Q. Can I use testing accommodations for my child who is a struggling reader? A. Unless your child has a documented learning disability, you should comply with the test publisher’s instructions for test administration. Typically, you should test him at…
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Helping Other Homeschoolers
Q. I’ve finished homeschooling and would like to give back by sharing my experiences. I’m interested in working with new homeschoolers, but may not know all the answers. How can I help? A. As an experienced homeschool parent, you have…
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My Child Doesn’t Want to Be Homeschooled
Q. My nine-year-old daughter has decided she doesn’t want to be homeschooled because she will miss out on school activities. There is constant conflict. I’m ready to give up! Help! A. You’re not alone. Other parents face this same situation….
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Homeschool Probation by Mistake
A. I received a letter that I have been put on probation! I hand-delivered my Notice of Intent and test scores at the same time. My children scored above average. What should I do? B. This may be a mistake….
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Family Devotions
Q. Can you suggest an effective, yet simple way to have family devotions with children of multiple ages? I can’t handle anything consistently if it’s too complicated. A. One of the most consistent and effective devotions our family did together…
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Homeschool Diploma for Option 1
Q. After submitting my out-of-state homeschool diploma for the first option on the Notice of Intent, the superintendent’s office replied that I must have an accredited diploma. Is this correct? A. The first option of the Virginia homeschool statute §22.1-254.1(A)…
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Testing Before Homeschooling
Q. I moved from out of state and filed a Notice of Intent for the first time. The superintendent’s office replied that I needed to send in test scores before they could accept my NOI. Is this correct? A. No, this…
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New Address Notification
Q. I moved and filed a new Notice of Intent. I also sent written notice to the previous superintendent that we moved out of his county. He responded in a letter that in order to comply with the law, I…
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Graduating Early
Q. Is it possible to graduate my 16-year-old Virginia homeschooled teen early since she has completed all her high school work, including several dual-enrollment college classes? Do I need permission from the superintendent? A. Yes, you can graduate your…
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Withdrawal in Person
Q. Does the law require a parent to withdraw his child in person from public school? A. The law does not specifically address the procedure for withdrawing a child from public school. Each school district has its own withdrawal policy. Some…
Read MoreDriver’s Ed District 8
Q. Are homeschoolers in Planning District 8 required to complete and to sign the “Parent/Teen Driving Agreement” included with the “Affirmation of Completion” form? A. Only teens and parents residing in Planning District 8 (the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun,…
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Immunizations and Religious Exemption
Q. Is a vaccination exemption included in a religious exemption? A. No, a vaccination exemption is NOT part of a religious exemption from compulsory school attendance. A parent can have a religious exemption and not have an exemption from vaccinations….
Read MoreSuperintendent Reply Late
Q. I complied with option 4 and mailed my NOI early in July. Should I be concerned that I have not had a reply since other parents I know have received letters from the superintendent? Should I call? A. I…
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Sharing Information
Q. Although we provided test results and then notified that we were moving to another county, our previous superintendent has requested a copy of the “approval” letter from the new superintendent in order to confirm my child is being homeschooled….
Read MoreSend Diploma Every Year
Q. Should I send in my high school diploma each year I file a Notice of Intent? A. The law requires proof of how you have complied with the option you have chosen on the NOI. For option (i), you…
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Opt-Out No Notification
Q. Last year I failed to notify the school board that I was NOT beginning school for my five-year-old. Is there any special action I should take this year? A. Because compulsory attendance laws apply to children who are age…
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Public School Grade Placement
Q. My elementary-age children may need to return to public school. What can I do to make sure they will be placed in the correct grade? A. Each school district makes its own policies for students transferring to public school…
Read MoreCertified Tutor vs. Provisional License
Q. I have a four-year degree and a Statement of Eligibility letter for a Provisional license. Do I need an official teaching license in order to homeschool under the Certified Tutor statute? A. In order to comply with the certified…
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Understanding Credits
Q. Some homeschool co-ops offer credits for courses. Should I give my children credits for the classes I teach them at home? A. A credit is simply a way to translate homeschool or school work into commonly understood educational language. Whether…
Read MoreNOI: GED or Higher
Q. I have a GED as well as an undergraduate and graduate degree. May I send one of my degrees in lieu of my GED? A. Yes, a high school diploma or a higher degree satisfies option (i) on the…
Read MoreGrade Level Assessment
Q. My daughter did not do well in a private school last year. I’m having her tutored this summer to catch up, but I don’t know what grade she should be in when we start to homeschool in the fall….
Read MoreTesting a Kindergartener
Q. My kindergartner will be six this May. Does he need to be tested? I’m confused about what is meant by the phrase “the school year” in Virginia homeschool statute. Does it mean this school year or next school year? …
Read MoreTest Scores for Private School
Q. I have a child who is homeschooled and two who are in private school. Should I also provide test scores for the children in private school? A. The two children in private school are no longer under the homeschool…
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Testing with a Local School
Q. When I filed my Notice of Intent, the school district offered to test my child in the spring with the Iowa test. They said not many homeschoolers use this free service. Is there a reason? A. A few school…
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Testing and the Composite Score
Q. When testing, do you administer all or part of the standardized achievement test? A. The Virginia homeschool statute, § 22.1-254.1 (C), requires a composite score in or above the 4th stanine on a standardized achievement test. A composite score…
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Homeschooling Kindergartener for One Year
Q. My child is four and will miss the September 30 cut-off date for kindergarten by a few days. If I homeschool him this year, will they take him as a first grader next year in public school? A. You…
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Testing If Behind in One Subject
Q. My two elementary-age children did not do well in math, so I put them back one grade level in math when we began homeschooling in September. They are doing well in other subjects. Do I have to test them…
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Ordering License Plates
Q. How can I get an “Education Begins at Home” license plate? I’m so encouraged when I see them on cars! A. Since 2005 when HEAV initiated legislation in Virginia to create the first homeschool license plate in the nation—“Education…
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Keeping Records
Q. Am I required to keep any records for my homeschooled children? A. The Virginia homeschool law does not require you to keep attendance records, your children’s work, or maintain academic records. These are private documents, and you are not required to…
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The Importance of a Diploma
Q. Why is it important to issue a homeschool diploma? A. A diploma represents the completion of a course of study that has been prepared for your student’s education. In the case of most homeschooled students, parents set the requirements…
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