Virginia

Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) that has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on one’s state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about most states’ requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state requirements at hslda.org/legal and the Virginia Department of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states; however, with a freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, yet you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help!

Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Virginia homeschooling requirements.

Virginia’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance

Homeschooling Options

Option 4: Homeschooling under the private school option

Does the parent need to notify the state?

No

Academic Calendar

Yes

Reporting Age Requirement

5

Instructor Qualifications

No

Required Subjects

No

Standardardized Assessment

No

Immunization Requirement

Yes, with exemptions

Keep a Portfolio

Yes

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Virginia Families

Yes

Homeschooling Options

There are four homeschooling options in Virginia. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy can choose Option 4: Homeschooling under the private school option. The below guidelines are based on option 4

Academic Calendar

The Virginia Department of Education requires private school students to receive instruction for the same number of days and during the same period of the year as public schools, and they must receive instruction for the same number of hours per day as public school students. 

Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.

Age Requirement

Ages four or younger:

Students are not required to attend school, but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.

Aged five on or before September 30:

They must attend school during that academic year beginning in the fall; this includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy. Students must continue their education at a school of their parents’ choice until they turn 18 or graduate.

Immunization Requirement

Immunization is required in the state of Virginia; therefore, parents are required to keep their children’s immunization records or exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Enlightium Academy does not require student immunization as we serve homeschool students but must abide by state regulations.

You may find the Virginia state exemption form here. To complete an immunization exemption form, the state of Virginia requires you to be eligible under the religious exemption.

Instructor Qualifications

Under option 4, the Virginia Department of Education does not require teachers to hold specific credentials or qualifications. 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI certified. A number of our faculty members have Masters and Doctorate degrees in their fields. The teacher-led support packages are available for students in grades 3-12. Learn more at our Teachers page

Enlightium Academy also offers parent-led options for grades PreK-2 and for students in grades 3-10 Bronze support package. Under the parent-led option, parents act as teachers while Enlightium Academy provides grading and guidance support.

Required Subjects

Under option 4, the Virginia Department of Education does not require any specific courses.

After you enroll/re-enroll and before your student starts courses at Enlightium Academy, your student’s counselor will send you an email with a recommended course schedule consisting of core courses and, if applicable, courses that fulfill Enlightium’s graduation requirements. Your student can also select from Enlightium’s elective courses.

Standardized Assessment

Under option 4, the Virginia Department of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per given grade level:

Keep a Portfolio

You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy which should include:

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Virginia Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Virginia to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements. 

Your family will be automatically added to this group upon enrolling and then downloading the Enlightium Parents app (which is provided upon enrollment).

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

  1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website or watch this video about the online homeschooling.
  2. If you have any questions:
    1. Chat with a team member
    2. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
  3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process and select the blue button near the top of the page.

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (866) 488-4818, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

We review state requirements and regulations annually however each state may update their guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions please contact your state board of education.

Sources reviewed in March 2022:


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