This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. In order to teach the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education, I must show completion of an “approved correspondence course.” Which courses are “approved,” and where can I find them? [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Can I start to homeschool now? If so, what steps should I take to begin? A. Yes, you may begin homeschooling after the school year has begun. The Virginia [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Can homeschoolers participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee? Where can I find information? A. Scripps Howard and other newspapers sponsor spelling bees at elementary schools and homeschool support [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Now that I’ve decided to homeschool, what is the best way to get my questions answered, connect with other homeschoolers, and find out about homeschool events? A. It’s important [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Is my homeschooler eligible for speech therapy through a public school? A. Although school districts are not obligated to provide special-needs services for homeschooled children, some districts may offer [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. I’m ready to mail my Notice of Intent. What should I do to withdraw my child from public school? A. First, you should mail your Notice of Intent to [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Note: This Q&A is a follow-on post to the “Religious Exemption and Driver’s License” Q&A published last week. Q. I’m a little confused and think some details may be missing [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. We are homeschooling for religious reasons, and my teen wants to get a driver’s license. The DMV says I need a letter. What can I do? A. The Virginia [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. I received a memo stating, “Federal and state law requires that school divisions locate, identify and evaluate all private and homeschooled children in their locality.” Am I obligated to [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. What are the Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements for homeschoolers? A. A homeschool curriculum does not have to comply with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), and homeschoolers are [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Does a high school student have to take an AP course before taking an AP exam? A. No, the College Board does not require a student to take an [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. I’m new to homeschooling and am looking for activities for my high school student. What is the age range for the field trips HEAV sponsors? A. HEAV-sponsored field trips [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. My daughter takes piano lessons and is starting ninth grade this year. Do piano lessons count toward an elective? A. Yes, piano lessons can count as a music elective. [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Is there a legal way to begin homeschooling after the August 15 deadline? A. Yes, according to the homeschool statute, parents may begin homeschooling after the August 15 deadline [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q.  I sent in my NOI (Notice of Intent) and haven’t had a response from the superintendent. How long does it normally take to get a response, and what do [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Do I file a Notice of Intent (NOI) if my family is religiously exempt? A. No, if you have met the requirements of religious exemption, you do NOT file [...]

Q. I am thinking about homeschooling my preschooler. Can you recommend any resources? This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! A. The preschool years are a wonderful time to teach because young children are so eager to [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Do I really have to send my diploma? I don’t have it! What should I do? A. Yes, if you checked option (i) on the Notice of Intent form, [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. My teen graduated in June. Do I notify the superintendent? Or send the diploma and transcript, or tell the superintendent my teen is 18, or what? A. The law [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Do we have to submit Notice of Intent for a five-year-old kindergartener? A. According to the Virginia homeschool statute, if your child will be five years old on or [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. The military has transferred our family to a foreign country. Should we continue to comply with the homeschool laws in Virginia since we still have a home here? A. [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. I’m a new homeschooler. As a certified teacher, I’m confused about how to notify. Help! A. There are two ways to homeschool as a certified tutor or teacher: 1) [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Must I send my child’s test results AND my Notice of Intent by August 1 as stated in a letter from my division superintendent? Has the law changed? A. [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Am I required to use the Notice of Intent form I received from my superintendent? It is asking for more information than in the past. A. The Virginia homeschool [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. What is the best way to address the description of curriculum on my Notice of Intent? How much detail should I give? A. School districts have different policies regarding [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Who is required to view the new 90-minute driver’s education movie, and where is it offered? A. Only the families in Northern Virginia’s Planning District 8 are required to [...]

Q. If my child’s achievement test scores were low this year, should I test him again? What test scores are within the acceptable range for my school district? A. A score in or above the 23rd percentile is acceptable in ALL school districts for homeschooled students. If your scores were above the 23rd percentile, you [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. If a student repeats a course due to a poor grade, is it acceptable to list the course once with the new grade on the high school transcript? A. [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. What is the difference in part-time enrollment and dual enrollment? A. Part-time and dual enrollment refer to two types of enrollment that may be available to students. Part-time enrollment [...]

This post is part of a series titled, “Homeschool Q&A.” The series features questions we’ve received from parents on a variety of topics–and the answers! Q. Some homeschool co-ops offer credits for courses. Should I give my children credits for the classes I teach them at home? A. A credit is simply a way to translate [...]