Comparison of Educational Options in Virginia*

Policy

Parental Control Over Curriculum

Public School

It is the right of the Commonwealth of Virginia to choose the proper education and training for any child under its care and supervision.

None; school board has decision-making power; school is under local, state, and federal government control. Parents can make limited appeals.

Charter School

It is the right of the Commonwealth of Virginia, along with some input from a parental board, to choose the proper education and training for any child under its care and supervision.

Very Low; a few parents may be part of charter school board to help select curriculum, but school is under local school board control and subject to charter.

Virtual Schools:
Public School at Home

It is the right of the Commonwealth of Virginia to choose the proper education and training for any child under its care and supervision.

Very Low; curriculum package is limited to options approved by the school board and offered through the public school or virtual program.

Part-time Public School

It is the right of the Commonwealth of Virginia to choose the proper education and training for any child under its care and supervision

Medium; parents may select classes for their child from the ones offered. All homeschool curriculum is under the control of the parents.

Private School

It is the right of the private school board (in some cases, along with the parents) to choose the proper education and training for any child under its care and supervision.

Medium; parental control varies with each school. Private school board chooses curriculum without government control.

Independent Homeschool
§22.1-254.1

It is the primary right and responsibility of the parents to choose the proper education and training for any child under their care and supervision.

Highest; parents are free to choose all materials and curriculum to meet the individual learning styles and needs of each child.