Q. Can I evaluate my child’s portfolio and send the evaluation letter to the superintendent? A. A portfolio is not mentioned in the homeschool law; however, it could fall under the category of an independent evaluation. In lieu of a test, you can have a portfolio evaluated by a person licensed to teach in any [...]

Q. Does a GED qualify as a high school diploma for option (i) of the homeschool law? A. A GED is not accepted as a high school diploma for the purposes of homeschooling under §22.1-254.1. However, you do have several other options. The law clearly states that “any parent” may provide home instruction under option [...]

Q. I just started homeschooling. Am I required to send test scores to the superintendent by August 1?   A. Yes, if you complied with the homeschool law by filing a “Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction” form or by writing a letter, you are required to provide evidence of progress by August 1 [...]

Q. If my child goes back to public school, can I take her out and homeschool her again if it doesn’t work out? What should I expect? A. Yes, you can homeschool again as long as you comply with the homeschool law by filing a Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction. There is nothing [...]

Q. I have a child who needs help with reading comprehension. Can I have him tested through the public schools? A. Public schools will only provide an evaluation and/or services for students enrolled in their schools, so you will need to have his reading skills evaluated privately. The only publicly funded service that may sometimes be [...]

Q: A friend told me that testing must be done by a certified teacher. Does it have to be a Virginia certified teacher? A: An achievement test may be administered by a number of different people, depending on the test you use. Each test publisher or company includes information about the test and who can [...]

Q. What is the difference between “homeschooling” and “homebound instruction”? A. Homeschooling means you, the parent, are responsible for the education of your child. You choose the subjects to be taught, based on your child’s age and ability. You choose the curriculum and methods of teaching, plan the schedule, and teach the subjects or facilitate [...]

Q. We plan to move to Virginia soon, but want to travel a few weeks after we arrive. How soon should I submit my Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction? A. If you move to Virginia during the school year, the homeschool law (§22.1-254.1 (B)) states that you must notify your local division superintendent [...]

Q. What records do I need to keep for my superintendent? A. If you filed a Notice of Intent, there are two records you need to keep: standardized achievement test records and immunization records. You must send your superintendent a copy of your child’s standardized achievement scores or other evidence of progress as described in [...]

Q. We have homeschooled for several years under option (i) of the homeschool law, but we have always had strong religious beliefs. Can we change how we file now that we understand the religious exemption option? A. Yes, you can change how you comply although the law gives no specific procedures to follow. If you [...]

Q: Can I begin homeschooling now? A: Yes, according to the homeschool law, parents may begin homeschooling after the August 15 deadline for two reasons: 1) if they move into a new school division, and 2) if they decide to homeschool after the school year begins. Virginia statute §22.1-254.1 (B) states: “Any parent who moves [...]

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 have a homeschool diploma signed by my parents. Can I use it for option (i) to homeschool my own children, or does a diploma have to be from [...]

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. As a certified tutor, am I required to send in standardized test scores? A. It depends on how you have complied with the law. As a Virginia certified teacher [...]

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 we have legal custody of a family member, can we homeschool the child? A. If you are the legal guardian of a child, you may homeschool him. The law states, “…every [...]

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! This question, originally answered in 2010, is still accurate in 2012.   Q.  I filed my Notice of Intent and received a letter from the superintendent saying he couldn’t approve [...]