This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
I have been blogging on whole states together rather than blogging on each individual option in every state. However, the laws in Virginia, in my opinion, are too complicated to present clearly without confusion so I will link the 4 options together at the bottom of each article. I know this does not make it the easiest format for readers from Virginia but I do believe this is the best way to present the information as the requirements for teacher qualification, standardized testing and notice are different for each option. This blog will deal with Option 2 only.
Your second option to home school in the state of Virginia is to establish and operate a home school under the religious exemption statute.
The compulsory age of attendance in Virginia is 5 (on or before September 30) until the age of 18. However, if a parent feels a child is not emotionally, physically or academically ready to start kindergarten, they may delay putting a child in school until the age of 7.
Attendance: There is no noted attendance requirement, although it is generally accepted that children are required to attend 180 days per year, which is the same as public schools.
Subjects: There are no noted subjects that are required, although since children have to take a standardized test, it is generally assumed that similar subjects will be taught as are taught in public schools.
Teacher Qualifications: None
Notice: The only paperwork that you need to file is a request to acknowledge religious exemption with the local school board chairman.
Record Keeping: None
Testing: None
I recognize that a large portion of the homeschooling community home schools for religious reasons. However, I must point out that this is not necessarily “the easy way out,” to avoid paperwork and standardized testing. A family who wishes to home school under the religious exemption law must prove that they have sincere religious beliefs (not merely philosophical) which demonstrate their objection to attendance in public schools. (I would point out that merely not liking what is taught in health does not count as a religious exemption.) To demonstrate this, HSLDA recommends that parents prepare a letter stating their religious beliefs and why these beliefs make them opposed to sending their children to public school and submit it to the school board. Also, homeschoolers should get an affidavit from their pastor (or religious teacher) stating your religious beliefs that make you opposed to sending your children to public school. In addition, it is suggested that you have a few friends write letters that can vouch for your sincerity.
Related Articles:
Homeschooling Laws for Virginia: Option 1
Homeschooling Laws for Virginia: Option 3
Homeschooling Laws for Virginia: Option 4
Helpful Resources:
HSLDA
A to Z Homeschooling
State Support Groups
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
Home Educators Association of Virginia
This page also has a list of regional support groups.