FREE Workshops on Thursday
at the convention Considering Homeschooling – or Just Starting?
Register at-the-door! Join us on Thursday, June 5, 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 Just come to the “FREE How-to-Begin Workshops! Register Here” sign at the Registration Desk. 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.
What to Do:
Just come to the “FREE How-to-Begin Workshops! Register Here” sign at the Registration Desk!
*Note: No high school sessions nor any other Thursday workshops are included in this free offer.
Free Workshops
Introduction to Homeschooling ~ Sheri Payne
Thursday, June 5, 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
Doing It Scared: Homeschooling 101 ~ Christy-Faith
Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Embark on your homeschooling journey with confidence and enthusiasm in this specially crafted workshop for beginners. This session seamlessly blends inspiration, anxiety-reducing wisdom, and practical how-to guidance. Explore essential tips on curriculum selection and creating a nurturing learning environment. Whether you’re feeling fully prepared, cautiously optimistic, or downright terrified, this transformative session promises to equip you with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the exciting path of homeschooling. Get ready to be empowered and fully prepared to embrace the homeschooling adventure!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 ~ Callie Chaplow
Thursday, June 5, 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!
Many Thanks to Our Workshop Sponsor!
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.
Meets in front of Room E-11
* *Guía turístico en español disponible
Convention Sponsors
Many, many thanks to our convention sponsors!
They have invested heavily in homeschool families—in YOU—to help keep our convention prices as low as possible and support homeschooling in Virginia. Please join us in thanking them for their generosity!
