Religious Exemption Moving Within the State

Q. Our religious exemption has been recognized by our school board, but now we plan to move to another city in Virginia. Do we have to go through the religious exemption process again?

A. The religious exemption statute (RE) §22.1-254(B)(1) does not indicate RE must be requested in each district or renewed annually.

Your school board complied with the Virginia religious exemption statute and acted on behalf of the state Board of Education when they recognized your sincere religious beliefs. Your children should be exempt from compulsory school attendance throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

It is important to retain the original copies of all filed forms, emails, and letters with school officials for your records. Seek legal counsel if there are questions from the school district.

Regards,

Yvonne