Homeschooling in Virginia is possible and allows parents to have control over their children’s education. It can be a great way to ensure your child has a complete educational experience with hands-on learning, socialization, and exploration of thematic topics.
This article will cover the steps necessary for parents to legally homeschool their child in Virginia.
1. Do I need to register with the state homeschool organization?
Yes, parents must register with a state homeschool organization in Virginia. This can be done through a non-profit homeschool association, such as the Virginia Homeschoolers Association, or through a private school. If registering through a private school, parents will need to provide the school board with a signed notice of intent for homeschooling, yearly evaluations for their child, and a quarterly report of their child’s educational progress.
The Virginia Homeschoolers Association provides several different levels of membership. Depending on the type of membership chosen, fees can range from an annual fee to a payment each month.
All members have access to resources and events, although the higher level memberships typically have more access and discounts than lower level memberships.
2. Can I choose any curriculum to use while homeschooling?
Yes, parents have the freedom to choose any curriculum they see fit for their homeschooled child in Virginia. This can include both online and paper-based curriculum, or a combination of both. Parents should keep in mind that the curriculum should cover all of the state standards for education, as well as homeschoolers’ social and learning goals.
For those parents wishing to incorporate their own beliefs, interests, and values into their children’s educational experience, designing their own curriculum can be a great way to do this. Virginia does not accept a “one-size-fits-all” approach to curriculum, so parents will need to decide how best to meet all requirements while also engaging their children in a positive way.
3. Do I need to hire a tutor or teacher?
No, Virginia law does not require parents to hire a tutor or teacher while homeschooling. Parents can be the primary teacher, or they can choose to hire a teacher or tutor to assist with their homeschooling experience.
If parents choose to hire a teacher or tutor, they must ensure that they are qualified to teach the subject or to provide the services required. Additionally, parents must be sure to check with their state home school organization to ensure that they are meeting all expectations of the coursework. This includes completing all portions of the curriculum, as well as providing any necessary assessments and reports.
4. How often do I need to evaluate my child’s progress?
Parents must evaluate their child’s progress yearly. Evaluation for homeschoolers in Virginia can take many forms, and parents can choose any assessment method that is suitable for their child and their educational goals. This includes traditional tests and quizzes, portfolios, or any other type of assessment that is created or approved by the state homeschool organization.
Evaluations should be completed by a qualified person, such as a homeschooling teacher or tutor, or a certified educator. Additionally, these evaluations should be maintained in the parent’s records in order to meet all of the legal requirements of homeschooling in Virginia.
5. How often do I need to submit a quarterly report?
Parents in Virginia must submit a quarterly report of their child’s educational progress to the state homeschool organization. This should include all of the subject material, the type of assessments used, and the grades received from these assessments.
It is important to keep detailed records of all work done and the educational achievements made. The quarterly report should be submitted at the end of every term, so parents should ensure they are meeting this requirement. This is typically done through the state homeschool organization, although some private schools may have their own reporting system that parents must use.
6. Are there any extracurricular activities available for homeschooled students in Virginia?
Yes, there are extracurricular activities available for homeschooled students in Virginia. Most organizations that offer these activities, such as sports teams or clubs, will require the student to participate in an assessment or evaluation process in order to prove that they meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
Additionally, many organizations offer discounts for homeschoolers or allow them to participate on a trial basis. Many homeschoolers also take part in local playgroups or homeschooling co-ops that are designed to provide a more social atmosphere for learning.
7. What type of paperwork do I need to file with the state?
In addition to the quarterly reports, parents in Virginia must also file paperwork with the state in order to legally homeschool their child. Parents must complete a form known as the Homeschool Declaration Form, which is then sent to their county school board office. In order to complete this form, parents must include the names of all of their children who are being homeschooled and proof of their residency in Virginia.
Parents must also submit a yearly proof of immunization form as well as an annual report detailing the progress made during the previous year. It is important to remember that parents must submit all of the necessary paperwork in order to stay in compliance with Virginia law.
8. What are the state requirements for a homeschooler to receive a high school diploma?
In order for a homeschooled student in Virginia to receive a high school diploma, they must meet several state requirements. First, the student must complete at least 22 credits in core subjects, including four credits in English, three credits in mathematics, three credits in history and social sciences, two credits in science, and two credits in physical education and health. In addition, students must complete two credits in the same foreign language, two elective credits, and credits in career and technical education.
Students must also complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised instruction in each subject area and pass a competency exam.
9. When should I start homeschooling my child?
The best time to start homeschooling your child in Virginia is when your child is at least five years old. This is the minimum age in which parents may begin to homeschool in the state.
Parents should be sure that their child is physically and emotionally ready for homeschooling before making the decision to start. It is important to remember that parents should start planning for homeschooling early in order to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the correct curriculum and activities are chosen.
10. Do I need to keep attendance records while homeschooling?
Yes, parents in Virginia must keep detailed attendance records while homeschooling. This includes maintaining a daily log of the hours studied, as well as a weekly assessment of their child’s progress in each subject area.
Attendance records must be kept for at least four years and must be available for inspection if requested.
11. Do I need to follow a state or local curriculum while homeschooling in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not require parents to follow a state or local curriculum while homeschooling. However, it is important to remember that all curriculum must meet the state standards for education and match the social and learning goals of the student and family.
12. Are there any legal requirements for homeschooling in Virginia?
Yes, there are several legal requirements for homeschooling in Virginia. These include registering with the state homeschool organization, submitting a yearly evaluation, submitting quarterly reports, and providing proof of immunization as required by law.
Additionally, there are several essential subjects that must be covered in order for the student to receive a high school diploma.
13. Is homeschooling available to all families in Virginia?
Yes, homeschooling is available to all families in Virginia. However, certain families, such as those with multiple children, may be required to submit additional paperwork and assessments in order to be allowed to homeschool. Parents should check with their local school board for specific requirements.
14. Are homeschooled students eligible for college admissions?
Yes, homeschooled students in Virginia are eligible for college admissions. All homeschoolers must meet the admissions requirements of the college they are applying to in order to gain admission and should have their parents sign a release form that allows the college to obtain their records and transcripts.
15. Is tutoring available for homeschooled students in Virginia?
Yes, tutoring is available for homeschooled students in Virginia. Parents can hire a tutor to assist with their homeschooling experience, or they can access tutoring services through their state home school organization or through a private school. Tutoring services often specialize in individualized instruction and can provide personalized instruction that meets the needs of the student.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Virginia is a great option for parents who want to be actively involved in their child’s education. There are several legal requirements that parents must meet, such as registering with the state home school organization, submitting evaluations and reports, and providing proof of immunization record.
Additionally, parents must also be sure to create a curriculum that meets the Virginia state standards for education, select a suitable way to evaluate their child’s progress, and provide extracurricular activities for their child. With the right preparation, homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both the parents and their child.