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Richmond, VA — The Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) is celebrating the passage of HB2598 and the recently published Superintendent’s Memo 001-26, which references the updated VDOE Home Instruction Handbook. The bill strengthens privacy protections for home-instructed and religiously exempt students across the Commonwealth.

HB2598 was introduced following a series of serious privacy violations reported by homeschool families across the state. Significant incidents included the improper use of student information systems, exposing protected information to outside vendors and unauthorized recipients. In three notable cases, Virginia school divisions publicly disclosed personally identifiable information about home-instructed and religiously exempt students.

“Families should not have to fight their own school districts to protect basic privacy rights,” said HEAV’s Callie Chaplow. “This legislation ensures that school officials clearly understand the law—and comply with it.”

Carried by Delegate Phillip Scott, HB2598 directed the Superintendent of Public Instruction to issue a formal memo to all 131 Virginia school divisions clarifying their legal obligation to protect the confidentiality of homeschool and religious exemption records under §22.1-254.1(G) of the Code of Virginia. The bill passed unanimously through both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Youngkin on March 21, 2025.

After discussions with Delegate P. Scott and the Home School Legal Defense Association’s Scott Woodruff, the coalition agreed that a statewide directive from the Superintendent was a prudent and effective first step.

The resulting Superintendent’s Memo, issued by current Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson, reinforces existing law and references the Virginia Department of Education’s recently revised Home Instruction Handbook —developed with input from HEAV—to provide districts with clear guidance for lawful implementation.

“This is a strong example of what thoughtful, collaborative policymaking can achieve,” Chaplow noted. “It protects families, clarifies expectations, and prevents future violations before they occur.”

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Founded in 1983, the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) is Virginia’s oldest and largest statewide homeschool organization. A nonprofit serving families across the Commonwealth, HEAV provides trusted information, advocacy, resources, and community support to equip parents to homeschool with confidence, clarity, and freedom. Learn more at heav.org.

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RICHMOND, VA — Homeschooling in Virginia continues its steady rise, reaching the highest enrollment ever recorded in the Commonwealth, according to newly released data from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

The 2025–2026 data show a 5.34 percent increase in homeschool enrollment in just one year, bringing the total number of homeschooled students statewide to 66,117.

Since the 2019–2020 school year—prior to the COVID-19 pandemic—homeschooling in Virginia has grown by 49.5 percent, reflecting a sustained, long-term trend rather than a temporary surge.

To obtain the official figures, the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests over a two-month period. While some recent public reporting has referenced earlier enrollment totals, the newly released VDOE data confirm that homeschooling remains one of the fastest-growing education options in the Commonwealth.

“Families, educators, and reporters all benefit when public discussions are grounded in current, verified data,” said Anne Miller, president and executive director of HEAV. “These numbers reflect not only growth, but consistency—year after year.”

Families cite a range of reasons for choosing home education, including flexibility, individualized instruction, stronger family relationships, and the ability to tailor learning to each child’s needs and strengths. A substantial body of research indicates that homeschool students often meet or exceed traditional academic benchmarks and participate broadly in social, athletic, faith-based, and community activities.

The full 2025–2026 VDOE homeschool enrollment data and historical comparisons are available at heav.org.

About Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV)
Founded in 1983, HEAV is Virginia’s oldest and largest statewide homeschool organization. The nonprofit serves families across the Commonwealth through legislative advocacy, educational resources, and community support—equipping parents to homeschool with confidence, clarity, and freedom.

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Richmond, VA — February 5, 2026 — Homeschooling families from across the Commonwealth will gather in Richmond on February 5 for a full day of civic education and public advocacy hosted by the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV).

The day includes two complementary events: Day at the Capitol, a guided, hands-on educational experience for families, and the homeschool freedom meet-and-greet, a free public advocacy event with legislators open to all.

Together, the events offer families a unique opportunity to engage directly with Virginia history and government while making a visible, united stand for homeschool freedom and parental rights.

“Whether families participate inside the Capitol, attend the meet-and-greet, or take part in both, their presence sends a clear message,” said Sheri Payne, HEAV director of leadership support. “Homeschooling families are engaged, informed, and invested in the policies that affect their children.”

Day at the Capitol, running from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is a paid, family-focused civic education experience with limited seating. The day begins at Historic St. John’s Church with a live reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famed “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Families then participate in guided tours of the Virginia State Capitol, meet with legislators, and observe the General Assembly in session. Registration is required, and seating historically fills quickly.

The day concludes with the meet-and-greet at 2 p.m. in House Subcommittee Room 10 in the General Assembly Building. The meet-and-greet is free and open to the public, welcoming families and children to gather in public support of homeschool freedom. Participants are encouraged to wear red as they engage legislators, media, and the public and share real-life homeschooling experiences.

For more information or to register, visit heav.org.

About Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV)

Founded in 1983, HEAV is Virginia’s oldest and largest statewide homeschool organization. The nonprofit serves families across the Commonwealth through advocacy, trusted information, educational resources, and community support—equipping parents to homeschool with confidence, clarity, and freedom. Learn more at heav.org.

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Richmond, VA — As the Virginia General Assembly approaches Crossover Day in its 2026 legislative session, the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) reports that its legislative team has reviewed 2,612  bills to date, prioritizing measures that may affect homeschool and nonpublic education.

The deadline for general bill submissions passed on January 23. On February 18, Crossover Day, legislation must advance from its chamber of origin to remain under consideration.

Several education-related bills are currently moving through committees:

HB534, carried by Karen Hamilton, would change the credential requirement for evaluators of homeschool student academic progress from a master’s degree to a bachelor’s degree.

HB551 and SB737 would establish an accreditation pathway for non-degree workforce training programs, allowing students age 16 and older in non-public school settings to obtain credentials aligned with workforce needs.

HB1204 and SB733, introduced by Phillip Scott and Glen Sturtevant, would permit local governments to allocate a portion of state education funding to families meeting compulsory attendance requirements while educating children in nonpublic settings. While the bills do not currently impose additional homeschool regulations, they would introduce public funding into traditionally private educational arrangements.

One related proposal, SB732, which would have created a refundable income tax credit for certain homeschool families, was passed by indefinitely by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on January 28.

HEAV also points to HB359, introduced by Dan Helmer, as an example of how public funding proposals can expand regulatory oversight. The bill would apply a public school regulatory framework to private schools that enroll even one publicly funded student, including curriculum alignment, testing requirements, and state oversight mechanisms.

According to HEAV, such proposals highlight a longstanding policy consideration: public funding is typically accompanied by regulatory oversight. The organization encourages lawmakers and families to weigh the long-term implications of blending public funds with private and home-based education models.

“Home education has historically operated through parental authority and private governance,” said Anne Miller, HEAV’s president and executive director.  “Understanding how funding mechanisms evolve over time is essential to preserving educational choice and diversity.”

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Founded in 1983, the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) is Virginia’s oldest and largest statewide homeschool organization. A nonprofit serving families across the Commonwealth, HEAV provides trusted information, advocacy, resources, and community support to equip parents to homeschool with confidence, clarity, and freedom. Learn more at heav.org.

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Faithful Roots; Fearless Futures Theme Anchors the 43rd Annual Gathering

Richmond, VA — The Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) will host the 43rd Annual Virginia Homeschool Convention June 4–6, 2026, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. With more than 66,000 homeschoolers statewide and thousands of families attending from across the Commonwealth and beyond, the convention remains Virginia’s largest and longest running homeschool event.

This year’s theme—Faithful Roots; Fearless Futures—highlights a renewed emphasis on practical, family-centered education, including homesteading skills, healthy living, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and academic excellence for students of all ages. More than 100 exhibitors will fill the exhibit hall with curriculum, services, and hands-on resources, while dozens of workshops equip parents with tools they can apply immediately.

Keynote speakers include farmer and author Joel Salatin, nationally recognized for his work on stewardship and regenerative agriculture, along with first-time convention guests Nick Freitas and Tina Freitas, who address faith, culture, leadership, and raising resilient families, and Michael Farris, America Defending Freedom president and HSLDA founder. The speaker lineup also features veteran homeschool educators and specialists covering college preparation, special-needs education, leadership development, and more.

“The convention is more than an event—it’s a catalyst,” said Catrina Jackson, convention director. “Families come seeking clarity, confidence, and community. At a time when parents are seeking grounded, flexible, and values-driven education, homeschooling continues to meet that moment.”

Founded in 1983, HEAV supports tens of thousands of homeschool students across Virginia through advocacy, education, and community engagement. The annual Virginia Homeschool Convention is a cornerstone of that mission, offering three days of encouragement, training, and connection for both new and veteran homeschool families.

Registration

Registration is open to all—whether homeschooling or exploring educational options. Additional details, including full speaker lists and workshop schedules, will be available at heav.org/convention.