Question about homeschooling in VA

[Anonymous]

Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

You don't need to follow the school calendars. You can teach year long. Make sure to document your start date and your end date, and track the days that you taught. Remember your goal is to meet that 180-day requirement.

[Anonymous]

Check out heav.org. They have good info on homeschooling requirements and will even consult with you on the phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

You don't need to follow the school calendars. You can teach year long. Make sure to document your start date and your end date, and track the days that you taught. Remember your goal is to meet that 180-day requirement.

Alternatively, you could aim for 990 hours. Count field trips like nature walks towards your hours. Count the dance party and sing along to whatever you're playing. Tell stories. You can count 8+ hours per day if you think about all the things that young children do naturally, and you ask a few leading questions. Ex: While DS plays at making food, talk about the quantity, color, nutrition and/or any senses that would be involved (taste and smell).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

No, you don't have to adhere to any particular schedule. You do have to take a standardized test at the end of the year (or present a portfolio, which seems like a more laborious way to submit evidence of progress).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

No, you don't have to adhere to any particular schedule. You do have to take a standardized test at the end of the year (or present a portfolio, which seems like a more laborious way to submit evidence of progress).

I’m fine with the end-of-year standardized test, but which one would you choose for early elementary?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello! My son is still quite young (will begin preschool next year), and I am seriously considering homeschooling due to the quality of instruction in APS (where we are zoned) and all other surrounding school systems (if we were to move). I’ve had serious doubts in the past, and have even more now after watching them deal with distance learning.

Looking up VA law, we will easily meet all requirements for long-term homeschooling (if we wish to do so), but I wonder about the days/hours section:

“Home instruction must take place “during the period of each year the public schools are in session and for the same number of days and hours per day as the public schools.” This is generally 180 days or 990 hours. See Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-254(A).“

Does this mean that we have to document attendance following the school system’s calendar? I actually prefer a year-round schedule, which is what many public schools follow in my home state. I’m not concerned about the number of days/hours (I think it is likely that we will exceed those numbers), but don’t want to be forced to follow their rigid calendar.

Thanks for your help!

No, you don't have to adhere to any particular schedule. You do have to take a standardized test at the end of the year (or present a portfolio, which seems like a more laborious way to submit evidence of progress).

I’m fine with the end-of-year standardized test, but which one would you choose for early elementary?

https://www.setontesting.com/test-comparison-chart/
For K-2, I use Iowa (requires be to administer) or terranova, then Stanford online starting in 3rd. I don’t like cat, and it doesn’t start until 4th.

[Anonymous]

NP. Does testing need to be done in the spring? Or can I go ahead and do it in February?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. Does testing need to be done in the spring? Or can I go ahead and do it in February?

A lot of families test in March, that way they can retest in May/June after targeting weak areas. If you don’t need to retest, you can just turn in the earlier test.