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Lancaster County 4/15/25

A concerned parent contacted HEAV when a district representative advised that she was not allowed to remove her child from public school until her Notice of Intent “application” and option (iii) curriculum choices were approved by the superintendent. In response, HEAV provided the parent with accurate information and resources to begin homeschooling and reached out to the superintendent’s office with official correspondence to address these concerns.

HEAV is pleased to share that, having been equipped with accurate information and resources, the parent was able to remove her child from public school in accordance with the law. Additionally, Lancaster’s superintendent immediately responded to our correspondence and addressed all concerns to ensure information provided by the district’s representatives and website is accurate. HEAV is thankful to Lancaster for this positive resolution and its commitment to the Virginia Code and homeschool community.

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What You Should Know:

§ 1-240.1 of the Virginia Code states: “A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”
Parents choose and change their children’s education as appropriate for their families. Local public school districts do not possess the statutory authority to approve a parent’s decision to enroll in a public or private school, use a tutor or teacher of qualifications, or provide home instruction.
With regard to Virginia’s home instruction law, superintendents and liaisons are limited to administering the requirements prescribed by the state legislature.
Parents whose children are enrolled in public school can begin homeschooling at any time. Please see HEAV’s Q&A Homeschooling Mid-Year: Starting Immediately for more information.