Homeschooling/unschooling in Virginia (Chesapeake, Newport News: crime, public school, exemption) - City-Data Forum

artistatheart · 04-30-2009, 06:22 AM

Hi--we're considering a move to Virginia (Newport News area). Right now, our choices are between a very small community in upstate New York (New York is notoriously difficult for homeschooling) and VA. While I can't pin everything on the ease of homeschooling in the state, it is going to play a pretty significant role in our decision. We are predominantly unschoolers and don't want a whole lot of interference in our curriculum.

Any VA homeschoolers/unschoolers who can give me some information about their experiences?

Thank you so much!

VA Yankee · 04-30-2009, 08:26 AM

The following link is from the Virginia Department of Education and has the Frequently asked question for home schooling. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Parents/home-instruction-faq.pdf (broken link). If you wish to explore the state deparment of ed site more just google it. Hope this helps.

artistatheart · 04-30-2009, 08:43 AM

Hey, thanks! I'm going to look it up right now!

michiganmom48 · 04-30-2009, 08:21 PM

I homeschool in North Carolina on the Virginia line first year. Don't know about Virginia just this state. Good luck

Mee&Kee · 09-15-2009, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by artistatheart

Any VA homeschoolers/unschoolers who can give me some information about their experiences?

Thank you so much!

Hi & welcome to VA! I hope your transition has been a smooth one. Not sure where you are on the homeschool/unschool issue here at this point. We are just starting on our journey down this road. Virginia is very homeschool friendly and there is an unschooling group that meets there on the penninsula if you haven't already found them. If you need more info I'll be glad to help.

BrianLMA · 09-15-2009, 08:25 PM

As others have said, Virginia has a large population of homeschoolers.

We homeschooled both of our children when I was in the Army, both while stationed overseas and in Virginia. This is THE site for homeschooling in Virginia: Virginia Homeschool | Homeschooling in Virginia - Home Educators Association of Virginia.

Jewelblossom77 · 09-17-2009, 02:40 AM

I think they are forgetting to tell you that the crime statistics are very high in Newport News.. Chesapeake would be safer and more family friendly.

Beenaroundabit · 09-22-2009, 07:43 AM

I can't speak to the Tidewater area, but I had a colleague when I lived in Roanoke and his wife homeschooled their two children. He had nothing but good to say about it and I know there was a large group of homeschoolers in the area. They would regulaly interact for field trips and whatnot. Hope that helps.

Electron · 09-25-2009, 07:13 AM

I'm in Hanover County, 4th year homeskooler, and have had no issues. As mentioned, check out HEAV, and don't forget HSLDA, they are headquartered in NOVA.

consideringamove · 09-25-2009, 07:37 PM

I can tell you all about it! We just moved here in July-ish and have gone through it. We were public schoolers in MI, homeschooling 2 of my 4 here.

VA's considered a moderate state for homeschooling (some are very lenient, some are more difficult). If you're a traditional homeschooler, you'd file an Notice of Intent (NOI) which includes basic info (names, grades, address). Along with it, you'd need to provide a copy of a diploma/transcript from high school or higher. There are a few other options- statement, enrolling your kids in a correspondence school, or supplying a teaching license- but most people have diploma so that's what they do. You'd also need to include your curriculum. Chesterfield Co likes to see titles of books, publisher and author info but the law actually says "a brief overview of the curriculum". You'd need a curriculum for each child. You'd also need to provide standardized test results for math/english to the district for kids 1-12 grades.

I don't know you personally, but you may also consider a religious exemption. It's for people who have a religious reason to not send their children to school. It would only need to be done once, but it's more intricate. I know a few families who've chosen that route. Once it's done, you're free of the district on a permanent basis but it's not to be taken lightly or abused. It's only for people who truly feel it's a contradiction to their faith to send their children to school. In that situation, you wouldn't have to do standardized testing.

Send me a private message if you want more info! HEAV is a great resource and they take phone calls free of charge!