Choose a curriculum. Virginia does not require home curriculum to meet the state's Standards of Learning (SOL), yet a curriculum needs to be chosen before notifying Virginia of homeschooling the student. Curriculum fairs, reviews and word of mouth are the most popular means of choosing a curriculum. Virginia also provides a public school-funded home instruction option called a Virtual Academy.
Prepare proof of the teaching parent's education. High school diplomas or college diplomas are acceptable, but a GED is not. If there is a religious belief in regards to the reason the child will be home-educated, then a letter indicating the religious reasons, with supporting scriptural or spiritual quotations, may qualify the teaching parent for a religious exemption to the diploma requirement.
Prepare a letter or Notice of Intent (NOI) detailing the decision to home school. Describe the chosen curriculum as well as how and what the student will be learning. The description of curriculum choice should be limited to one page. Virginia law requires this NOI to be sent to the district superintendent by Aug. 15 before school starts or, if in the middle of a school year, immediately prior to home instruction.
Check the spelling of the NOI and curriculum description. Virginia keeps this letter as proof that the parent is competent to teach. This letter of intent will need to be written and submitted yearly.
Request the district's guidelines for student evaluation. Virginia requires home educators to provide proof of the student's progress each year. Each district superintendent provides guidelines for evaluation or assessment and/or availability of standardized tests.
Decide on a schedule for the school year. Virginia requires a minimum of 180 days of school instruction, yet does not require any filing or record of attendance.