Yarrow

State Requirements

Homeschooling in Virginia

Regulation: Low-Moderate

Annual notice required. Four legal paths with different qualification options.

Virginia offers four paths for homeschooling, each with different requirements.

Option 1: Home Instruction

Parent meets one of four qualification options. Annual notice and assessment required.

How to start
File a notice of intent with your local superintendent by August 15. Include a curriculum description for each child.
Parent qualifications
One of: high school diploma or higher degree; current VA teaching license; providing curriculum as part of the program; or evidence of ability to provide an adequate education.
Required subjects
No specific list required.
Testing
Annual assessment by August 1. Options: standardized test (composite at 23rd percentile or higher), evaluation letter from VA-licensed teacher or person with master's degree, college/community college transcript, or alternative assessment approved by superintendent.

Legal reference: VA Code §22.1-254.1(B)

Option 2: Religious Exemption

For families with sincere religious convictions against public school attendance.

How to start
Write application letter to your local school board explaining how your religious beliefs lead to the conviction that public school attendance would be wrong. Board must approve.
Parent qualifications
None — exemption is based on sincerely held religious belief.
Required subjects
None.
Testing
Not required.

Legal reference: VA Code §22.1-257

Option 3: Certified Tutor

A Virginia teacher-licensed tutor approved by the superintendent satisfies compulsory attendance.

How to start
Arrange for a Virginia-licensed teacher to request superintendent approval and provide instruction.
Parent qualifications
Supervising tutor must hold a current Virginia teaching license.
Required subjects
No specific list required.
Testing
Not required under this path.

Legal reference: VA Code §22.1-254.1(A)(3)

Option 4: Private School Option

Students receive private school instruction at home. No state-mandated subjects or assessment.

How to start
Enroll your child in a private school that provides instruction at home. Hours and schedule must match public school requirements.
Parent qualifications
None for parents — the private school sets its own requirements.
Required subjects
None state-mandated.
Testing
Not required.

Legal reference: VA Code §22.1-254.1

Getting started

Choose the path that fits your family. Option 1 (Home Instruction) is the most common and requires annual notice to the superintendent by August 15. Options 2–4 have one-time or school-managed requirements.

Annual assessment (Option 1 only)

Submit evidence of adequate progress to your superintendent by August 1. Options include a standardized test at the 23rd percentile or higher, an evaluation letter from a qualified person, or an alternative method approved by your superintendent.

Keeping records

Maintain curriculum records and annual assessment documentation. These support your notice of intent renewal and any future college applications.

Want a plan tailored to Virginia?

Yarrow builds a multi-year plan that meets Virginia requirements and fits your student's goals.

Get started

Last reviewed: 2026-05