Clarke

A parent contacted HEAV after receiving a form letter indicating “homeschool instruction…will not be approved” until “required documentation is submitted.” The requirement included a “curriculum outline for each child” and additional, personal data fields on the district’s NOI form. On behalf of all Clarke County parents, HEAV reached out to the superintendent’s office to clarify the requirements in the law and help ensure its proper implementation.

HEAV received a prompt response from the office manager who thanked us for providing information about the law and advised appropriate changes would be made to the letters and forms. Parents should see these concerns resolved in future correspondence. HEAV is thankful for Clarke County’s positive response to our concerns.

What You Should Know:

• Public school districts do not have the statutory authority to approve a parent’s decision to enroll in a private school, hire a Virginia-certified tutor, or homeschool.
• The law requires parents to provide “a description of curriculum, limited to a list of subjects to be studied during the coming year.“
• Public school districts may not add to the requirements of the law; only the state legislature can do so.
• We suggest parents use HEAV’s NOI as it is consistent with the law, case law, and VDOE guidance.
• Reference: §22.1-254(A), §22.1-254.1, Sosebee v. Franklin County School Board, HEAV’s NOI Form