Virtual School Targeting 5/22/24
Several school divisions across the Commonwealth have identified it is “prime time” to advertise its virtual public school option exclusively to homeschool families. In the coming months, you may receive letters, emails, or phone calls in relation to this effort.
What You Should Know:
This practice began following the 2020 public school shutdowns as many families found home education the best choice for their children. As a result, public schools continue to experience loss of funding. Since funding is a primary concern, it is helpful to know each virtual public school student provides the division with full ADM funds.
Homeschool parents across the state continue to express concerns about this ongoing practice. HEAV would like to assure parents that, although there is nothing in the law to prevent public school districts from marketing their programs to homeschoolers, a response to these communications is not required.
Resources:
- Compulsory Attendance Law: §22.1-254
- Home Instruction Law: §22.1-254.1
- HEAV Resource: Homeschool and Virtual Public School Differences
- HEAV Resource: Law Flowchart
HEAV is always available should you ever have questions or need assistance. Please contact us anytime at 804-278-9200 or via our contact form.
Patricia Beahr
HEAV Assistant Director of Government Affairs
Read more about school district incidents here.
