Virginia is a state that recognizes the value of homeschooling and supports parents in their decision to educate their children at home. With an increasing number of families in Virginia opting for homeschooling, there is a growing need for high-quality online educational programs.

At High School of America, we provide an exceptional online homeschooling experience that prepares students for future success. Our comprehensive high school diploma courses are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student while adhering to the latest standards set by the Virginia Department of Education.

Our dedicated faculty consists of highly qualified teachers who are passionate about delivering an outstanding education to our students. They provide personalized attention and guidance, ensuring each student receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Don’t miss the opportunity to provide your child with an excellent education in the comfort of your own home. Contact us today to discover more about our Virginia Homeschooling Online High School program!

Homeschooling Laws in Virginia

In Virginia, homeschooling is legal and regulated under the Home Instruction Statute. There are four ways in which you can legally homeschool in Virginia.

These options are:

  1. Homeschooling under the home instruction option
  2. Homeschooling with a religious exemption
  3. Homeschooling with a certified tutor

a) Homeschooling under a certified tutor

The following are the requirements when homeschooling under a certified teacher in Virginia:

  • The teacher or tutor must hold a certification from the state of Virginia.
  • The superintendent of schools must approve the teacher’s certification.
  • Both parents and non-parents who are certified can teach the student.
  • Instruction can be conducted at home or outside the home.
  • As long as the teacher’s credentials are current, there is no need for yearly assessments or notifications.

b) Homeschooling with a religious exemption

This homeschooling options applies to a specific category of families which must:

  • Hold sincere convictions against sending their child to school.
  • Not rooted in philosophical, sociological, or political views, or personal moral code.
  • Be willing to provide proof of these convictions to a Virginia school board.

c) Homeschooling under the home instruction option

The requirements that must be met when homeschooling under Virginia’s home instruction option include the following:

  1. Instructor qualifications

You might be eligible to offer homeschool education in one of the following situations:

  • Have a current instructor’ license in Virginia
  • Have a higher degree or high school diploma
  • Prove that you can provide your student with sufficient education
  • Offer your student a program of study or curriculum as part of your homeschooling program
  1. Notice of intent

To inform the superintendent of your school district about your decision to homeschool your child, you must submit a notice stating your intent and your qualifications as a home instructor. In addition, you need to provide a curriculum description for each child, including a list of subjects. This notice must be submitted by August 15th of every year.

However, if you are moving into the school district or starting homeschooling after the school year has commenced, you should submit the notice “as soon as practicable.”

  1. Annual assessment

Every year before August 1st, you must submit an assessment to your superintendent, demonstrating that your child has made satisfactory educational advancements and improvements. This requirement does not apply if your child was five years old or younger on September 30th at the beginning of the school year.

There are four kinds of assessments that you can submit:

  1. The child should have achieved a composite score in the fourth stanine (equivalent to or above the 23rd percentile) on a nationally-normed standardized achievement test. Examples of such tests include PSAT, the SAT, or ACT.
  2. An individual who is licensed to teach in any state, or someone with a master’s degree or higher in an academic field, and who is familiar with the student’s academic progress should provide a letter evaluating the student’s educational growth and progress, stating that it is adequate.
  3. A report card or transcript from a community college, distance learning program, college, or a home-education correspondence school can also be submitted as evidence of the student’s academic accomplishment.
  4. The division superintendent (school district administrator) may accept another type of evaluation or assessment if they believe it demonstrates that the child is achieving adequate educational growth and progress. If you plan to use a different type of evaluation, it is advisable to discuss it with the school system early in the school year.

Required Courses

There are no state mandated subjects.

Grades 9-12

The requirements for the standard diploma are:

  • English (4 credits)
  • History and social science (3 credits)
  • Laboratory science (3 credits)
  • Math (3 credits)
  • Physical education (2 credits)
  • Foreign language, technical education, and fine arts (2 credits)
  • Personal finance (1 credit)
  • Electives (4 credits)

Attendance Requirements

Homeschooling students are mandated to cover 990 hours or 180 days of instruction, irrespective of their chosen method. Virginia doesn’t require keeping attendance records and doesn’t necessitate parents or legal guardians to submit attendance records.

Standardized Tests

Virginia homeschool law doesn’t mandate homeschooling students to take standardized tests. However, most parents use them to track their children’s progress and ensure that they don’t have gaps in their knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Homeschooling in Virginia

What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in Virginia?

Parents must adhere to the Virginia Home Instruction Statute to legally homeschool in Virginia. This involves meeting specific educational criteria, submitting a notice of intent to homeschool, complying with immunization requirements, and providing evidence of academic achievement on an annual basis. Additionally, there is a provision to teach under a certified tutor.

What subjects are mandatory for homeschooling in Virginia?

The law in Virginia does not specify the subjects that must be taught for each grade level in homeschooling. The decision regarding which subjects to teach is left to the parent’s discretion. However, most parents typically cover traditional subjects such as language arts, math, science, history, etc.

How many days of homeschooling are required in Virginia?

According to Virginia regulations, homeschooling should take place for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools in the state. Generally, this corresponds to 180 days or 990 hours of instruction per year.

How can homeschooling students obtain a diploma in Virginia?

In Virginia, parents have the authority to set the requirements for their homeschooled students. Once these requirements are met, parents can issue a diploma to verify completion. The diploma should be signed and dated by the parent. Alternatively, homeschoolers can also obtain a high school diploma from a correspondence school or a distance learning program.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in Virginia

The number of students enrolled in online homeschooling programs in Virginia has steadily increased over the past few years. According to the Virginia Department of Education, there were 59,638 students homeschooling in the state in the 2020 – 2021 academic year, which represented a 56% increase over the prior school year. In addition, thousands of students also shifted to private schools from public schools.

Even though the number of homeschooling students dropped in the academic year 2021-2022, the numbers were still high at 55 769 compared to years before the onset of Covid-19. This represents an increment of over 40% since 2019.

According to a report released by the Virginia Department of Education in May 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of families opting for homeschooling. The report suggests that many families have chosen to withdraw their children from public schools, indicating their dissatisfaction with the current system. Jillian Balow, the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Virginia, has used this trend to emphasize the longstanding neglect of achievement gaps and the lowering of standards in the state’s schools.

How to Do it: Virginia Online Home School

Online homeschooling in Virginia follows a similar process to traditional homeschooling. Here are the general steps to get started:

  1. Familiarize yourself with Virginia homeschooling laws: Before you begin homeschooling, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements in Virginia. Visit the Virginia Department of Education’s website or contact your local school district to learn about the specific regulations and documentation needed.
  2. Notify the school district: In Virginia, homeschooling parents are required to submit a notice of intent to homeschool to their local school district. The notice typically includes basic information about the student(s) being homeschooled, the curriculum to be used, and the qualifications of the parent or guardian overseeing the education.
  3. Choose an online homeschooling curriculum: There are various online homeschooling curricula available, both free and paid. Research and select a curriculum that aligns with your child’s educational goals and learning style. Look for programs that cover the necessary subjects outlined in Virginia’s homeschooling requirements.
  4. Set up a suitable learning environment: Designate an area at home specifically for homeschooling activities. Create a quiet and organized space where your child can focus on their studies. Ensure they have the necessary materials such as textbooks, notebooks, a computer, and reliable internet access for online learning.
  5. Establish a schedule and routine: Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes specific study times, breaks, and other activities. Having a routine helps create structure and consistency, which is important for effective online homeschooling. Be flexible and adaptable, allowing for adjustments as needed.
  6. Seek support and connect with other homeschoolers: Join local homeschooling groups or online communities where you can connect with other homeschooling families in Virginia. Sharing experiences, resources, and advice can be valuable and provide a support system for you and your child.

 Advantages of Virginia Homeschooling Online

There are several advantages to Virginia homeschooling online. Here are some key benefits:

  • Flexibility: Online homeschooling in Virginia allows for a flexible schedule and learning environment. Students can work at their own pace and have the freedom to explore topics of interest or spend more time on challenging subjects.
  • Personalized Instruction: Online homeschooling enables personalized instruction tailored to the student’s individual needs and learning style. Parents can adapt the curriculum and teaching methods to accommodate their child’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique learning preferences.
  • Enhanced Safety and Security: Online homeschooling eliminates concerns about safety and security issues that may arise in traditional school environments. Parents can ensure a safe learning environment for their children while monitoring their online activities and interactions.
  • Customized Socialization Opportunities: Online homeschooling allows for customized socialization opportunities. Parents can organize regular social activities, field trips, and meet-ups with other homeschooling families, enabling students to interact with peers and develop social skills in a controlled environment.

Conclusion

Overall, homeschooling in Virginia is a great way to ensure your student receives individualized attention and the best education possible. Homeschooling parents can be certain that they follow state guidelines as long as they are properly registered with the local school board.

If you want to take advantage of homeschooling online, contact High School of America today! Our experienced staff will help guide you through enrolling and getting started with our online homeschool courses for students living in Virginia.

With the right schools and mentors, you can provide your child with an excellent, affordable education and reap all the benefits of being a homeschooling family.