Homeschooling in Virginia
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Virginia site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Virginia
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Virginia
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Virginia
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Virginia
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Virginia has to offer!
Resources
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Virginia
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Virgina, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Virginia
New homeschoolers often have many questions about the best curriculum, learning activities, extracurriculars, and anything else that affects their children’s education.
Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops exist to provide new and seasoned homeschool families with resources and help to have positive experiences with home education.
The state of Virginia has plenty of these tools to help homeschooling families. Virginia has two statewide homeschool associations, with each having various resources and perks for members.
- Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) is a faith-based organization the serves the homeschoolers of Virginia through information, legislation, and resources. HEAV offers legal assistance, special events, magazines, e-newsletters, and so much more!
- The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VAHomeschoolers) is a secular organization open to families in all backgrounds, religions, and politics. It provides resources, events, and information as well as advocates for the rights of home educators in Virginia.
Associations are very beneficial to homeschool families because of the credible information and helpful resources they provide. Homeschool support groups and co-ops, however, are available to parents and students to meet regularly and discuss and share personal homeschooling experiences.
Virginia has many homeschool support groups for any given area. Most of these groups have Facebook pages so that you can find them with an easy search. Support groups allow families to meet others who homeschool in Virginia, organize events, and meet up for extracurriculars.
In addition to homeschool support groups, families can join homeschool cooperatives, or co-ops. These are more focused on academics than support groups are and provide opportunities for group learning. Parents typically volunteer to provide instruction or hire tutors. Co-ops can be focused on a typical subject like STEM or structured around religious values and beliefs. No matter what your family is looking for, you are sure to find a homeschool support group or co-op that aligns with your needs and values.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Get Started Homeschooling in VIRGINIA
Before you get started homeschooling in Virginia, there are a few things that you should consider. First, do as much research as you can about the laws and regulations in your state. Virginia’s requirements are straightforward, but they can always change, so make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
After filing the necessary paperwork and notifying your child’s school, you will need to select a homeschool curriculum program. Power Homeschool provides an online curriculum for K-12 students as well as tools and resources to help parents provide the best homeschool education possible. Get started with us today!
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips Virginia
Homeschool offers a long list of benefits, such as flexibility, freedom, and more quality time with family. The ability to go on more field trips and experience more hands-on learning is yet another benefit of homeschool. Field trips are a great way to enhance any homeschool curriculum.
Virginia has no shortage of museums, nature centers, and monuments. With Washington D.C. so close, Virginia homeschoolers have so many national treasures at their fingertips. Below, we provide a few of the many field trips available in the state of Virginia.
COASTAL PLAIN REGION OF VIRGINIA
- Colonial National Historical Park in Jamestown: Visit the location of the first permanent English settlement in North America that was established in 1607. Students can tour battlefields, watch reenactments, and participate in various educational programs.
- National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum in Alexandria: Homeschoolers can learn about the progress and innovation created by the inventors that shaped the world we know today. This museum showcases more than 500 innovators, including Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, and George Washington Carver.
- NAUTICUS in Norfolk: Tour various exhibits, an aquarium, and Battleship Wisconsin at this waterfront museum. A field trip to NAUTICUS would be a great addition to any U.S. History lesson about foreign wars.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
- Virginia State Capitol in Richmond: As one of the original U.S. colonies, Virginia is rich with history. Learn about the state’s history, government, and culture at the capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1785.
- Children’s Science Center in Fairfax: This science museum offers homeschool memberships, allowing homeschool students to be immersed in all things STEM-related. With interactive exhibits and special events, young scientists have access to many learning opportunities.
- James Monroe’s Highland in Charlottesville: From 1799 to 1823, the fifth U.S. president lived in the Highland Estate. Today, visitors can tour the property and learn about Monroe’s impact on American history.
APPALACHIAN PLATEAU REGION AND WESTERN VIRGINIA
- Skyline Caverns in Front Royal: For students learning about geology, minerals, and the water cycle, these caverns are a great way to see their studies come to life.
- Thomas Jefferson’ Poplar Forest in Forest: As his retreat home, Poplar Forest displays Thomas Jefferson’s love of landscape and architectural creations. Visitors can tour the property and learn about the president’s private world through restored architecture and artifacts.
- Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy: Learn about an abolitionist who was born into slavery, but later in life became an American educator, author, and advisor to U.S. presidents.
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