Southampton County

A district form letter incorrectly described a notice of intent as a request that was approved. To help ensure parents are informed accurately in regard to their legal obligations, HEAV reached out to the district.

HEAV received an immediate response thanking us for providing clarification on the law and ensuring us that further communications will accurately reflect the law. HEAV is thankful to Southampton for this positive and prompt response.

What You Should Know:

• The law does not indicate public school districts have the statutory authority to approve a parent’s decision to enroll in a private school, hire a Virginia-certified tutor, or homeschool.
• Under the homeschool statute, parents are required to notify the superintendent of their intent to homeschool.
• The superintendent’s responsibility is to ensure parents have met the requirements of the homeschool law.
• Districts may, but are not required to, send a letter to parents acknowledging receipt of their notice of intent.
• Reference: §22.1-254(A), §22.1-254.1(B)