Deadline to Begin Homeschooling

Q. Can I begin homeschooling now?

A. Yes, you can begin homeschooling after the school year has begun! You may begin after the August 15th deadline if you have recently moved into a school division or if you decide to begin homeschooling after the school year has begun.

If you begin now, it’s important to understand the Virginia law and the choices you have. Visit the law section of the HEAV website for complete information. Also, see links to the actual statute and tips on what you need to know.

Here’s what you need to do to begin homeschooling midyear.

Write a letter of intent OR send in the Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction. 

Comply with one of the four options listed. Click here for details.
Include a description of your curriculum with the Notice of Intent.
If this is not possible, you have 30 days to select your curriculum and provide a curriculum description. The law requires just a list of the subjects you plan to teach.

Notify your division superintendent.

You can mail or hand-deliver your Notice of Intent (NOI) and curriculum description. If you mail your NOI, send it “return/receipt” so you have a record of the date it was received. Should you hand-deliver it to your superintendent’s office, ask for a receipt. For your convenience, here is the contact information for local division superintendents.

Withdraw your child from school once your NOI has been submitted.

If your child is attending a government school, file your Notice of Intent or letter before you withdraw him from school; this will prevent the possibility of confusion. After your division superintendent has received your NOI or letter, you may begin homeschooling. Unless you have filed under option iv, you do not have to wait for a response from the superintendent in order to begin because you are not asking or waiting for the superintendent’s “permission.” You are notifying the superintendent of your intent as the law requires. There is no waiting period. (Note: Read more about homeschooling mid-year under option iv here.)

Contact a local support group in your area.

HEAV networks with more than 200 support groups throughout the state. You can find a list of groups and contact information here. Many support groups provide group activities, field trips, and sometimes co-op classes for students. Experienced parents in the group can also offer encouragement as you get started.

We can help!
Sign up for HEAV’s FREE weekly e-mail newsletter, the Virginia Homeschool Update, and HEAV’s quarterly magazine, the Virginia Home Educator. We’ll let you know about upcoming events, museum homeschool days, and important news. You’ll also receive encouragement and support through helpful articles and great resources–all for free!

I hope this information will help you get off to a good start. You can do it—just take one step at a time. HEAV is here to help you be successful. Please call our office at 804-278-9200 or e-mail your questions to support@heav.org.

Wishing you much success!

HEAV Office of Homeschool Support and Government Affairs