VIRGINIA HOME EDUCATION AND THE LAW

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There are several provisions under the Virginia law which enable parents to home educate their children. These provide the means for all parents to educate their children at home. GRHE has compiled this information to assist parents in understanding how they may home educate in Virginia. We are not lawyers and this information does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that families join Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to obtain legal counsel. GRHE doesn’t endorse any specific avenue to home educate your child.


It is important that parents read and understand the law completely and choose the best option for your family.


You can obtain a quick overview of the Law, in graphical form, at the following page from Home School Legal Defense Association: Summary of VA Homeschool Law


Explanation and Instructions for Health Requirements

Please note: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT HSLDA FOR LEGAL ADVICE.


In Virginia you have three basic options for the home education of your children. Each of these options is discussed in detail following the copy of the section of the law that pertains to them:





  1. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME INSTRUCTED CHILDREN.


Section 22.1-271.4 of Virginia law states, “…any parent, guardian … having control or charge of a child being home instructed … shall comply with the immunization requirements provided in Section 32.1-46 in the same manner and to the same extent as if the child has been enrolled in and is attending school.

Upon request by the division superintendent, the parent shall submit to such division superintendent documentary proof of immunization in compliance with Sec. 32.1-46. No proof of immunization shall be required of any child upon submission of (I) an affidavit to the division superintendent stating that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s religious tenets or practices; or (ii) a written certification from a licensed physician that one or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the child’s health, indicating the specific nature of the medical condition or circumstances that contraindicates immunization.” .