FREE Workshops on Thursday
at the convention Considering Homeschooling – or Just Starting?
Join us on Thursday, June 7, for free “beginner” events
42nd Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention
June 5, 6 & 7, 2025
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Just beginning to explore homeschooling? Considering your options?
Or maybe you’ve just started and still have questions.
Thursday’s events give you the information you need to make your decision
and get started on the right foot!
Free Workshops | Free Tours | Free Shopping
Thursday, June 5
Come to three, dynamic, interactive free workshops offered on Thursday afternoon and explore the wonderful world of home education.
The How-to-Begin-Homeschooling workshops are FREE for everyone! Just preregister at this link to come to the three free workshops only. Afterward, your name badge will give you access to the Exhibit Hall premier on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – again, at NO COST to you!
All three workshops are available in English or Spanish.
*Note: No high school sessions nor any other Thursday workshops are included in this free offer.
Preregistration for the free How-to-Begin-Homeschooling workshops will open on January 14!
Free Workshops
Introduction to Homeschooling
Thursday, June 7, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m.
Homeschooling is among the top 10 of more than 200 significant trends that will have an impact on future society, says The Trends Journal, world leader in trends analysis and forecasting. If you’ve wondered what homeschooling is, or who homeschools and why, this fact-filled workshop will give you answers. From the history of homeschooling to the statistical results of the most recent nationwide study, you will receive the information you need to decide if homeschooling is right for you and your family
Everything You Really Need to Know
Thursday, June 7, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Go beyond simply choosing a curriculum, and gain the confidence to start and
sustain your homeschool journey! This six-step roadmap takes you from knowing your “why” to creating a best-fit learning environment for your child. It provides a holistic understanding of how homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to customize your children’s education
to help them learn, grow, and thrive!
However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Teaching
Andrew Pudewa
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. In this talk, Andrew shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling, including It’s hard not to do to your kids what was done to you; process over product; all kids are different; “progressive” education doesn’t mean progress; what real “college and career readiness” is; and two secret keys to successful teaching. You will be challenged or reassured (or both!), but sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a home educator.Know the Law: Notifying and Testing Demystified
Thursday, June 7, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Know your homeschooling rights–don’t let the “legalese” confuse you! In this workshop, find out who is required to attend school, what requirements you must meet in order to homeschool, what new test and evaluation options may be used, whom you should notify and when, what to do if you are homeschooling because of your sincere religious beliefs, and what types of records you need to keep. Know your options before you begin!
Free Shopping in the Exhibit Hall!
The Exhibit Hall opens on Thursday at 5 p.m. If you attended the free How-to-Begin-Homeschooling workshops, you are invited to come and shop in the Exhibit Hall for three hours—as our guest!
Free Welcome Tours
Get Answers to your Questions
Overwhelmed by the size of the convention? Or maybe it’s your first time.
Look for “Welcome Tours” signs after the workshops, and meet up with our guides. We’ll give you a tour of the convention center, recommend places to begin, and answer your questions about the convention and homeschooling!
Thursday Welcome
*Tour guide in Spanish available
*Guía turístico en español disponible
Thursday Welcome Tours
11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Ballroom/Exhibit Hall Building
11 AM: E-10/B-16
1 PM: E-10/E-11*
3 PM E-10/E-11*
*Spanish Tour Guide E-11, at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
*Guía Turístico Español E-11, en 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.