Blog

Homeschool Day at the Capitol: Advocacy in Action
HEAV’s advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly this session has been both steady and effective–last week’s Day at the Capitol and Homeschool Meet-and-Greet offered

Public Funding and Other Bills
We are into the fourth week of the 2026 60-day legislative session. Legislative Snapshot: The last day for general bill submissions was Friday, January 23.

Winter Science: How Animals Stay Warm
January in Virginia has delivered a true taste of winter this year. After recent snow, ice, and subzero wind chills, many families are still feeling

Legislative Session in Full Swing
January 23, 2026 — The 2026 legislative session began on January 14th and is in full swing. The HEAV legislative team has reviewed 2,393 bills

Musicians from Virginia: Journey to 250
Can you hear that? It’s a phenomenal lineup of talented musical artists from our wonderful state, Virginia! As we continue on our Journey to 250,

A Win for Homeschool Families: Privacy Safeguarded and State Guidance Clarified
What HB2598 and Superintendent Memo 001-26 Mean for Your Family HEAV is pleased to announce that, following its advocacy and the passage of HB2598, Superintendent’s

Young Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
Ignite Your Business Dream: From Idea to Impact Have a business idea you can’t stop thinking about? A product, service, or solution that deserves the

2026 Homeschooling Numbers on the Rise in Virginia
Homeschooling in Virginia continues to grow. Today, after four FOIA requests over two months, HEAV has received the official 2025–2026 homeschool numbers for the school year.

Privacy Concerns NOVA: Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington
12/22/25 Update: Prince William families affected by the privacy breach should expect no further communication from Hazel Health. HEAV has been advised that the following

Nativity Art: The Journey to the Manger
The final days before Christmas can so easily slip into hurry—lists, errands, last-minute preparations, and the constant feeling that we are running just a bit

Prepare for the General Assembly Session
The 2026 General Assembly session begins January 14 and will last 60 days. Your government affairs team is already hard at work—meeting with key leaders,

Do I Need a Homeschool Co-op?
Once you’ve chosen homeschooling, the next steps can be tricky. Figuring out if you need a co-op and how the programs available can help you

Homeschool Cyber Security Opportunities: Inside the VA HS Cyber Cup
Cyber Security Challenge: Capture the Flag If your homeschooler is fascinated by technology, puzzles, or cybersecurity, the VA HS Cyber Cup is an event you won’t

Sheri Payne
HEAV
Sheri Payne Sheri is a homeschool support group leader, former history and government teacher, co-op leader, writer, and speaker. She is currently the director of

Anne Miller
HEAV
Anne Miller Anne Miller started serving homeschool families as a support group and co-op leader in 1986. She has been president of the Home Educators

Jill Shelton
HEAV
Jill Shelton Jill Shelton, Ed.S. serves as the Director of Mentoring and Speaker Coordinator for the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV). She brings more

Natalie Mack
Natalie Mack, LLC
Natalie Mack Natalie Mack equips homeschool parents to navigate high school with clarity, confidence, and faith. She is a TEDx speaker, author of 101 Tips

Julia Nalle
BiblioPlan
Julia Nalle If you spend more than a moment with Julia Nalle, you will find that she’s passionate about Christ, her family, adoption, and classical

Amy Sager
Cedarville University
Amy Sager Amy Sager is a wife, mother of five, and passionate advocate of home discipleship. She has helped families find joy and success in

Ingrid Fincher
Healthy Holy MomLife
Ingrid Fincher Ingrid Fincher is a Navy veteran, former family nurse practitioner, and homeschooling mother of nine—with her tenth baby on the way. She is

Josiah and Alissa Coburn
FamilyLife
Josiah and Alissa Coburn Josiah and Alissa are passionate about seeing God’s redemptive work in marriage and helping couples pursue oneness through a deeper understanding