Prince William

The district has now complied with the homeschool law! In January, we provided information and guidance relating to inconsistencies with the law on the district’s notice of intent form. As explained, we initially reached out to the district in July of 2023. After several follow up inquiries, in December, office personnel informed us the district would review and update their forms with a must-meet deadline of May 1, 2024.

Once HEAV advised the associate superintendent for student services of the situation, she promptly stepped in to address and resolve our concerns. We are pleased to report the district website now links to HEAV’s NOI form which is consistent with the law, case law, and VDOE guidance.

We are thankful to the associate superintendent for supporting Prince William homeschool families and providing this positive resolution.

What You Should Know:

• It is not uncommon for district resources to be inconsistent with the law. HEAV believes it is essential for each parent to know the law for themselves. HEAV’s website contains a wealth of information, and HEAV’s NOI form is consistent with the law, VDOE guidance, and case law.
• Parents are required to comply with the law. District policy, practices, and resources should be consistent with the law.
• Public school districts can not change or add to the law. In Sosebee vs. Franklin County, Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons states, “The power to amend statutes is the power to make law; that power rests squarely and solely with the General Assembly, not school boards.”
• Resources: HEAV Law Flowchart, §22.1-254, §22.1-254.1, HEAV’s Notice Of Intent Form, Birth Dates and Grade Levels On District NOI Forms, Notifying Under Option (iii), NOI Description of Curriculum, Virginia Supreme Court: Sosebee v. Franklin County School Board, VDOE 2023 Home Instruction Handbook, Information For School Personnel, HEAV’s 2023 Letter to Superintendents