Thinking about homeschooling?
Starting the homeschooling journey can initially feel overwhelming, but you're not alone! We understand there’s a lot to navigate, so we’ve gathered some basic information to help you get started. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply exploring your options, this overview will provide you with the essentials and set you on a smooth path forward.
Here is the link to the State Regulations:
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/home-instruction
Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI)
Virginia requires families to submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool to their local school division superintendent by August 15th each year. This notice can be a simple letter stating your intent to homeschool, along with evidence that you meet one of the four options outlined in Virginia's homeschool law. These options include having a high school diploma or higher degree, holding a teaching certificate, providing a curriculum or program description, or submitting an evaluation of your child's progress.
Local contacts for the following areas:
Richmond Public Schools:
https://www.rvaschools.net/chief-of-staff/enrollrps/home-instruction
Mail or email letters to:
Enrollment, Placement, and Planning
2120 Fendall Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
[email protected]
Chesterfield County:
https://www.oneccps.org/page/homeschooling
More information
Carolyn Owens, Home School Support Specialist
804-639-8628
Henrico County:
https://www.henricoschools.us/page/homeschool-resources
Blair Astoria
804-652-3817
Annual Evaluation Requirement
By August 1st of each year, you will need to submit evidence that your child is making adequate educational progress. This can be done through standardized test scores, an evaluation letter from a qualified individual, or a portfolio review of your child's work. This allows flexibility in showing how your child is learning.
Record Keeping
While Virginia doesn’t require detailed records beyond the annual progress evaluation, it’s a good idea to keep track of your child’s work, especially as they enter the high school years. Maintaining portfolios, grades, or transcripts can be useful if your learner chooses to attend college or transition back into a traditional school system.
Virginia provides a lot of flexibility in how you choose to homeschool, allowing you to create a tailored experience that works best for your family.
Curriculum Planning
Virginia does not mandate a specific curriculum, so you can choose materials that fit your learner’s needs and interests. Secular curriculum options offer a non-religious approach to education, providing flexibility and diversity in your homeschooling journey.
RHC does not endorse any of the following curriculum choices,
A sample of websites that offer secular homeschooling ideas and resources:
Oak Meadow: https://www.oakmeadow.com – A secular, Waldorf-inspired curriculum for grades K-12, focusing on experiential learning and creative thinking.
Blossom & Root: https://blossomandroot.com – A nature-inspired, secular curriculum for early education through upper elementary.
Build Your Library: https://buildyourlibrary.com – Literature-based secular curriculum covering grades K-12, focused on history, science, and language arts.
Moving Beyond the Page: https://www.movingbeyondthepage.com – Comprehensive secular homeschool curriculum for gifted learners and creative thinkers.
Pandia Press: https://www.pandiapress.com – Secular history and science curriculums, including the popular History Odyssey and Real Science Odyssey programs.
SEA Homeschoolers: https://seahomeschoolers.com – A community-driven site providing secular homeschooling resources, curriculum recommendations, and a strong online support network.
The Secular Homeschool: https://www.secularhomeschool.com – A community hub for secular homeschoolers with curriculum ideas, reviews, and support forums.
Homeschooling Support Groups:
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers https://vahomeschoolers.org/
Secular Homeschooling in Virginia https://www.facebook.com/share/g/gnL2cLBzSP9oc3wu/
Joining Local Homeschool Communities
Connecting with local homeschool groups can provide invaluable support, resources, and community. Richmond and the surrounding areas have vibrant homeschool communities where you can get connected, exchange ideas, and organize group activities.
**To learn more about Richmond Homeschool Collective out our FAQ link: FAQs **