Under Virginia Code § 22.1-254.1, a parent providing home instruction notifies the division superintendent every year by August 15, with a list of the subjects to be studied and evidence of meeting one of four qualification options. By August 1 after each school year, the parent gives the superintendent evidence of progress: a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed achievement test (or an equivalent ACT, SAT, or PSAT score), or an evaluation or assessment the superintendent accepts.
What the official sources say
- Parent qualification
The parent (i) holds a high school diploma, (ii) is a teacher with Board-prescribed qualifications, (iii) provides a program of study or curriculum, which may be a correspondence course or distance learning program, or (iv) provides evidence of being able to provide an adequate education.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children - Annual notice
The parent notifies the division superintendent in August, no later than August 15, with a description of the curriculum limited to a list of subjects for the coming year, plus evidence of meeting one of the qualification options.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children - Starting mid-year
A parent who moves into a division or starts home instruction after the school year has begun notifies the superintendent as soon as practicable and meets the requirements within 30 days of that notice.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children - Evidence of progress
By August 1 following the school year: a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on a nationally normed standardized achievement test or an equivalent ACT, SAT, or PSAT score, or an evaluation the superintendent accepts. That can be a letter from a person licensed to teach in any state or holding a master’s degree in an academic discipline who knows the child’s progress, or a report card or transcript from a college, distance learning program, or home-education correspondence school.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children - Probation
If evidence of progress is not provided, the program may be placed on probation for one year with a remediation plan. These progress requirements do not apply to children under six as of September 30 of the school year.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children - Religious exemption
The section does not prevent a family from obtaining an excuse from attendance for bona fide religious training or belief under § 22.1-254(B)(1), which is a separate path.
Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children
Records worth keeping in Virginia
The list below mixes what the sources above require with habits that make the year easier to show later. Only the facts above are legal requirements.
- A copy of each August notice, subject list, and qualification evidence.
- Each year’s test score report or signed evaluation letter, as submitted.
- A dated log and work samples that an evaluator can review.
- For high school: course titles, credits, and grades for a transcript.
Where TeachKeep fits
TeachKeep is an iPhone app for recording completed learning. It keeps each child’s records separate by school year.
- Record completed learning by subject so the August 15 subject list matches what was taught.
- Give an evaluator a clear, dated view of one child’s year.
- Attach work samples and the score report as local evidence files.
- Household Plus can save a PDF or CSV of a child’s school year to share.
Keep the Virginia record as the year happens.
Log what was done, by child and subject, in under a minute.
Official sources and last check
- Code of Virginia § 22.1-254.1 - Requirements for home instruction of children
- Virginia Department of Education - Home Instruction
Retrieved and last checked October 18, 2026. The date records when the linked material was read. It does not guarantee that no rule changed afterward.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Virginia homeschool notice of intent due?
Every year by August 15. Families who move in or start after the school year has begun notify the superintendent as soon as practicable and comply within 30 days.
What test score does Virginia require for homeschoolers?
A composite score in or above the fourth stanine on any nationally normed standardized achievement test, or an equivalent ACT, SAT, or PSAT score. An accepted evaluation is the alternative.
Is the Virginia religious exemption the same as home instruction?
No. Section 22.1-254.1 says it does not prevent a family from seeking a religious exemption under § 22.1-254(B)(1), which is a separate legal path with its own process.