Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for parents who want to provide their children with a high-quality education. With homeschooling, parents are able to tailor the environment, curriculum and schedule to best suit their child’s individual needs.
Virginia is one of the many states where homeschooling is permitted, so it’s not surprising that so many families in the state are taking advantage of this opportunity. Below, we answer some of the most common questions parents have when it comes to homeschooling their child in Virginia.
1. What is the Homeschooling Law in Virginia?
The homeschooling law in Virginia is outlined in the Code of Virginia § 21-25
1 et seq. The main aspect of this law is that parents who choose to homeschool their children are required to submit a notice of intent to a local superintendent, as well as keep attendance records, provide materials and textbooks, and assess student progress. It also outlines reasons why a superintendent could deny homeschooling, including criminal offenses or if the parent does not have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
2. What Curriculum Options do Parents Have to Homeschool Their Child in Virginia?
Parents who choose to homeschool their child in Virginia have many curriculum options available to them. Many parents create their own curriculum based on the child’s areas of interest and goals, while others select pre-packaged curriculums such as those offered by Abeka, Christian Liberty Academy, or Oak Meadow.
Additionally, there are online platforms such as K12 and Time4Learning that offer accredited courses in a variety of subjects.
3. How do I Find Great Homeschool Resources in Virginia?
Virginia is home to many organizations that provide parents with homeschool resources. Parents can access online resources from the Virginia Home Educators Association and the Home Educators Network of Virginia. Additionally, many local and regional groups such as the Chantilly Homeschooling Network and the Peninsula Homeschoolers of Virginia offer parents the chance to connect and share resources and experiences.
Parents may also find support and resources at local libraries, bookstores and learning centers.
4. Does Homeschooling Require Meeting Virginia academic Standards?
Yes, homeschooling in Virginia does require meeting the state’s academic standards. Parents must ensure that their child is being taught the same content as students enrolled in public or private schools, and must assess their child’s academic progress each year with standardized tests or the portfolio review process.
It’s important to be aware that homeschooled students are not required to take the state’s Standards of Learning tests at the completion of each grade level.
5. Who can Teach my Child if I Choose to Homeschool in Virginia?
If you choose to homeschool your child in Virginia, you have several options when it comes to who can teach your child. Parents are allowed to teach their own children or they may hire a certified teacher to provide individualized instruction to their family.
Additionally, students may join an established homeschool group led by a certified teacher, or even enroll in a homeschool program offered by a brick-and-mortar school.
6. Will My Child Have Access to Extracurricular Activities if We Choose to Homeschool in Virginia?
Yes, homeschooled students in Virginia have access to many extracurricular activities including sports teams, fine arts programs, vocational activities and more. Parents can check with their local school districts to find out what programs are available, as well as explore private organizations such as Compete Athletics and Homeschool Elite Teams for sports teams, and organizations such as USADFW for fine arts and music programs.
Additionally, many colleges in Virginia offer dual enrollment programs for homeschooled students.
7. What Records Do I Need to Keep When Homeschooling My Child in Virginia?
According to the homeschooling law in Virginia, parents are required to keep detailed records of their child’s attendance, progress and curriculum. Parents should keep copies of any evaluation or assessment of their child’s progress, attendance logs for days when instruction took place, and grade books or detailed record cards. Additionally, parents should also retain records of textbooks or materials used in their instruction, as well as signed statements outlining the objectives of each lesson.
8. Are There Homeschool Preparatory Courses Available in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia is home to numerous homeschool preparatory courses that parents can use to get their child ready for homeschooling. Examples of these courses include those offered by the Virginia Home Educators Association, the Home Educators Network of Virginia, and Catholic Home Study Service. These courses provide parents with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to homeschool, as well as teaching methods, lesson planning tips, and ideas for creating and managing home-based learning environments.
9. What Do I Need to Know About Assessing My Child’s Progress When Homeschooling in Virginia?
When homeschooling in Virginia, parents are required to assess their child’s progress each year. This can be done through a standardized test, either conducted privately or proctored by the local superintendent.
Additionally, parents may opt to utilize the portfolio review process, which involves a review of a portfolio of samples of the child’s work throughout the year. Furthermore, parents may also choose to have their child’s progress evaluated by a certified teacher, with the results reported to the local superintendent.
10. Are There Field Trip Options Available for Virginia Homeschoolers?
There are numerous field trip options available for homeschoolers in Virginia. Parents can explore the state’s impressive natural and historic sites and attractions, such as the Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns.
Additionally, there are many interactive and educational centers, including the Virginia Air and Space Museum, the Children’s Museum of Richmond, the Virginia Living Museum and more. Furthermore, there are several homeschool co-op groups that organize field trips and activities for students to attend.
11. Are There Homeschool Sports Opportunities for Virginia Students?
Yes, there are many homeschool sports opportunities available for homeschooled students in Virginia. Parents can check with their local school districts for any programs that may be available, as well as explore independent teams and leagues such as Compete Athletics and the Home School National Champions team. Additionally, many colleges in Virginia offer dual enrollment programs which provide homeschooled students with the chance to take part in collegiate sports programs.
12. What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling in Virginia?
Homeschooling has numerous benefits for parents and students alike. In Virginia, parents are able to customize their child’s education to meet the individual needs of their child, while providing them with an enriched educational experience.
Furthermore, homeschooling also allows parents to have more control over the learning environment, with less distraction and more time dedicated to studying. Moreover, homeschooling provides the opportunity to involve the entire family in the learning process, which can strengthen familial bonds.
13. What Are the Downsides of Homeschooling in Virginia?
While there are many benefits to homeschooling, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. Firstly, it is more difficult for parents to ensure their child is receiving the same quality of education as those in public and private schools, as the teaching responsibility falls solely on the parent. Additionally, homeschooling can be a huge time commitment for parents, as they must develop and manage the curriculum, schedule, and activities for their child.
Parents should also consider the potential impact of homeschooling on the family’s financial security, as it may mean reduced income or additional educational expenditure.
14. What Type of Support Do Homeschoolers in Virginia Receive?
Virginia is home to numerous organizations providing homeschoolers with support, including the Virginia Home Educators Association, the Home Educators Network of Virginia and the Old Dominion Home Educators. These organizations offer students and parents a wealth of information, resources and support, as well as the chance to connect with other homeschoolers. Additionally, many local and regional homeschool networks, libraries and bookstores can provide parents with further assistance and the chance to attend workshops and classes.
15. Do I Need a High School Diploma or GED when Homeschooling my Child in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia law states that parents must have either a high school diploma or GED in order to homeschool their child. The parent’s educational qualifications are reviewed as part of the homeschooling process, when filing the Notice of Intent.
Parents who do not have the required educational qualifications must apply for a Special Exemption with their local superintendent.
Conclusion
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for parents in Virginia who want to provide children with a high-quality education in an environment tailored to their individual needs. Virginia’s homeschooling law outlines important regulations such as requirements for filing a Notice of Intent, assessment of student progress and keeping records.
Parents must also consider the type of curriculum and support available for their homeschooling journey. With the right knowledge, preparation and resources, homeschooling can be a very rewarding experience for both parents and students.