Homeschooling in Virginia
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in Virginia. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around Virginia. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in Virginia.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in Virginia
Register or give notice
You must notify your local school division of your intent to homeschool annually by August 15.
If you begin homeschooling after the school year starts, you must notify the school division as soon as practicable and comply with the law within 30 days of notice.
Plan instruction
You must submit evidence to your local school division that you meet one of the home instruction eligibility options.
You must provide your local school division with a list of subjects for the coming year.
Assessments and testing
You must submit evidence of your child’s academic progress by August 1 following the school year.
You may demonstrate progress with a composite score at or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed standardized achievement test or an equivalent ACT, SAT, or PSAT score.
You may instead submit an evaluation or assessment that the division superintendent determines shows adequate educational growth and progress.
Other requirements
You may use home instruction as an alternative to school attendance when the legal requirements are satisfied.
Official resources
- Home Instruction | Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Education
Sources checked November 4, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in Virginia
Our check of official sources found no state funding, scholarship, education savings account or tax program that homeschooling families in Virginia can use.
Programs that don’t cover homeschooling
You cannot use Virginia’s Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program scholarships for homeschooling rather than attendance at a participating school.
Official sources
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.