Homeschooling in Virginia
Annual Assessment Required
In Virginia, parents must submit a 'Notice of Intent' by August 15th each year. You must also provide 'Evidence of Progress' (test scores or evaluation) by August 1st of the following year.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
4
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Submit Notice of Intent by August 15
- Provide 180 days (or 990 hours) of instruction
- Provide 'Evidence of Progress' by August 1
- Parent must have HS diploma (Option 1) or be a certified teacher (Option 2)
- Religious exemption available (Option 4)
Legal Framework
Code of Virginia 22.1-254.1.
Find a homeschool co-op in Virginia
34 homeschool co-ops in Virginia, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in VirginiaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in Virginia
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools in Virginia, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Charlottesville Waldorf School, Charlottesville
- Potomac Crescent Waldorf School, Alexandria
- Richmond Waldorf School, Richmond
- Hearthstone School, Sperryville
Required Subjects
Must provide a description of curriculum.
Language Arts
Math
Science
History/Social Science
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent + Evidence of Progress
When
NOI: August 15 annually. Evidence of Progress: August 1 (from prior year).
Where
Local school division superintendent
How to submit
Certified mail recommended
What to include
- • NOI: Proof of HS diploma, curriculum description
- • EoP: Test scores (23rd %ile) OR evaluation letter
**4 qualification pathways**: HS diploma, Teacher cert, Correspondence course, or 'ability to teach' (Option D). Evidence of Progress: standardized test (23rd %ile or 1-year growth) OR evaluation by MA holder or certified teacher. **SB 1031 WARNING (2025)**: threatens to remove Religious Exemption option. Sports: Tebow Bill allows but districts decide.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annual
Grades: All (Age 6+)
Must submit 'Evidence of Progress' by August 1. Can use standardized test (23rd percentile or higher) or an evaluation letter.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
File the form with your local division superintendent.
- •Attach proof of HS diploma (if applicable)
- •List subjects to be studied
Tip: Send via certified mail for proof of receipt.Annually by August 15
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Clear legal structure
- ✓Multiple ways to qualify
- ✓Testing options are flexible (test or eval)
Cons
- •Annual deadlines (Notice and Results)
- •Must meet progress standards
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary**. The "Tebow Bill" allows it, but individual districts ultimately decide participation policies.
Questions about homeschooling in Virginia
What if my child scores low on the test?
If below the 23rd percentile, you may be placed on probation for a year to remediate.
Can I just send a letter instead of the form?
Yes. The Notice of Intent does not have to be a specific form, but it must contain all required information.
Do I need a college degree?
No, a high school diploma or GED is sufficient under Option 1.
Get Virginia’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Virginia page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for Virginia deadline reminders and news when our Virginia page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Virginia paperwork tools
Generate your Virginia notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · VA homeschool law guide