Overview: Homeschooling Law in Virginia
Must notify the division superintendent annually. Virginia Education Act §22.1-254.1. Three pathways: (1) hold a college degree; (2) use an approved correspondence curriculum; (3) provide evidence of ability to provide instruction. Annual assessment by a 3rd party evaluator or standardized test.
Graduation Credit Requirements
The commonly accepted minimum for a competitive college-prep transcript from Virginia is 22 Carnegie units. However, because Virginia homeschools set their own graduation standards (except where state law specifies otherwise), you may set a higher bar.
Recommended distribution for a college-bound student:
| Subject | Minimum Credits | College-Prep Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| English / Language Arts | 4.0 | 4.0 (including composition) |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | 4.0 (through pre-calculus) |
| Science | 2.0–3.0 | 3.0–4.0 (at least 2 with lab) |
| History / Social Studies | 3.0 | 3.0–4.0 |
| Foreign Language | 0–2.0 | 2.0–3.0 (same language) |
| Fine Arts | 0–1.0 | 1.0 |
| PE / Health | 0.5–1.0 | 1.0 |
| Electives | Varies | 4.0–6.0 |
Notarization
Not required. Parent-issued Certificate of Completion and transcript are standard.
Dual Enrollment
Virginia allows homeschool students to dual enroll at community colleges and participate in Governor's Career & Technical Academy programs. Contact the college directly. The Virginia Community College System has worked with many homeschool families.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP): Needs-based. Tuition Assistance Grant available for Virginia students at private colleges.
Key Resources for Virginia Homeschoolers
- Virginia Department of Education — for official homeschool policy documents
- Home School Legal Defense Association (VA chapter) — hslda.org for legal questions
- What to include on a homeschool transcript
- Free GPA calculator
- Blank transcript template (PDF)