Bill > HB2551

This bill removes four specific criteria that parents previously needed to meet in order to provide home instruction for their school-age children in Virginia. Previously, parents had to either hold a high school diploma, be a qualified teacher, provide a specific program of study, or demonstrate their ability to provide an adequate education. The new bill eliminates these requirements, making it easier for parents to choose home instruction. The bill maintains other existing requirements, such as parents' obligation to annually notify the school division superintendent in August about their intention to homeschool, provide a list of subjects to be studied, and submit evidence of the child's academic progress by the following August. Parents must still show the child is making educational progress through standardized test scores, an evaluation from a licensed teacher or someone with a master's degree, or a transcript from an educational institution. If a child does not demonstrate adequate progress, the home instruction program may be placed on probation for a year. The bill does not change provisions allowing religious exemptions or requiring school boards to make certain standardized tests available to homeschooled students. Importantly, the bill aims to simplify and reduce barriers to home instruction while maintaining accountability for educational progress.

Education

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2551