Virginia Online Home School K-12: What Parents Ask First
What is Virginia Online Home School K-12?
A flexible way for Virginia families to educate K-12 students using online coursework, parent oversight, and academic support. We provide accredited curriculum, real teachers, and a U.S. diploma pathway for families seeking a structured private online option.
Is online homeschooling legal in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows families to provide home instruction under Va. Code § 22.1-254.1 when they meet state requirements: file Notice of Intent by August 15 and provide evidence of academic progress by August 1 of the following year. Religious exemption is also available under § 22.1-254.
Is High School of America a Virginia public virtual school?
No. We are not a Virginia public virtual school like Virginia Virtual Academy or Virginia Connections Academy. We are a private online school option for families seeking flexible online coursework, academic support, and a U.S. diploma pathway.
Important Virginia Compliance Note
High School of America provides online coursework, academic support, transcripts, and diploma planning. Virginia families remain responsible for understanding and following the home instruction, religious exemption, or other compulsory attendance pathway that applies to their situation.
Virginia K-12 Online Home School
The Old Dominion. Your New Classroom.
Virginia families have been educating their children at home since before this state ratified the Constitution. That tradition is alive. More than 59,000 Virginia students are now homeschooled, and the number grows every year. High School of America is an accredited, self-paced K-12 online home school built for families who want full control of when, where, and how their children learn.
Virginia’s Two Paths to Home Education
Virginia is one of very few states that gives families two distinct legal routes for home education. Understanding which path fits your family matters because each one carries different obligations. Call (888) 242-4262 if you want help thinking through the options.
Home Instruction (Section 22.1-254.1)
The most common route, and the one used by the vast majority of Virginia’s 59,000 homeschool families. Parents file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with their local school division by August 15 each year. The NOI is a straightforward form that names your child, states your qualification, and describes your intended curriculum. If you miss the August 15 deadline, some divisions accept late filings, but planning ahead avoids unnecessary stress.
Virginia gives parents four ways to qualify. You can hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject. You can use a curriculum approved by the local superintendent. You can provide evidence that you are able to provide an adequate education through other means, such as teaching experience or relevant coursework. Or you can enroll your child in an accredited program, which is where High School of America fits. High School of America can help families document an online curriculum and course plan for the Home Instruction pathway. Virginia families using home instruction must still file the required Notice of Intent with their local division superintendent and include the required curriculum description.
The instructional year must include at least 180 days or 990 hours of instruction. By August 1 of the following year, you submit evidence of academic progress. Virginia accepts two forms: a standardized test where your child scores at or above the fourth stanine (roughly the 23rd percentile), or a written evaluation from a person with qualifications the division approves, such as a licensed teacher, who reviews a portfolio of the student’s work. If progress is not demonstrated, the division may place the student on probation for one year and require re-evaluation.
- File Notice of Intent annually by August 15
- Parent holds a bachelor’s degree, uses an approved curriculum, or qualifies under another provision
- 180 instruction days or 990 hours per year
- Submit evidence of progress by August 1 of the following year
- Standardized test (at or above 4th stanine) or portfolio evaluation by qualified evaluator
- Accredited program enrollment satisfies the curriculum requirement
Enrolling in an accredited program like High School of America satisfies the approved curriculum requirement. Your student’s transcript, coursework, and assessment records serve as evidence of progress. Call (888) 242-4262 if you have questions about the NOI process. See how Virginia enrollment works
Religious Exemption (Section 22.1-254)
Virginia recognizes a religious exemption from compulsory attendance for families whose bona fide religious training or belief makes them conscientiously opposed to school attendance. The process starts with a letter addressed to the chairman of your local school board. In that letter, the parent explains that attendance at school conflicts with their sincere and genuine religious beliefs, training, or practice. Virginia law uses the phrase “bona fide religious belief,” which courts have interpreted broadly. It does not require membership in a specific church, denomination, or organized religion. Personal religious conviction is sufficient.
Once the school board approves the exemption, the family has no further obligations to the school division. There are no annual filings. No mandated curriculum. No standardized testing. No portfolio submissions. No required subjects. The exemption remains in effect as long as the family’s religious beliefs have not changed. It is the most educationally free pathway available anywhere in the United States.
- Submit a letter to your local school board chairman
- Explain your bona fide religious belief opposing school attendance
- No church membership or denominational affiliation required
- Once approved: no annual filings required
- No mandated curriculum, testing, or portfolio submissions
- Educational flexibility within Virginia’s religious exemption framework with no state oversight
Some families who hold a religious exemption still choose accredited coursework for their children. The exemption covers your legal obligation. An accredited transcript covers your student’s future college and career applications. If you are weighing the religious exemption against the Home Instruction path, a counselor at (888) 242-4262 can walk you through the practical differences.
Virginia Online Home School vs. Public Virtual vs. Private Online
Virginia families compare DIY homeschool, public virtual schools (Virginia Virtual Academy serves K-12; Virginia Connections Academy currently serves grades 6-11), and private online programs. Here’s the side-by-side.
| Option | Best For | Schedule | Oversight | Diploma / Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Homeschool | Parents who want full instructional control | Parent-managed | Parent follows VA home instruction requirements | Parent-created records, plan-dependent |
| VA Public Virtual | Tuition-free public school from home | Public school calendar + requirements | Public school system | Public school transcript |
| Generic Private Online | Structured online with private support | Often more flexible / self-paced | Private school + family compliance | School transcript + diploma pathway |
| High School of America | Accredited K-12 online with U.S. diploma pathway | Self-paced, year-round enrollment | HSOA academic support; family handles VA compliance | Accredited transcript + diploma planning |
High School of America is not a Virginia public virtual school. It is a private online K-12 option for families seeking flexibility and a U.S. diploma pathway alongside Virginia compliance.
Every Grade. One Accredited Program.
Virginia’s compulsory attendance law covers ages 5 (by September 30) through 18. High School of America covers all of it. Coursework is teacher-supported by certified instructors, runs on your family’s schedule, and generates an official transcript.
Elementary School: Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Virginia’s largest homeschool segment is K-5, with 29,489 students in the 2025-26 school year. That is nearly half of all Virginia homeschoolers. Many families begin home education in the elementary years because early childhood is when learning habits form, and parents want direct influence over reading instruction, math foundations, and character development. Virginia’s compulsory attendance begins at age 5 (if the child turns 5 by September 30), so kindergarten is where most families file their first Notice of Intent.
Elementary students at High School of America build foundational skills in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies through interactive, self-paced lessons and guided activities. Each course is taught by a certified teacher who provides feedback and grades assignments. Virginia parents who want their children reading above grade level or exploring science at their own pace find that self-paced scheduling removes the ceiling that traditional classrooms impose.
Explore elementary programs: Kindergarten | Elementary School Overview
Middle School: 6th through 8th Grade
Middle school is where study habits form and academic interests sharpen. Virginia’s NAEP data shows that 8th graders in the state have the 3rd highest poverty gap in reading scores nationally, which means lower-income students are falling behind at exactly the moment when academic foundations matter most. Online home school lets families intervene directly, giving students instruction that adapts to their level rather than averaging across a classroom of 30.
Students take core subjects in English, math, science, and social studies, plus exploratory electives. Self-paced scheduling means a student who reads three grade levels ahead does not have to wait for the rest of the class, and a student who needs extra time in pre-algebra gets it without stigma or a label. Virginia middle schoolers at HSOA also begin building organizational skills and digital literacy that prepare them for high school coursework.
Explore middle school programs: 6th Grade Online | 7th Grade Online | 8th Grade Online
High School: 9th through 12th Grade
High school students earn a 24-credit accredited diploma recognized by colleges, employers, and the U.S. military as Tier 1. Coursework includes English, math through Algebra II, lab sciences, U.S. and world history, government, economics, health, PE, and electives. Students build a transcript that stands on its own for college admissions, NCAA eligibility, and scholarship applications. Virginia families applying to UVA, Virginia Tech, JMU, William & Mary, or any other in-state university submit the same accredited transcript that brick-and-mortar students do.
For students who already know what they want to study, the full course catalog includes electives that let them explore interests before committing to a college major. Students who are balancing competitive athletics, jobs, ministry, or family responsibilities find that self-paced scheduling makes high school possible without sacrificing any of those commitments.
Explore high school programs: 9th Grade Online | 10th Grade Online | 11th Grade Online | 12th Grade Online | High School Courses
Questions about high school credits or transcripts? Call (888) 242-4262 to walk through your student’s specific plan.
59,000 Virginia Families and Growing
That is 60% growth in six years. The trajectory tells a story. Virginia counted roughly 37,000 homeschooled students in 2018-19. Then the pandemic hit, and families who had never considered home education suddenly found themselves doing it. The number peaked at 59,638 during the 2020-21 school year. Skeptics predicted a mass return to traditional classrooms once buildings reopened. That did not happen. The count dipped slightly in 2021-22 and 2022-23, then began climbing again. The 2025-26 figure of 59,055 confirms that the pandemic did not create a temporary spike. It accelerated a permanent shift in how Virginia families think about education.
K-5 is the largest segment at 29,489 students, which tells you that families are starting earlier and staying longer. Many parents who began homeschooling a kindergartner in 2020 have kept going through elementary school and plan to continue into middle school. The demographics are broadening, too. Black families, Hispanic families, and families with special-needs children are choosing home education at growing rates. Virginia’s homeschool community is becoming as diverse as the Commonwealth itself.
A 2025 Pew Research Center poll found that 83% of parents expressed concern about their child’s school environment, 75% said they prefer to direct the moral and values instruction their children receive, and 72% want more emphasis on family life in their child’s education. Those numbers help explain why homeschooling is no longer an outlier decision. It is a mainstream one.
These are not fringe families. They are military households stationed at Norfolk and Quantico. They are Northern Virginia professionals whose children outpaced their local school’s pace. They are rural Southside families whose district struggles with funding and teacher retention. They are first-generation homeschool families in Richmond and Hampton Roads who looked at the data and decided a different approach was worth trying.
Built for Virginia’s Military Families
Virginia is a military mega-state. More active-duty service members are stationed here than in almost any other state, and the Hampton Roads region has the highest concentration of military families on the East Coast. Every PCS move means a new school district, new teachers, new transcripts, and new red tape. It does not have to work that way.
When your family enrolls in High School of America, the school travels with you. A PCS from Norfolk to San Diego or Quantico to Camp Lejeune changes nothing about your student’s coursework, transcript, or graduation timeline. Military families can enroll mid-year at any time. There is no waiting for a semester to start. The diploma is accredited and recognized as military Tier 1, which matters for ROTC, service academy applications, and enlistment eligibility.
Deployment seasons add another layer of disruption for military children. When a parent is overseas, the last thing a family needs is a rigid school schedule adding more stress. Self-paced coursework means students can adjust their academic load around the realities of military life without falling behind or losing credits.
School Liaison Officers at every Virginia installation can point you to base-specific homeschool support groups. If you want to talk about how HSOA works with military schedules, call (888) 242-4262 or review the admissions process.
Two Virginias, One School
Northern Virginia and the Urban Corridor
Fairfax County. Loudoun County. Arlington. Some of the best-funded school districts in America sit within commuting distance of the Capitol. Families here sometimes choose home education not because the local schools are failing, but because their children need a different pace, a different schedule, or relief from the social pressures of large suburban high schools.
For students who are balancing competitive athletics, performing arts, or early college coursework, self-paced online schooling means the academic calendar bends around their life instead of the other way around. Northern Virginia also has a large population of dual-income professional families whose work schedules do not align with the 7:25 AM to 2:15 PM school day. Online home school gives those families flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.
If your family is in the NoVA corridor and wants to explore how accredited online school works alongside your schedule, call (888) 242-4262.
Southwest, Southside, and Rural Virginia
The math is different out here. Virginia ranks 10th lowest nationally in the ratio of instructional spending to transportation spending, with rural districts putting $9 into buses for every $1 into classroom instruction. Teacher vacancies go unfilled for months. Advanced Placement course options are limited or nonexistent in many small schools. The state also has the 3rd highest poverty gap in 8th-grade reading scores on the NAEP, meaning lower-income students in under-resourced districts are falling further behind their wealthier peers than in nearly every other state.
Math recovery has been slow across Virginia as well. Statewide, students are still 0.92 grade levels below their pre-2019 math benchmarks. In rural districts where substitute teachers filled gaps and hybrid schedules disrupted instruction for years, the deficit is often worse.
Online home school removes geography from the equation. A student in Lee County or Danville gets the same certified teachers, the same course catalog, and the same accredited diploma as a student in McLean. The internet does not care about your zip code.
Families in rural Virginia who want to discuss enrollment options can reach a counselor at (888) 242-4262.
How Virginia Enrollment Works
Getting started takes less time than you think. Here is the process from first contact to first lesson.
Contact Us
Call (888) 242-4262 or begin your application online. A counselor will answer questions about courses, grade placement, and Virginia’s home instruction requirements.
Submit Records
Provide your student’s previous school records or homeschool portfolio. Our admissions team reviews transcripts and recommends proper course placement.
File Your Notice of Intent
If you are using the Home Instruction path, submit your Notice of Intent to your local school division by August 15. Enrolling in an accredited program satisfies Virginia’s curriculum requirement.
Start Learning
Your student gets login credentials, meets their teachers, and begins coursework on their own schedule. Year-round enrollment means you do not have to wait for September.
Based on parent, alumni, and staff reviews on
“I enrolled in the High School of America after not enjoying the traditional high school experience. I searched for a good online option, and the High School of America was the first one that seemed worth my time/money. With a reasonable, self-paced curriculum, I was able to earn my diploma. I am now pursuing higher education, and the staff at High School of America has been instrumental in helping me throughout this process. If you struggle with anxiety, this is a perfect school for you.”
“Our experience with High School of America has been truly transformative. We were looking for an alternative to the rigid schedule of traditional schools, and HSOA delivered on the ‘Anywhere, Anytime’ promise perfectly.”
The diploma is accredited and accepted by Virginia community colleges, four-year universities including VCU, Virginia Tech, JMU, and UVA, and employers across the Commonwealth. Not sure if this is the right fit? Read our guide for students and parents to see who thrives in this program.
What Should a Virginia Notice of Intent Include?
Families using the Home Instruction pathway should contact their local school division for its preferred form or instructions. In general, a Notice of Intent should include the items below. Source: Va. Code § 22.1-254.1 and VDOE.
- Student name and age or grade level
- Parent or guardian contact information
- Statement of intent to provide home instruction
- Evidence of meeting one of VA’s home instruction criteria
- Curriculum description (limited to a list of subjects)
- Any additional information requested by the local division
Virginia Online Home School: Parent Checklist
A practical sequence for Virginia families. The Notice of Intent and August 1 progress evidence are the dates most families miss.
- Decide which Virginia pathway fits: Home Instruction (§ 22.1-254.1), Religious Exemption (§ 22.1-254), private school, or public virtual school.
- If Home Instruction, prepare your Notice of Intent for the local school division.
- Submit the Notice of Intent by August 15, or as soon as practicable if starting after the school year begins.
- Prepare a list of subjects or curriculum description for the year.
- Choose online courses and grade-level placement with our team.
- Set a weekly learning schedule for your student.
- Track coursework, grades, progress, and records throughout the year.
- Submit evidence of academic progress by August 1 of the following year (Home Instruction).
- Schedule a counselor call when grade transitions or course questions come up.
Virginia Online Home School for Student-Athletes & Military Families
Why do Virginia military families choose online home school?
Virginia military families often choose online home school because coursework continues through PCS moves, deployments, and changing schedules. Our online K-12 pathway moves with the family, giving military-connected students consistent academics across installations and overseas postings.
Virginia Online Home School for Student-Athletes
We can be a strong fit for student-athletes who need flexible coursework around training, travel, and tournaments. Families should work with a counselor on course planning and confirm any NCAA core-course requirements with the NCAA Eligibility Center based on the student’s sport and college goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Virginia Home School
Is High School of America accredited in Virginia?
Yes. High School of America is nationally accredited, which means the diploma and transcripts are recognized by Virginia colleges, employers, and the military. Enrolling in an accredited online program also satisfies Virginia’s Home Instruction curriculum requirement under Section 22.1-254.1. Call (888) 242-4262 with accreditation questions.
Do I still need to file a Notice of Intent if my child enrolls in HSOA?
If you are using the Home Instruction pathway (Path 1), yes. Virginia law requires families to notify their local school division by August 15 each year. Enrollment in HSOA satisfies the “approved curriculum” component of that filing. If your family holds a religious exemption (Path 2), no annual filing is required.
Does my student have to take Virginia SOL tests?
No. SOL (Standards of Learning) tests are required for public school students in Virginia. Home-instructed students must show evidence of academic progress, but this can be done through a standardized test of the parent’s choosing or a portfolio evaluation. HSOA coursework and transcripts serve as strong evidence of progress.
Can military families use HSOA during a PCS move?
Absolutely. Because HSOA is online and self-paced, a PCS from Virginia to any other state or overseas installation does not interrupt your student’s coursework. The transcript and graduation timeline stay intact. Many military families choose online school specifically to avoid the disruption of changing schools every two to three years.
What grade levels does HSOA serve in Virginia?
Kindergarten through 12th grade. Virginia’s compulsory attendance law covers ages 5 through 18, and HSOA serves that full range. Elementary, middle, and high school students each get age-appropriate coursework taught by certified instructors.
Is HSOA self-paced? Can my student work ahead or take extra time?
Yes to both. Students log in and complete coursework on their own schedule. There are no mandatory live class sessions and no bell schedule. A student who finishes Algebra I in three months can move straight into Geometry. A student who needs six months for the same material gets it without penalty. Year-round enrollment means you can start any day, not just in September.
How much does HSOA cost for Virginia families?
High School of America has plans to fit any family’s budget, including discounts on pay-in-full enrollment. Tuition details are best discussed with a counselor who can walk through your family’s specific situation. Call (888) 242-4262 or visit the admissions page to get started.
What is Virginia’s religious exemption for homeschooling?
Virginia recognizes a religious exemption from compulsory school attendance under Section 22.1-254. A parent writes a letter to the chairman of their local school board explaining that school attendance conflicts with their sincere religious beliefs. If the board approves the exemption, the family has no further obligations: no annual filings, no required curriculum, no testing, and no portfolio reviews. The exemption does not require membership in an organized church or denomination. Families who hold a religious exemption and still want an accredited transcript for college applications often enroll in HSOA alongside the exemption.
Do I need a college degree to homeschool in Virginia?
No. A bachelor’s degree is one of several ways to qualify under Virginia’s Home Instruction statute, but it is not the only one. You can also qualify by using a curriculum approved by the local superintendent, by providing evidence of your ability to educate (such as teaching experience or relevant coursework), or by enrolling your child in an accredited program. Enrolling in High School of America satisfies the curriculum qualification requirement regardless of the parent’s educational background.
When is the Notice of Intent deadline in Virginia?
August 15 of each year. Families using the Home Instruction pathway (Section 22.1-254.1) must file a Notice of Intent with their local school division by that date. The NOI names your child, describes your intended curriculum, and states how you qualify. Some divisions accept late filings, but filing on time avoids complications. Families who enroll in HSOA can list the accredited program as their curriculum on the NOI form. If you need help with the filing, call (888) 242-4262.
Can military families enroll mid-year?
Yes. High School of America offers year-round enrollment with no semester start dates to wait for. Military families receiving PCS orders can enroll their student on any day of the year and begin coursework immediately. The transcript transfers seamlessly if the family moves again. Many military families at Norfolk, Quantico, Fort Belvoir, and other Virginia installations choose online school specifically to avoid the disruption of switching schools every two to three years.
Will Virginia colleges accept an HSOA diploma?
Yes. High School of America is nationally accredited, and the diploma and transcripts are accepted by Virginia community colleges, four-year universities including UVA, Virginia Tech, JMU, VCU, and William & Mary, and employers across the Commonwealth. The accredited transcript includes course titles, grades, credits, and GPA, which is exactly what college admissions offices require. Military-connected students also benefit from the diploma’s Tier 1 recognition for ROTC and service academy applications.
Serving Families Across Virginia
High School of America enrolls students in every Virginia city and county. Find your community below.
Hampton Roads
Northern Virginia
Western Virginia
Your Student’s Virginia Education Starts Here
Accredited. Self-paced. Year-round. Kindergarten through 12th grade. One school that works whether you live in Arlington or Abingdon, Norfolk or Norton.
K-12 Online Home School Across the Commonwealth
We serve K-12 students across Virginia — Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Richmond Metro, the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge, and the Tidewater. Families enroll year-round from cities including: