FREE Workshops on Thursday
at the convention Considering Homeschooling – or Just Starting?
Register at-the-door! Join us on Thursday, June 4, for free “beginner” events.
43rd Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention
June 4,5 & 6, 2026
Greater Richmond Convention Center
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step.
More than 66,000 students in Virginia are now educated at home—not because their parents had it all figured out—but because they were willing to ask one question: Could this work for our family?
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 4
Thinking About Homeschooling… But Not Sure You’re “That Kind of Parent”?
Thursday’s free events were created with you in mind—a parent just beginning—or just considering—to explore the wonderful world of home education.
The three How-to-Begin-Homeschooling workshops are FREE for everyone!
What to Do:
- Sign up now FREE!
- Come to the “FREE How-to-Begin Workshops! Register Here” sign at the Registration Desk.
- After you attend the workshops, your name badge will give you access to the Exhibit Hall premiere 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.
Free Workshops
How to Begin Homeschooling: What You Really Need to Know ~ Sheri Payne
Thursday, June 4, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m.
This free session is designed for parents who are still in the thinking stage.
No pressure. No assumptions. No commitment required.
You’ll learn:
- Why so many families are choosing this path
- The how-to basics for homeschooling in Virginia
- What homeschooling actually looks like day to day
- A simple roadmap to move from “why” to “how”
- How to create a learning environment that fits your child
- And more!
This is not a persuasive pitch. It’s clarity.
If you’ve been quietly researching at night, wondering whether you’re capable—or whether your child needs something different—come sit in. Bring your questions. Bring your doubts. You may walk out realizing you’re far more ready than you think.
What Kind of Homeschool is Right for Me?: Methods 101 ~ Jamie Erickson
Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Montessori. Charlotte Mason. Unit studies. Project-based learning. Waldorf. Traditional textbooks. Unschooling.
If you’ve started researching homeschooling, you’ve likely discovered one thing quickly: there are a lot of options. And that can feel overwhelming.
In this foundational session, we’ll walk through the most common educational methods in clear, practical terms—no jargon, no pressure to “pick a camp.”
You’ll learn:
- The core philosophy behind each major approach
- The strengths that attract families to it
- The potential challenges to consider
- What kind of learner and family rhythm each method tends to serve well
- How to blend elements instead of feeling locked into one box
Every method has its merits. Every method has trade-offs. The goal isn’t to crown a winner—it’s to help you discern what aligns with your child, your values, and your home. By the end, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more equipped to choose intentionally—rather than reactively—as you begin your homeschool journey.
Know the Law: Notifying and Testing Demystified ~ Sheri Payne
Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Worried you might get something wrong?
You’re not alone. For many parents, the legal side of homeschooling feels intimidating before they ever begin. This free workshop breaks it down into plain language so you can move forward with confidence—not confusion.
You’ll walk away knowing:
- Who is required to attend school in Virginia
- The four options for homeschooling—and how to choose the right one
- Exactly whom to notify, what to submit, and when
- Testing and evaluation choices (including new options)
- What to do if you’re homeschooling for sincere religious reasons
- What records to keep—and what you don’t need to stress about
No legal jargon. No scare tactics. Just clarity.
Before you start, know your rights. Knowledge replaces fear—and confidence follows.
Many Thanks to Our Workshop Sponsors!
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.
Meets in front of Room E-11
* *Guía turístico en español disponible
Convention Sponsors
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!
