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Virginia Military Homeschoolers

Get the resources and connection you need!

Whether you are a military homeschool family or a homeschooler entering the military or a military academy, we’ve got you covered!

HEAV is especially proud of our military members, and we’re here to provide you with support related to your service. For specific questions, please contact our director of military support at military@heav.org or call 804-806-5899 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Homeschooling Military Families

According to DoDEA Administrative Instruction 1375.01, Section 3.1, homeschoolers are subject to follow the homeschool statute of the host nation, state, commonwealth, possession, or territory in which they reside. 

In Virginia (as in all U.S. states), residency for compulsory education of minors is determined by where you physically reside, not your state of record or the state in which you own a home. Think of it this way – the state in which your child sleeps at night (outside of vacation time) is the state whose homeschool and compulsory attendance laws that you follow.

Your assignment in Virginia may be short or long, but HEAV is here to support you with your transition into our state, help with training, paperwork, and support while you live in Virginia, and assistance in transitioning out of Virginia when your time with us is finished. 

Join HEAV today!

Let HEAV help you navigate and support Virginia homeschoolers desiring leadership and military experience. 

While you are here, we invite you to partner with HEAV to help protect and promote homeschooling freedoms in Virginia.

Military School Liaison

Ariel Vaughan
Ariel.r.vaughan@uscg.mil

Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

757-686-4027

Worklife Base Portsmouth
4000 Coast Guard Blvd.
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Kimberly Carmon-Stanley
Kimberly.d.carmon-stanley@uscg.mil

Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

757-686-4023

Worklife Base Portsmouth
4000 Coast Guard Blvd.
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Pharnice Bailey
Pharnice.m.bailey.naf@army.mil
Fort Belvoir

703-805-3436

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir
9800 Belvoir Rd. Bldg. 200
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Chaundra Taswell
Chaundra.e.taswell.naf@mail.mil

Fort Gregg-Adams

804-765-3813

10624 Yorktown Drive
Fort Lee, VA 23801

Allison Montalvo
allison.r.montalvo.naf@army.mil

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (Myer)

757-462-7951

H&S Bn, HQMC, Henderson Hall
1555 Southgate Road Bldg. 12
Arlington, VA 22214

Vacant

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (Henderson Hall)

703-693-8378

H&S Bn, HQMC, Henderson Hall
1555 Southgate Road Bldg. 12
Arlington, VA 22214

Terrilyn Williams
Terrilyn.williams.1@us.af.mil

Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Langley – USAF)

843- 319-8859

633d Force Support Squadron
Attn: School Liaison
45 Neely Ave Suite 215
Joint Base Langley Eustis, VA 23665

Penny Rowley
Penny.Rowley@usmc-mccs.org

Marine Corps Base Quantico

703-784-4729

Little Hall Room 209
2034 Barnett Avenue Quantico, VA 22134

Kimberly Simpson
kimberly.simpson@usmc-mccs.org

Marine Corps Base Quantico

703-784-4729

School Liaison Program Little Hall
2034 Barnett Ave. Quantico, VA 22134

Horace Franklin
Horace.franklin@navy.mil

Naval District Washington

202-433-2566

12 Brookley Ave. SW
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
Washington, DC 20032

Lolita Gunter
NSASP_SL@us.navy.mil

Naval Support Facility Dahlgren

540-653-2070

17267 Dahlgren Road
Bldg. 205
Dahlgren, VA 22448

Deborah Patch
deborah.l.patch.naf@us.navy.mil

NAS Oceana and Dam Neck

757-433-2496

875 D. Avenue
Building 531
Virginia Beach, VA 23460

Lindsay Adams
lindsay.a.adams5.naf@us.navy.mil

Naval Station Norfolk

757-445-0350

9475 Bacon Ave.
Building C-9
Norfolk, VA 23511

LIAISON VACANT CURRENTLY

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads

757-421-8262

2344 Olympic Blvd.
Bldg 269
Chesapeake, VA 2332

Melissa Johnson
melissa.a.johnson6.naf@us.navy.mil

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

757- 396-7947

309 Green Point Lane, Bldg. 1497
Portsmouth, VA 23702

Jami O’Connor
jami.m.oconnor2.naf@us.navy.mil

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

757-887-7311

2101 Von Steuben Dr.
Newport News, VA 23603

Military family African American

Virginia Military Homeschooling—Military Move and Temporary Assignments

Here temporarily? Waiting on housing? Traveling while transitioning between duty stations? Here is all you need to know on how to remain in compliance with homeschool laws.

Moving to Virginia?

7 Steps to Begin Homeschooling in Virginia

This is a critical step when starting to homeschool. If you know the law, you will have confidence and know your rights as a parent.
There are three basic options for homeschooling in Virginia:

  1. The Virginia Home Instruction Statute (file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with your local superintendent.)
  2. The Certified Tutor Statute (for certified teachers)
  3. The Religious Exemption Statute (for those with a sincere religious objection)

Most parents homeschool under the Home Instruction Statute §22.1-254.1 (B), which states:

“Any parent who moves into a school division or begins home instruction after the school year has begun shall notify the division superintendent of his intentions to provide home instruction as soon as practicable and shall thereafter comply with the requirements of this section within thirty days of such notice.”

For complete information, visit the law section. You’ll find links to the actual statute and tips on what you need to know.

For a comprehensive overview of your choices, view the Virginia Homeschool Law Flowchart.

Download and complete a “Notice of Intent” or write a letter showing how you have complied with the law. You will need to choose one of the following options:

  • Attach a copy of a high school diploma or transcript (either yours or your spouse’s)
  • Attach your Virginia teacher certification
  • Provide a program of study or a curriculum that may be delivered through a correspondence course or distance learning program or in any other manner
    (attach an acceptance letter or evidence of payment)
  • Show evidence that you are able to provide an adequate education for your child.
    (Carefully write a grammatically correct letter stating why you are able to provide a good education for your child)

Once the paperwork is submitted, you may begin homeschooling.

*Make sure to keep all documentation proving that you have submitted what was required by law.

Under option iv, the local superintendent has the responsibility to review the information you provide to determine if you have the ability to provide an education.  Learn more here.

Description of Curriculum

The law requires a limited description of curriculum—just a list of subjects you plan to study during the coming year. (e.g., history, science, math, language arts, music, etc.) Your curriculum is not evaluated or approved by the superintendent; your description merely shows that a curriculum is in place.

Perhaps your initial “Notice of Intent” does not include this description of curriculum because you are still making curriculum decisions (for instance, if you are beginning mid-year.) In that case, you have 30 days from the initial notice of starting to homeschool to complete the requirements and fully comply with the law.

However, once notice has been given in compliance with the statute, your family should be considered legal homeschoolers.

There are several ways to send the notification:

  1. You may mail the “Notice of Intent” and attachments to your division superintendent. If you mail it “certified, return-receipt,” you will have a record of the date the superintendent received your notice.
  2. You may also hand-deliver the “Notice of Intent” to your superintendent’s office. In this case, ask for a hand-written receipt.
  3. Some districts provide for email or online submission. Check the website of your local school district.

Withdrawal from Public School

If you are withdrawing your child from a public school to start homeschooling in Virginia, it is important to file your “Notice of Intent” with your local superintendent before withdrawing your child from public school.

After the date of receipt of your NOI, you may withdraw your child from school without concern for truancy issues; there should be no confusion about complying with school attendance laws. However, if you first take your child out of school, then notify the superintendent, it may raise truancy questions. That could possibly result in a truancy investigation with fines up to $100 per day.

You Are Notifying…Not Asking Permission

As a homeschooling parent, you are not applying for permission or seeking the superintendent’s approval to homeschool. You are simply notifying the superintendent’s office of your intent to provide your child’s education in a manner already approved by the Virginia General Assembly.

The law requires a parent to notify the superintendent of his intent to homeschool. Still, you are not required to wait for “approval” from the division superintendent before withdrawing and beginning to homeschool.

Find Your Superintendent

Here is a list of superintendents throughout the state.

Get a Receipt

Once you’ve found your superintendent’s address for mailing or hand-delivering your Notice of Intent, be sure to mail the Notice of Intent “return-receipt” for verification the superintendent has received it. If you take it to the office, ask for a date-stamped receipt showing they have received the Notice of Intent from you.

What do I teach my child? As you prepare to start your homeschooling journey, few questions loom larger in your mind. Fortunately, much help is available–online, in books and magazines, and through the HEAV office.

You may purchase a complete curriculum, choose single subjects from different publishers—or even create your own, according to your own vision and your child’s learning styles!

When looking at curriculum options, you may want to study educational philosophies first and then find a curriculum that supports your vision. If you can identify one or two methods that fit your family, you will be able to narrow down the curriculum options. This strategy will save you lots of time (and money!) in the long run by providing more focused research.

Check out our curricula resources page to find some of the most popular homeschool curriculum providers, as well as information on finding used curricula.

HEAV has curriculum counselors who are happy to help as you narrow your choices.

Give us a call Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (804-278-9200)

As soon as you have submitted your notification, you are free to begin homeschooling. You do not need to wait for acknowledgment from the superintendent, but HEAV recommends you keep any documentation as proof you have complied with the law.

You do not need to keep track of days and hours. The only time requirement given in 22.1-254 (A) states, in part, “…during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as public schools.”  (Interestingly, in recent years, public school days and schedules are not the same throughout Virginia–some districts even have year-round school now.)

The homeschool statute, 22.1-254.1 does not require homeschoolers to keep any records of the days and hours parents teach, nor does the homeschool law require homeschoolers to turn in forms or attendance records. Neither does it define “school” as the time spent sitting at a desk and completing worksheets. For most home educators, “schooling” also includes field trips, life-skill lessons, music, art, sports, reading, and much more.

Take into account that a typical public school day has quite a bit of unproductive time and may also include times for study hall, physical education, and library visits.

With these facts in mind, you should be able to create a  homeschool schedule that is reasonable and fits your family’s needs.

Truth be told, the element that often makes the difference for successful homeschooling is the support you find within the community. Gone are the days when homeschoolers were few and far between—once you look, you’ll likely find many connections available to you.

Social media groups are a great option. HEAV’s Homeschooling in Virginia page is a wonderful place to get tips and ideas on curriculum, field trips, teaching methods, and  more

Of course, making a personal connection is invaluable! HEAV networks with more than 220 support groups throughout Virginia. Here is a list of local groups and their contact information. Local support groups provide opportunities for student involvement in a variety of activities, as well as encouragement for new homeschooling parents.

Another option is to attend homeschool field trips. Check here for a list of HEAV-sponsored Homeschool Days, as well as MANY others throughout the Commonwealth.

You may have many additional questions as you move along your homeschool journey. HEAV is here as we have been for 37 years, providing accurate information and encouragement for any parent who needs help. 

Please sign up for our weekly communications, including teaching tips, field trips, unit study ideas, a homeschool Q&A, and more!

Virginia Department of Veterans Services Military

Virginia-Specific Military Benefits

Virginia loves veterans and has many programs for military members, retirees, and family members. Take advantage of these benefits available to you as a Virginia resident.

Military Families and Driver Education

Homeschool families can teach the behind-the-wheel portion of driver’s education; however, the DMV form requires a parent to hold a valid Virginia driver’s license. A military homeschooling family teaching driver education in Virginia, however, is not required to obtain a Virginia driver’s license if their current license is valid. 

Military families should fill out the form with the information from their current license and write a cover letter explaining they are military. Supply a copy of the driving record from the current valid state license. Mail the information along with the other required documents for behind-the-wheel training to the main DMV office in Richmond as described on our Driver Education page.

DO NOT take the forms or letter to a local DMV. They have no authority to make exceptions. It should take one to three weeks to process.

If you are denied, please contact HEAV at military@heav.org for assistance.

Department of Motor Vehicles
Commercial Licensing Work Center
P. O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

Ways to obtain a copy of a driving record from the state that issued the driver’s license

1. The DMV

  • Request an official copy of your driving record in person or by mail through the DMV.
  • The DMV does not provide expedited processing for driving records, so order it early.
  • You can receive an unofficial copy of your driving record instantly online.
  • Depending on your state, requesting your official driving record can cost about $10. Unofficial copies cost less.
  • Paying in person, DMV offices only accept cash, check, money order, or ATM/debit card.
    They do not accept credit cards.


2. Auto Insurance Agents

  • Auto insurance agents also have access to your driving report.
  • Agencies can review your information and provide an unofficial driving report.
  • Ask your insurance agent for a free copy of your official driver’s record. (Not all can provide that, but it’s worth asking.)


3. Online Third-Party Vendors

  • This is the fastest but most expensive and often less reliable option.
  • Reports may be less accurate than driving records from the DMV or insurance providers.
  • Verify whether the vendor can obtain an official report beforehand.

Join HEAV today!

Let HEAV help you navigate and support Virginia homeschoolers desiring leadership and military experience. 

While you are here, we invite you to partner with HEAV to help protect and promote homeschooling freedoms in Virginia.

Homeschoolers Entering the Military

Some recruiters may not understand that a homeschooled student does not need a GED, college courses, or additional testing to enter the military.

A homeschool diploma is equal to a public or private school diploma for entry into the military and qualifies applicants to enter as Tier One, not Tier Two, applicants. If any recruiter states that a GED, college courses, an accredited diploma, or higher ASVAB score are required, contact HEAV for assistance.

Military Academy Homeschool Admissions

Homeschooled students are eligible for and desired by military academies. Below are the links to each military academy’s process for homeschool applicants. Your homeschool diploma is equally valid for admission as any public or private school diploma.

Homeschooling Through High School

Homeschooling through high school may have you lacking confidence. Learn how a Virginia high school education through homeschooling can prepare your student for entrance into the military.

DoDEA Virtual Homeschool:  Expanded Eligibility Pilot Program Admission (E2P2)

The DoDEA Virtual School is now available to homeschooled high school students through the Expanded Eligibility Pilot Program. Military-connected homeschooled high school students without access to a DoDEA brick-and-mortar high school are eligible to take up to two online courses. Space is limited. Submit your application through the website.

Army Emergency Relief Homeschool and Remote Education Assistance Program

Soldiers with children from pre-K to grade 12 and undergraduate college students are eligible for financial assistance for costs associated with traditional, full-time home school education and remote education during COVID-19.
military teen high school

Military High School Senior Stabilization Program

If you have an upcoming senior or junior—and one or both parents are active duty military,—many of the military branches have some form of the High School Junior/Senior Stabilization Program, which will allow a servicemember to remain in their current assignment until after the high school junior or senior graduates from high school. Each branch of service has different requirements, and no branch will guarantee access to this program.

  • Army
    The Army’s High School Senior Stabilization Program is for soldiers with family members in their junior or senior year of high school. The Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate (EPMD) will approve stabilization requests if possible. Soldiers must submit a DA Form 4187 no earlier than March 1 of the student’s freshman year and no later than the start of the student’s sophomore year. Requests submitted after this deadline may be processed as an exception to this policy. Click on the link for information and forms.
  • Air Force
    The High School Senior Assignment Deferment Program is for members who meet eligibility requirements and are stationed in the continental United States, and it is limited to ranks below lieutenant colonel or senior master sergeant. Approval is not automatic and is based on Air Force needs. Officers can apply before receiving an assignment, and enlisted members can apply after receiving an assignment. Click on the link for information and forms.
  • Navy
    Stabilization for Sailors with High School Seniors is available to sailors who are not in the negotiating window and whose projected rotation dates occur between the beginning of the dependent’s junior year and the graduation date. The request must be submitted no later than the first day of 12 months prior to their rotation date and must come with a positive command endorsement. Approval is based on the needs of the Navy. Click on the PDF link for information and forms.
  • Marines
    The Marines do not have a High School Stabilization Program. However, marines (and sailors) are offered Housing Flexibility.  One form of this program is called Delay of Dependent Travel (DDT) due to Continuity of Education (COE) for minor school-Aged dependents. A marine who has a dependent who is a senior can request a COE until June 30 of the current year, but the request may not be approved for another child who will be a senior the following year. In some circumstances, a DDT may be approved for sailors with dependents in any grade. Click the link for information and forms.

Military High School Scholarships

Children that are homeschooled dependents of military families are welcome to apply for scholarships specific for high school students. Details and eligibility requirements are individual per scholarship.

Eligible students who are the children of a Marine or Navy Corpsman, Chaplain, or Religious Programs Specialist attached to a Marine unit can apply for an annual academic scholarship of $2,500 to $10,000 per year from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation for any undergraduate or associate degree as well as a non-degree certificate in career or technical education. Each eligible student will receive an award. Homeschooled students are welcome to apply. Applications for the 2024–2025 academic year are due by March 1, 2024. Click details on Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation.

Military dependent children who are unmarried and under the age of 23 are eligible for one of 500 scholarship grants of $2,000 for the 2024–2025 school year. There will be at least one recipient selected at every military commissary location that receives applications. Applications for the 2024–2025 school year must be submitted by February 14, 2024. Click details on Fisher House Scholarship.