or higher in an academic discipline with knowledge of the child's progress, Report card or transcript from an institution of higher education, college distance learning program, or home-education correspondence school, Other assessment the division superintendent determines indicates adequate educational growth.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Virginia?
Virginia has teacher qualification requirements: Parent must satisfy ONE of four options: (I) hold a high school diploma; (II) hold teacher qualifications prescribed by the Board of Education; (III) provide a program of study or curriculum via correspondence, distance learning, or similar means; or (IV) provide evidence of ability to provide an adequate education.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Virginia?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
Virginia asks for an annual notice by August 15 (with a list of subjects and evidence you meet one of the four options) and evidence of progress by August 1 after the school year. If evidence of progress is not provided, the program may be placed on probation for one year with a remediation plan. Evidence of progress is not required for children under age six as of September 30. You can appeal a division superintendent decision to an independent hearing officer within 30 days.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Virginia's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Local school division superintendent (Virginia Department of Education publishes guidance). This is information for families, not legal advice.