Is testing required?
Yes for the main home instruction option. Families usually submit annual evidence of academic progress through a test, evaluation, or another accepted method. Other legal options can work differently.
VA
Medium regulationVirginia homeschool testing requirements
Testing rules vary dramatically by state. This page gives parents the current Virginia testing/evaluation summary, frequency, and practical next steps without burying the answer in legal language.
Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.
How often?
Annually for the main home instruction option.
Recordkeeping connection
Keep a copy of your annual notice, proof that you qualify under an allowed option, curriculum information, test or evaluation results, and a solid transcript for high school.
Notification connection
Yes, for the main home instruction option. Some alternative legal pathways have different rules or may not use the same notice process. Deadline: For the main home instruction option, notice is generally due by August 15 each year, or as soon as practicable after moving into the division or starting later.
Practical testing file
- 1Name of test, evaluator, or portfolio reviewer if used.
- 2Date completed and school year covered.
- 3Score report, evaluator letter, portfolio receipt, or parent summary.
- 4Copy of anything submitted to a district, umbrella school, or state office.
Free printables
Download the homeschool starter kit
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Does Virginia require standardized testing for homeschoolers?
Yes for the main home instruction option. Families usually submit annual evidence of academic progress through a test, evaluation, or another accepted method. Other legal options can work differently.
How often do Virginia homeschoolers test or evaluate?
Annually for the main home instruction option.
Where should I store results?
Keep testing or evaluation records with your Virginia homeschool records, even if the state does not require submission every year.
See testing in context
Testing is only one compliance field. Review the complete Virginia requirement hub before your school year starts.
Virginia homeschool requirementsSources for Virginia
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-254.1/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-254/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-254.01/
- https://www.doe.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/parents-students/for-parents/home_instruction/home_instruction_information_package.pdf
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.