VA ·
1
none specified (no minimum days or hours in statute)
Virginia is a moderate-regulation state. Under the home instruction statute (Va. Code 22.1-254.1), parents must (1) notify the superintendent by August 15 with a list of subjects and proof they meet one of four qualifying criteria (high school diploma; be a teacher; provide a program of distance/correspondence or other instruction; or provide evidence of ability to provide an adequate education), and (2) submit annual evidence of academic achievement by August 1 the following year. Evidence may be a nationally normed standardized test composite at or above the 4th stanine (23rd percentile), an equivalent ACT/SAT/PSAT score, OR an evaluation letter from a licensed teacher or person with a master's degree (or higher) in an academic discipline, OR a transcript/report card from a college, distance-learning program, or correspondence school. Children under age six as of September 30 are exempt from the assessment requirement. There are no statutory required subjects, instruction hours, or recordkeeping rules. Virginia also offers a religious exemption (22.1-254(B)(i)) and a certified-tutor option with different requirements.
A parent electing to home instruct under the home instruction statute (Va. Code 22.1-254.1) must notify the division superintendent of intent no later than August 15 each year (or as soon as practicable if beginning mid-year, then comply within 30 days). The notice must include a description of the curriculum limited to a list of subjects to be studied for the coming year, and evidence that the parent meets one of the four qualifying options. Note: Virginia also allows home instruction under the separate 'religious exemption' (22.1-254(B)(i)) and via a certified tutor (22.1-254(A)), which have different/looser requirements; the details here describe the main home instruction statute.
No statutory recordkeeping or attendance-log requirement. Parents must, however, retain/submit annual evidence of progress (test score or evaluation) by August 1. Many families keep portfolios; the state issues no homeschool diploma, so parents maintain their own transcripts/records for high school.
- No specific subjects are mandated by statute. The law requires only 'a description of the curriculum, limited to a list of subjects to be studied during the coming year.' Parents choose the subjects.
· Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL), 2023 · 117
| K | K.CE.1 | Model and solve single-step contextual problems using addition and subtraction within 10. |
| K | K.MG.1 | Reason mathematically by making direct comparisons between two objects/attributes. |
| K | K.MG.2 | Identify, describe, name, compare, and construct plane figures. |
| K | K.MG.3 | Describe the units of time represented in a calendar. |
| K | K.NS.1 | Utilize flexible counting strategies to determine and describe quantities up to 20. |
| K | K.NS.2 | Identify, represent, and compare quantities up to 30. |
| K | K.PFA.1 | Identify, describe, extend, and create simple repeating patterns. |
| K | K.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on object graphs and picture graphs. |
| 1 | 1.CE.1 | Recall with automaticity addition and subtraction facts within 10. |
| 1 | 1.MG.1 | Reason mathematically using nonstandard units to measure and compare length. |
| 1 | 1.MG.2 | Describe, sort, draw, and name plane figures (circles, triangles, squares, rectangles). |
| 1 | 1.MG.3 | Demonstrate understanding of the passage of time (to the hour and half-hour). |
| 1 | 1.NS.1 | Utilize flexible counting strategies to determine and describe quantities up to 120. |
| 1 | 1.NS.2 | Represent, compare, and order quantities up to 120. |
| 1 | 1.NS.3 | Use mathematical reasoning and justification to solve contextual problems involving fractions (halves, fourths). |
| 1 | 1.PFA.1 | Identify, describe, extend, create, and transfer repeating and growing patterns. |
| 1 | 1.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on object graphs, picture graphs, and tables. |
| 2 | 2.CE.1 | Recall with automaticity addition and subtraction facts within 20. |
| 2 | 2.MG.2 | Demonstrate understanding of the concept of time to the nearest five minutes. |
| 2 | 2.MG.4 | Describe, name, compare, and contrast plane and solid figures. |
| 2 | 2.NS.1 | Utilize flexible counting strategies to determine and describe quantities up to 200. |
| 2 | 2.NS.2 | Demonstrate understanding of the ten-to-one relationships of the base 10 system to 999. |
| 2 | 2.NS.4 | Solve problems involving counting and representing money amounts. |
| 2 | 2.PFA.1 | Describe, extend, create, and transfer repeating and increasing patterns. |
| 2 | 2.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on pictographs and bar graphs. |
| 3 | 3.CE.1 | Estimate, represent, solve, and justify solutions to single/multistep addition and subtraction problems. |
| 3 | 3.CE.2 | Recall with automaticity multiplication and division facts through 10x10. |
| 3 | 3.MG.4 | Identify, describe, classify, compare, combine, and subdivide polygons. |
| 3 | 3.NS.1 | Use place value understanding to read, write, and determine the place value of whole numbers to 9,999. |
| 3 | 3.NS.3 | Use mathematical reasoning to represent and compare fractions. |
| 3 | 3.PFA.1 | Identify, describe, extend, and create increasing and decreasing patterns. |
| 3 | 3.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on pictographs and bar graphs. |
| 4 | 4.CE.1 | Estimate, represent, solve, and justify solutions to multistep addition and subtraction problems. |
| 4 | 4.CE.3 | Estimate, represent, solve, and justify solutions to single-step problems involving fractions. |
| 4 | 4.MG.1 | Reason mathematically to solve problems involving length, weight/mass, and liquid volume. |
| 4 | 4.NS.1 | Use place value understanding to read, write, and identify place value of whole numbers to one million. |
| 4 | 4.NS.3 | Reason and justify to represent, compare, and order fractions. |
| 4 | 4.NS.5 | Reason about the relationship between fractions and decimals. |
| 4 | 4.PFA.1 | Identify, describe, extend, and create increasing/decreasing patterns including input/output. |
| 4 | 4.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on line graphs. |
| 5 | 5.CE.1 | Estimate, represent, solve, and justify solutions to problems with whole numbers and decimals. |
| 5 | 5.CE.3 | Simplify whole number expressions using order of operations. |
| 5 | 5.MG.1 | Reason to solve contextual problems involving perimeter, area, and volume. |
| 5 | 5.MG.3 | Classify and measure angles and triangles. |
| 5 | 5.NS.1 | Use reasoning to represent, compare, and order decimals through thousandths. |
| 5 | 5.NS.2 | Demonstrate understanding of prime/composite numbers and even/odd. |
| 5 | 5.PFA.1 | Identify, describe, extend, and create patterns and represent relationships. |
| 6 | 6.CE.1 | Estimate, demonstrate, solve, and justify solutions to problems with operations on rational numbers. |
| 6 | 6.MG.1 | Reason to solve problems involving area, perimeter, and circumference. |
| 6 | 6.NS.1 | Reason and use representations to compare and order rational numbers. |
| 6 | 6.NS.2 | Reason and use representations involving percents and integers. |
| 6 | 6.NS.3 | Recognize and represent integers and absolute value. |
| 6 | 6.PFA.1 | Use ratios and rates to represent and solve problems. |
| 6 | 6.PFA.2 | Represent proportional relationships using tables, graphs, and equations. |
| 6 | 6.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on circle graphs. |
| 7 | 7.CE.1 | Estimate, solve, and justify solutions to problems involving operations with rational numbers. |
| 7 | 7.MG.1 | Investigate proportional relationships involving similar figures and scale factors. |
| 7 | 7.MG.3 | Apply translations and reflections to polygons in the coordinate plane. |
| 7 | 7.NS.1 | Reason and use representations to compare and order rational numbers and perfect squares. |
| 7 | 7.PFA.2 | Simplify numerical and algebraic expressions and solve multistep linear equations. |
| 7 | 7.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on histograms. |
| 7 | 7.PS.2 | Determine and investigate theoretical and experimental probabilities. |
| 8 | 8.CE.1 | Estimate and apply proportional reasoning and computational procedures to solve problems. |
| 8 | 8.MG.3 | Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems. |
| 8 | 8.MG.4 | Apply transformations (translations, reflections, dilations, rotations) in the coordinate plane. |
| 8 | 8.NS.1 | Compare and order real numbers and determine square roots/cube roots. |
| 8 | 8.NS.2 | Investigate and describe the relationship between the subsets of real numbers. |
| 8 | 8.PFA.1 | Determine whether a relation is a function and identify domain/range. |
| 8 | 8.PFA.3 | Represent and solve problems using linear functions (slope, y-intercept). |
| 8 | 8.PS.1 | Apply the data cycle with a focus on scatterplots. |
| 8 | 8.PS.2 | Apply representations of two-way tables to investigate categorical data. |
| Algebra 1 | A.EI.1 | Represent, solve, explain, and interpret the solution to multistep linear equations and inequalities. |
| Algebra 1 | A.EI.3 | Represent, solve, and interpret the solution to a quadratic equation in one variable. |
| Algebra 1 | A.EO.1 | Represent verbal quantitative situations algebraically and evaluate expressions. |
| Algebra 1 | A.EO.2 | Perform operations on and factor polynomial expressions in one variable. |
| Algebra 1 | A.EO.3 | Derive and apply the laws of exponents. |
| Algebra 1 | A.F.1 | Investigate, analyze, and compare linear functions algebraically and graphically. |
| Algebra 1 | A.F.2 | Investigate, analyze, and compare characteristics of linear and quadratic functions. |
| Algebra 1 | A.ST.1 | Apply the data cycle to investigate bivariate data and curves of best fit. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.EI.2 | Represent, solve, and interpret the solution to quadratic equations in one/two variables. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.EI.6 | Represent, solve, and interpret the solution to a polynomial equation. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.EO.1 | Perform operations on and simplify rational expressions. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.EO.4 | Perform operations on complex numbers. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.F.1 | Investigate, analyze, and compare square root, cube root, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.ST.1 | Apply the data cycle to analyze normal distributions. |
| Algebra 2 | A2.ST.3 | Compute and distinguish between permutations and combinations. |
| Algebra Functions and Data Analysis | AFDA.AF.1 | Investigate, analyze, and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential function families. |
| Algebra Functions and Data Analysis | AFDA.AF.3 | Represent and interpret contextual situations with constraints using systems. |
| Algebra Functions and Data Analysis | AFDA.DA.1 | Apply the data cycle to gather, display, and analyze data. |
| Algebra Functions and Data Analysis | AFDA.DA.4 | Describe and apply properties of normal distribution. |
| Discrete Mathematics | DM.CM.1 | Describe and apply sorting and searching algorithms. |
| Discrete Mathematics | DM.CM.3 | Identify and apply cryptographic methods. |
| Discrete Mathematics | DM.GT.2 | Solve problems through analysis of circuits, cycles, and paths in graphs. |
| Discrete Mathematics | DM.LR.1 | Use reasoning to develop and apply logical arguments. |
| Discrete Mathematics | DM.SNT.2 | Apply the formulas of combinatorics. |
| Geometry | G.DF.1 | Create models and solve problems involving surface area and volume of 3-D figures. |
| Geometry | G.PC.1 | Prove and justify theorems and properties of quadrilaterals. |
| Geometry | G.PC.4 | Solve problems in the coordinate plane involving equations of circles. |
| Geometry | G.RLT.1 | Translate logic statements and use deductive reasoning to construct valid arguments. |
| Geometry | G.RLT.2 | Analyze, prove, and justify relationships of parallel lines cut by a transversal. |
| Geometry | G.TR.1 | Determine relationships between measures of angles and sides of triangles. |
| Geometry | G.TR.3 | Prove and justify triangle congruence given a figure or statement. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.AG.1 | Identify, analyze, and sketch conic sections. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.AG.3 | Perform operations with vectors in the coordinate plane. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.AG.5 | Use matrices to organize data; add, subtract, and multiply matrices. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.CF.1 | Identify and analyze properties of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.CF.2 | Determine the limit of a function if it exists. |
| Mathematical Analysis (Precalculus) | MA.FR.2 | Analyze characteristics of exponential and logarithmic functions. |
| Probability and Statistics | PS.DC.2 | Compare and contrast data collection methods to plan and conduct studies. |
| Probability and Statistics | PS.DS.1 | Represent and analyze data visualizations of univariate quantitative data. |
| Probability and Statistics | PS.DS.6 | Create and interpret a linear model using least squares regression. |
| Probability and Statistics | PS.IS.1 | Apply properties of sampling distributions and inference procedures for means/proportions. |
| Probability and Statistics | PS.P.1 | Organize information and apply probability rules to compute probabilities. |
| Trigonometry | T.CT.2 | Develop and apply the properties of the unit circle in degrees and radians. |
| Trigonometry | T.GT.1 | Graph and analyze trigonometric functions and apply transformations. |
| Trigonometry | T.IE.3 | Solve trigonometric equations and inequalities. |
| Trigonometry | T.TT.1 | Determine the six trigonometric functions of an angle of a right triangle. |
· Virginia English Standards of Learning (SOL), 2024 · 106
| K | K.C.1 | Develop effective oral communication and collaboration skills. |
| K | K.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension skills from reading/listening to a range of challenging, content-rich texts. |
| K | K.FFR.1 | Apply knowledge of how print is organized and read (print concepts). |
| K | K.FFR.2 | Orally identify and produce various phonemes within words (phonological/phonemic awareness). |
| K | K.FFR.3 | Apply phonetic principles to read and spell words (phonics and word analysis). |
| K | K.FFW.1 | Handwriting / foundational writing skills (letter formation). |
| K | K.LU.1 | Use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing. |
| K | K.R.1 | Begin to ask questions and gather information (introduction to research). |
| K | K.RI.1 | Use textual evidence/illustrations to comprehend grade-level informational texts. |
| K | K.RL.1 | Use textual evidence/illustrations to comprehend grade-level literary texts. |
| K | K.RV.1 | Vocabulary development and word analysis based on kindergarten content and texts. |
| K | K.W.1 | Compose works for varied audiences and purposes linked to kindergarten content. |
| 1 | 1.FFR.2 | Orally identify and produce various phonemes within words to develop phonemic awareness. |
| 1 | 1.FFR.3 | Apply phonetic principles to read and spell words (phonics and word analysis). |
| 1 | 1.LU.1 | Use the conventions of Standard English when speaking and writing. |
| 1 | 1.RI.1 | Comprehend grade-level informational texts using textual evidence. |
| 1 | 1.RL.1 | Comprehend grade-level literary texts using textual evidence. |
| 1 | 1.RV.1 | Vocabulary development and word analysis for grade 1. |
| 1 | 1.W.1 | Compose works for diverse audiences and purposes linked to grade-1 content. |
| 3 | 3.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension from reading/listening to a range of challenging, content-rich texts. |
| 3 | 3.DSR.A | Read grade-level complex texts with accuracy, automaticity, appropriate rate, and meaningful expression; self-monitor. |
| 3 | 3.DSR.B | Proficiently read and comprehend literary and informational texts at the higher range of the grades 2-3 band. |
| 3 | 3.DSR.C | Draw several pieces of evidence from read-alouds and complex texts to support claims, conclusions, and inferences. |
| 3 | 3.DSR.D | Regularly engage in listening to conceptually related texts to build knowledge and vocabulary. |
| 3 | 3.DSR.E | Use reading strategies to monitor comprehension when encountering challenging text. |
| 3 | 3.FFR.3 | Phonics and Word Recognition: apply grade-level phonics and word-analysis skills to decode unfamiliar words in grade-level text. |
| 3 | 3.FFR.3.A | Decode and encode words with vowel teams and r-controlled vowels. |
| 3 | 3.FFR.3.B | Use knowledge of syllabication and syllable types to decode and encode words. |
| 3 | 3.FFR.3.C | Use knowledge of affixes (e.g., suffixes, prefixes) to decode and encode words. |
| 3 | 3.FFR.3.D | Read grade-level high-frequency words, including decodable and irregular words, with automaticity and accuracy. |
| 3 | 3.FFW.1 | Handwriting (legible printing; cursive letter formation). |
| 3 | 3.FFW.2 | Spelling: encode words using phoneme-grapheme correspondence and affixes. |
| 3 | 3.LU.1 | Grammar (sentences, adjectives, verbs, subject-verb agreement). |
| 3 | 3.LU.2 | Mechanics (commas, apostrophes/contractions/possessives, capitalization, spelling). |
| 3 | 3.R.1 | Evaluation and Synthesis of Information (generate questions, locate info, organize, share, avoid plagiarism). |
| 3 | 3.RI.1 | Key Ideas and Confirming Details in informational texts. |
| 3 | 3.RI.1.A | Determine the main idea of multi-paragraph texts and of specific paragraphs. |
| 3 | 3.RI.2 | Craft and Style in informational texts. |
| 3 | 3.RI.2.A | Describe major structural differences between organizational patterns of informational texts. |
| 3 | 3.RI.3 | Integration of Concepts in informational texts. |
| 3 | 3.RL.1 | Key Ideas and Plot Details in literary texts. |
| 3 | 3.RL.1.A | Identify thematic topics of stories (e.g., friendship, survival, determination) and the lessons learned. |
| 3 | 3.RL.1.B | Identify the central conflict and resolution using events from the plot to summarize the text. |
| 3 | 3.RL.1.C | Describe a character's attributes (traits, motivations, feelings) and how they develop. |
| 3 | 3.RL.2 | Craft and Style in literary texts. |
| 3 | 3.RL.2.C | Identify the narrator of a story and the speaker of a poem. |
| 3 | 3.RL.3 | Integration of Concepts (compare/contrast across literary and informational texts). |
| 3 | 3.RV.1 | Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis for grade 3. |
| 3 | 3.RV.1.A | Develop general academic and content-specific vocabulary through listening, reading, and discussing grade-3 texts. |
| 3 | 3.RV.1.C | Determine meaning of complex words using frequently occurring root words and inflectional affixes (-s, -ing, -ed). |
| 3 | 3.RV.1.D | Use the context of a sentence to apply knowledge of homophones. |
| 3 | 3.RV.1.E | Apply knowledge of morphology, synonyms, and antonyms to determine the meaning of complex words. |
| 3 | 3.RV.1.I | Use glossaries, beginning dictionaries, and thesauruses (print and digital) to clarify word meanings. |
| 3 | 3.W.1 | Modes and Purposes for Writing (narrative, expository, opinion). |
| 3 | 3.W.2 | Organization and Composition: engage in writing as a process to compose a well-developed paragraph. |
| 3 | 3.W.3 | Usage and Mechanics: revise/edit writing for ideas, organization, conventions. |
| 6 | 6.C.1 | Communication, Listening, and Collaboration in sustained discussions. |
| 6 | 6.C.2 | Speaking and Presentation of Ideas (report orally; present an opinion). |
| 6 | 6.C.3 | Integrating Multimodal Literacies (create multimodal content; publish media messages). |
| 6 | 6.C.4 | Examining Media Messages (interpret, analyze, evaluate media). |
| 6 | 6.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension from reading challenging, content-rich grade-level complex texts. |
| 6 | 6.LU.1 | Grammar (sentence types, pronoun-antecedent agreement, adverbs, phrases/clauses, confusing verbs). |
| 6 | 6.LU.2 | Mechanics (punctuation, dialogue/quotations, spelling, reference materials). |
| 6 | 6.R.1 | Evaluation and Synthesis of Information (questions, sources, notes, citation, ethical use incl. AI). |
| 6 | 6.RI.1 | Key Ideas and Confirming Details (summarize main idea; trace argument and claims). |
| 6 | 6.RI.2 | Craft and Style (text features, word choice, author's perspective/purpose). |
| 6 | 6.RI.3 | Integration of Concepts (ideas within/between selections; compare authors' presentations). |
| 6 | 6.RL.1 | Key Ideas and Plot Details (theme, plot development, conflict, characters). |
| 6 | 6.RL.2 | Craft and Style (poetic elements, author's style/tone, point of view). |
| 6 | 6.RL.3 | Integration of Concepts (interactions among elements; compare/contrast paired texts). |
| 6 | 6.RV.1 | Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis for grade 6. |
| 6 | 6.W.1 | Modes and Purposes for Writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, reflective). |
| 6 | 6.W.2 | Organization and Composition (writing process; multi-paragraph texts; thesis). |
| 6 | 6.W.3 | Usage and Mechanics (revise; self/peer-edit for conventions). |
| 7 | 7.C.1 | Communication, Listening, and Collaboration (facilitate/contribute to discussions). |
| 7 | 7.C.2 | Speaking and Presentation of Ideas (report orally; recite a poem). |
| 7 | 7.C.3 | Integrating Multimodal Literacies (create/publish multimodal media messages). |
| 7 | 7.C.4 | Examining Media Messages (persuasive techniques; analyze; compare media). |
| 7 | 7.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension from reading challenging, content-rich grade-level complex texts. |
| 7 | 7.LU.1 | Grammar (sentence construction; pronoun-antecedent agreement; adjectives/adverbs; verb tense). |
| 7 | 7.LU.2 | Mechanics (punctuation; dialogue/quotations; spelling; reference materials). |
| 7 | 7.R.1 | Evaluation and Synthesis of Information (questions, source evaluation, citation, ethical/AI use). |
| 7 | 7.RI.1 | Key Ideas and Confirming Details (main idea/summary; unfolding of ideas; trace argument). |
| 7 | 7.RI.2 | Craft and Style (text features; word choice/structure; author's perspective). |
| 7 | 7.RI.3 | Integration of Concepts (ideas within/between selections; compare authors on same topic). |
| 7 | 7.RL.1 | Key Ideas and Plot Details (theme development; plot elements; static/dynamic characters). |
| 7 | 7.RL.2 | Craft and Style (author's style; tone; point of view). |
| 7 | 7.RL.3 | Integration of Concepts (story/drama element interactions; compare across genres). |
| 7 | 7.RV.1 | Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis (roots/affixes, figurative language, connotations). |
| 7 | 7.W.1 | Modes and Purposes for Writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, reflective). |
| 7 | 7.W.2 | Organization and Composition (writing process; thesis; transitions; voice/tone). |
| 7 | 7.W.3 | Usage and Mechanics (revise for clarity; self/peer-edit). |
| 8 | 8.C.1 | Communication, Listening, and Collaboration. |
| 8 | 8.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension from reading challenging, content-rich grade-level complex texts (grades 6-8 band, upper range). |
| 8 | 8.LU.1 | Grammar. |
| 8 | 8.R.1 | Evaluation and Synthesis of Information. |
| 8 | 8.RI.1 | Key Ideas and Confirming Details in informational texts. |
| 8 | 8.RL.1 | Key Ideas and Plot Details in literary texts. |
| 8 | 8.RV.1 | Vocabulary Development and Word Analysis for grade 8. |
| 8 | 8.W.1 | Modes and Purposes for Writing. |
| 10 | 10.DSR | Build knowledge and comprehension from reading challenging, content-rich grade-level complex texts (grades 9-10 complexity). |
| 10 | 10.DSR.A | Read grade-level complex texts with accuracy and meaningful expression; self-monitor. |
| 10 | 10.DSR.B | Proficiently read and comprehend literary and informational texts at grades 9-10 complexity. |
| 10 | 10.DSR.C | Draw evidence from texts to support claims, conclusions, and inferences. |
| 10 | 10.DSR.D | Read conceptually related texts to build knowledge and vocabulary. |
| 10 | 10.DSR.E | Use reading strategies to aid and monitor comprehension. |
· Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL), 2018 (K-Physics); 2025 Expanded High School Science SOL approved Dec 2025 for additional HS courses · 126
| K | K.1 | Demonstrate understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and nature of science by planning and conducting investigations. |
| K | K.10 | Change occurs over time and rates may be fast or slow. |
| K | K.11 | Materials can be reused, recycled, and conserved. |
| K | K.2 | Humans have senses that allow them to seek, find, take in, and respond to information about their surroundings. |
| K | K.3 | Magnets have an effect on some materials, can move things without touching them, and have useful applications. |
| K | K.4 | Position, motion, and physical properties of an object can be described. |
| K | K.5 | Water flows and has properties (phases, flows downhill) that can be observed and tested. |
| K | K.6 | The basic needs and physical characteristics of plants and animals. |
| K | K.7 | Differences between living organisms and nonliving objects. |
| K | K.8 | Shadows occur when light is blocked by an object. |
| K | K.9 | There are simple repeating patterns in daily life (weather, natural objects). |
| 1 | 1.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning, logic, and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 1 | 1.2 | Objects are made of materials that can be described by their physical properties. |
| 1 | 1.3 | Moving objects exhibit different kinds of motion (straight, circular, back-and-forth). |
| 1 | 1.4 | Plants and animals have basic life needs and functional parts. |
| 1 | 1.5 | Plants have basic life needs and functional parts and can be classified by characteristics. |
| 1 | 1.6 | Basic relationships between the sun and Earth. |
| 1 | 1.7 | Weather and seasonal changes affect plants and animals. |
| 1 | 1.8 | Natural resources are limited; factors affecting air and water quality. |
| 2 | 2.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 2 | 2.2 | Natural and artificial magnets have characteristics and attract specific metals. |
| 2 | 2.3 | Basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases; measurement of mass and volume. |
| 2 | 2.4 | Plants and animals undergo a series of orderly changes as they mature and grow (life cycles). |
| 2 | 2.5 | Living things are part of a system; living organisms are interdependent with their environment. |
| 2 | 2.6 | Basic types, changes, and patterns of weather; measuring and recording weather data. |
| 2 | 2.7 | Weather and seasonal changes affect plants, animals, and their surroundings. |
| 2 | 2.8 | Plants are important natural resources. |
| 3 | 3.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 3 | 3.10 | Natural events and human influences can affect the survival of species. |
| 3 | 3.11 | Natural events and human influences can affect survival of species; interdependency of plants and animals. |
| 3 | 3.2 | Simple machines and their uses (purpose, function, types). |
| 3 | 3.3 | Objects are made of materials that can be described by physical properties. |
| 3 | 3.4 | Adaptations allow animals to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment (behavioral, physical). |
| 3 | 3.5 | Relationships exist among aquatic and terrestrial organisms (food chains, ecosystems). |
| 3 | 3.6 | Relationships among organisms in aquatic and terrestrial food chains (producer, consumer, decomposer). |
| 3 | 3.7 | Major components of soil, its origin, and importance to plants and animals including humans. |
| 3 | 3.8 | Basic sequences and cycles occurring in nature (seasonal, water cycle). |
| 3 | 3.9 | Basic patterns and cycles in nature (day/night, seasons, moon phases). |
| 4 | 4.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 4 | 4.2 | Characteristics and interactions of moving objects (direction, speed, changes in motion). |
| 4 | 4.3 | Characteristics of electricity (conductors/insulators, basic circuits). |
| 4 | 4.4 | Plants and animals have structures that allow them to gain and use energy and reproduce. |
| 4 | 4.5 | Plants and animals, including humans, in an ecosystem interact with one another and nonliving components. |
| 4 | 4.6 | Weather conditions and phenomena occur and can be predicted (tools, measurements). |
| 4 | 4.7 | Organization of the solar system (order of planets). |
| 4 | 4.8 | Relationships among Earth, moon, and sun (tides, moon phases, seasons). |
| 4 | 4.9 | Important Virginia natural resources (watersheds, plants, animals). |
| 5 | 5.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 5 | 5.2 | Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space; atoms and basic molecular structure. |
| 5 | 5.3 | There are basic forms of energy (light); light moves in a straight line and can be reflected/refracted. |
| 5 | 5.4 | How sound is created and transmitted, and how it is used (compression waves, frequency, amplitude). |
| 5 | 5.5 | Organisms are made of one or more cells with distinguishing characteristics vital to survival. |
| 5 | 5.6 | Characteristics of the ocean environment (geological, physical). |
| 5 | 5.7 | Earth's surface is constantly changing (rock cycle, weathering, erosion, plate tectonics). |
| 6 | 6.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| 6 | 6.2 | Basic sources of energy, their origins, transformations, and uses (potential/kinetic, solar). |
| 6 | 6.3 | Properties of solar energy and electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere. |
| 6 | 6.4 | Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space; properties and changes of matter. |
| 6 | 6.5 | The properties and interactions of water/the hydrosphere shape the natural environment. |
| 6 | 6.6 | Role of solar energy in driving natural processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and on Earth's surface. |
| 6 | 6.7 | Natural processes and human interactions that affect watershed systems. |
| 6 | 6.8 | Organization of the solar system and interactions among bodies that comprise it. |
| 6 | 6.9 | Public policy decisions relating to the environment (renewable/nonrenewable resources). |
| Biology | BIO.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations of living organisms. |
| Biology | BIO.2 | Chemical and biochemical principles essential for life (water chemistry, macromolecules). |
| Biology | BIO.3 | Cells have structure and function (cell theory, organelles, transport, cellular processes). |
| Biology | BIO.4 | Life functions of Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya (metabolism, homeostasis). |
| Biology | BIO.5 | Common mechanisms of inheritance and protein synthesis (cell division, gamete formation, DNA). |
| Biology | BIO.6 | Bases for modern classification systems (structural similarities, fossil record). |
| Biology | BIO.7 | How populations change through time (evidence of evolution, genetic variation, natural selection). |
| Biology | BIO.8 | Dynamic equilibria exist within populations, communities, and ecosystems. |
| Chemistry | CH.1 | Experiments in which variables are measured, analyzed, and evaluated produce observations and verifiable data. |
| Chemistry | CH.2 | The atom is the basic unit of an element and is characterized by physical and nuclear properties. |
| Chemistry | CH.3 | Atoms bond together (ionic, covalent, metallic bonding) to form compounds. |
| Chemistry | CH.4 | Chemical quantities and stoichiometry (the mole, molar relationships, reactions). |
| Chemistry | CH.5 | Placement of elements on the periodic table is a function of their atomic structure. |
| Chemistry | CH.6 | How basic chemical properties relate to organic chemistry and biochemistry (carbon compounds). |
| Earth Science | ES.1 | Plan and conduct investigations; measure and calculate volume, area, mass, time, density, etc. |
| Earth Science | ES.10 | Oceans are complex, dynamic systems subject to long- and short-term variations. |
| Earth Science | ES.11 | Origin and evolution of the atmosphere; geologic, biologic, and human influences on composition. |
| Earth Science | ES.12 | Energy transfer between sun and Earth/atmosphere drives weather and climate. |
| Earth Science | ES.13 | Scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe (Big Bang, solar system). |
| Earth Science | ES.2 | Make connections among Earth science principles using systems and models. |
| Earth Science | ES.3 | Nature of science and scientific reasoning and logic; science explains and predicts dynamics of systems. |
| Earth Science | ES.4 | Earth and the planets are part of the solar system within a larger universe. |
| Earth Science | ES.5 | Earth's position in the solar system and motions affect observable patterns (seasons, tides). |
| Earth Science | ES.6 | Rock cycle and processes that form and change rocks and minerals. |
| Earth Science | ES.7 | Geologic processes have shaped Earth's history (plate tectonics). |
| Earth Science | ES.8 | Identify major rock-forming and ore minerals based on physical and chemical properties. |
| Earth Science | ES.9 | History and evolution of Earth and life inferred from rocks and fossils. |
| Life Science | LS.1 | Demonstrate scientific reasoning and nature of science through planning and conducting investigations. |
| Life Science | LS.10 | How organisms can be classified (distinguishing characteristics of domains/kingdoms). |
| Life Science | LS.11 | Organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations (genetics, inheritance). |
| Life Science | LS.12 | Relationships between ecosystem dynamics and human activity (food production, habitat change). |
| Life Science | LS.13 | Populations of organisms change over time (evidence of evolution, fossil record). |
| Life Science | LS.2 | All living things are composed of one or more cells that support life processes (cell structure/function). |
| Life Science | LS.3 | Organize and interpret data; design and conduct investigations of living systems. |
| Life Science | LS.4 | There are chemical processes of energy transfer essential to life (photosynthesis, cellular respiration). |
| Life Science | LS.5 | Biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem; matter and energy flow through ecosystems. |
| Life Science | LS.6 | Populations in a biological community interact and are interdependent. |
| Life Science | LS.7 | Adaptations support an organism's survival in an ecosystem. |
| Life Science | LS.8 | Interactions exist among members of a population and among populations in a community. |
| Life Science | LS.9 | Relationships exist between ecosystem dynamics and human activity (succession, change). |
| Physics | PH.1 | Plan and conduct investigations in physics using appropriate techniques and data analysis. |
| Physics | PH.10 | Electric and magnetic phenomena (charge, fields, circuits). |
| Physics | PH.11 | Concepts of quantum mechanics and atomic/nuclear physics. |
| Physics | PH.12 | Use the field concept to describe effects of gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces. |
| Physics | PH.2 | Analyze and interpret data; translate physical problems into mathematical statements. |
| Physics | PH.3 | Interactions of force, motion, energy, and matter (kinematics, vectors). |
| Physics | PH.4 | Newton's laws of motion and their applications. |
| Physics | PH.5 | The interrelationships among mass, distance, force, and time through universal gravitation. |
| Physics | PH.6 | Forms of energy, work, power, and conservation of energy. |
| Physics | PH.7 | Properties and characteristics of mechanical waves (sound). |
| Physics | PH.8 | Characteristics and behavior of light (reflection, refraction, electromagnetic spectrum). |
| Physics | PH.9 | Nature of science, scientific reasoning, and logic; analysis of scientific sources. |
| Physical Science | PS.1 | Plan and conduct investigations using safe procedures and appropriate measurement/data analysis. |
| Physical Science | PS.10 | Motion of an object is described by its position, direction, speed, velocity, and acceleration (Newton's laws). |
| Physical Science | PS.11 | Characteristics of transverse waves (wavelength, frequency, light behavior). |
| Physical Science | PS.2 | Matter is classified by physical and chemical properties (elements, compounds, mixtures). |
| Physical Science | PS.3 | Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter (atomic structure, periodic arrangement). |
| Physical Science | PS.4 | The periodic table is a tool for organizing elements by properties. |
| Physical Science | PS.5 | Changes in matter are the result of physical and chemical changes. |
| Physical Science | PS.6 | Forms of energy, energy transfer, and transformations. |
| Physical Science | PS.7 | Temperature and heat (thermal energy transfer). |
| Physical Science | PS.8 | Characteristics of sound and other longitudinal/compression waves. |
| Physical Science | PS.9 | Characteristics of electricity and magnetism and their relationship. |
· Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning (SOL), 2023 · 130
| K | K.1 | Practice citizenship in the classroom (responsibility, honesty, kindness, rules, self-control, sharing). |
| K | K.2 | Explain how communities honor state and national traditions and recognize designated Virginia holidays. |
| K | K.3 | Define patriotism and explain how communities express patriotism (flags, symbols, Pledge, current president). |
| K | K.4 | Recognize Virginia's earliest communities (historical events, stories, legends, changemakers, change over time). |
| K | K.5 | Understand and explain what makes communities unique (community members, historical events, local stories). |
| K | K.6 | Describe the relative location of people, places, and objects using positional words. |
| K | K.7 | Demonstrate an understanding of maps and globes (symbols, land/water, locating U.S. and Virginia). |
| K | K.8 | Demonstrate understanding of primary economic principles (earning/saving money; making choices due to scarcity). |
| K | Skills KG | Apply history and social science skills to the content: explore sources, use positional/sequencing concepts, ask questions, and use content vocabulary. |
| 1 | 1.1 | Apply traits of a responsible citizen (honesty, kindness, rules, fairness). |
| 1 | 1.2 | Explain how communities honor local, state, and national traditions and holidays. |
| 1 | 1.3 | Describe the symbols and traditions of the United States and Virginia. |
| 1 | 1.4 | Understand Virginia's history through the contributions of its leaders. |
| 1 | 1.5 | Describe contributions of Virginia's Indigenous peoples and other early community members. |
| 1 | 1.6 | Develop geographic skills (maps, globes, basic features, locating Virginia and the U.S.). |
| 1 | 1.7 | Connect geography to historical and community events. |
| 1 | 1.8 | Explain how individuals make economic choices (goods/services, consumers/producers). |
| 1 | Skills 1 | Apply history and social science skills to the content (sources, geographic skills, questioning, critical thinking). |
| 2 | 2.1 | Understand rights and responsibilities (freedom of expression and other rights). |
| 2 | 2.10 | Describe the contributions and roles of changemakers in United States history. |
| 2 | 2.11 | Develop geographic mapping skills. |
| 2 | 2.12 | Connect geography to historical events. |
| 2 | 2.13 | Understand basic economic principles. |
| 2 | 2.2 | Understand citizenship. |
| 2 | 2.3 | Explain how communities honor local, state, and national traditions. |
| 2 | 2.4 | Recognize state and national symbols and the Virginia and U.S. capitals/Capitol buildings. |
| 2 | 2.5 | Identify the geographic location and characteristics of selected world cultures/places. |
| 2 | 2.6 | Identify the geographic location, use of resources of selected American Indian/world cultures. |
| 2 | 2.7 | Describe the revolutionaries who helped found and shape the United States. |
| 2 | 2.8 | Understand the principles of American democracy. |
| 2 | 2.9 | Understand key events in United States history. |
| 2 | Skills 2 | Apply history and social science skills to the content (sources, geographic skills, questioning). |
| 3 | 3.1 | Define citizenship and explain that Americans are people of diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions. |
| 3 | 3.10 | Explain the basic economic principles of producers and consumers in a market economy. |
| 3 | 3.2 | Locate and describe major geographic features. |
| 3 | 3.3 | Describe major geographic features of selected world regions. |
| 3 | 3.4 | Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of ancient Egypt. |
| 3 | 3.5 | Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of ancient China. |
| 3 | 3.6 | Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of ancient Greece. |
| 3 | 3.7 | Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of ancient Rome. |
| 3 | 3.8 | Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social characteristics of the empire of Mali. |
| 3 | 3.9 | Explain the basic structure of the United States government. |
| 3 | Skills 3 | Apply history and social science skills to the content. |
| 4 | Skills VS | Apply history and social science skills to the content of Virginia Studies. |
| 4 | VS.1 | Explain the relationship between physical geography and the lives of Virginia's Indigenous peoples and early settlers. |
| 4 | VS.10 | Understand the role Virginians played in American history during World War I and World War II. |
| 4 | VS.11 | Understand the Civil Rights Movement in Virginia. |
| 4 | VS.12 | Explain social and political events including disenfranchisement of African Americans and changes in Virginia. |
| 4 | VS.13 | Understand the role and contributions of Virginia in the modern era / state government and economy. |
| 4 | VS.2 | Describe the Indigenous Peoples' settlement of Virginia. |
| 4 | VS.3 | Explain the causes and effects of European exploration and settlement (Jamestown). |
| 4 | VS.4 | Understand life in the Virginia colony. |
| 4 | VS.5 | Explain Virginia and Virginians' role in the American Revolution. |
| 4 | VS.6 | Explain the establishment and growth of the new Commonwealth/nation involving Virginia. |
| 4 | VS.7 | Understand the key people, events of Virginia in the Civil War era. |
| 4 | VS.8 | Explain the reconstruction of Virginia following the Civil War. |
| 4 | VS.9 | Understand the ways in which Virginia changed (segregation, industrialization, transportation). |
| 5 | Skills USI | Apply history and social science skills to the content of United States History to 1865. |
| 5 | USI.1 | Understand the geography of North America. |
| 5 | USI.2 | Describe how early cultures developed in North America. |
| 5 | USI.3 | Explain European exploration and colonization. |
| 5 | USI.4 | Understand how the Western Hemisphere was affected by European colonization and the slave trade. |
| 5 | USI.5 | Explain the social, political, religious, and economic life in the English colonies. |
| 5 | USI.6 | Explain the American Revolution. |
| 5 | USI.7 | Describe the challenges faced by the new nation. |
| 5 | USI.8 | Explain westward expansion and reform in America. |
| 5 | USI.9 | Explain the causes, events, and effects of the Civil War (to 1865). |
| 6 | Skills USII | Apply history and social science skills to the content of United States History 1865 to the Present. |
| 6 | USII.1 | Examine westward expansion after the Civil War. |
| 6 | USII.2 | Understand the ongoing effects of Reconstruction and segregation. |
| 6 | USII.3 | Understand how industrialization transformed the American economy and society. |
| 6 | USII.4 | Explain the changing role of the United States from the late 19th century through World War I. |
| 6 | USII.5 | Understand the social, political, and economic changes of the 1920s and the Great Depression. |
| 6 | USII.6 | Understand the major causes, events, and effects of America's role in World War II. |
| 6 | USII.7 | Understand the transformation of the United States in the post-World War II era (Cold War, civil rights). |
| 6 | USII.8 | Analyze the key changing patterns of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. |
| 6 | USII.9 | Apply history and social science skills to analyze contemporary U.S. developments. |
| 7 | CE.1 | Explain the foundations of the American political system. |
| 7 | CE.10 | Analyze the role of public participation in American civic life (duties, voting). |
| 7 | CE.11 | Analyze how economic decisions are made in the marketplace and in daily life (scarcity, opportunity cost). |
| 7 | CE.12 | Describe the United States economy (free enterprise, supply and demand, business organizations). |
| 7 | CE.13 | Analyze the role of government in the United States economy. |
| 7 | CE.14 | Examine career opportunities, financial literacy, and the role of education/work in the economy. |
| 7 | CE.2 | Analyze how American constitutional government was established. |
| 7 | CE.3 | Analyze how constitutional principles (federalism, separation of powers) shape government. |
| 7 | CE.4 | Analyze American constitutional government at the national level. |
| 7 | CE.5 | Explain the judicial systems established by the Constitution of Virginia and the U.S. Constitution. |
| 7 | CE.6 | Define citizenship (naturalization; First Amendment and due-process rights). |
| 7 | CE.7 | Examine the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and ways to participate in civic life. |
| 7 | CE.8 | Examine the political process at the local, state, and national levels (parties, campaigns, Electoral College). |
| 7 | CE.9 | Explain the role of the media and social media and their influence on government. |
| 7 | Skills CE | Apply history and social science skills to the content of Civics and Economics. |
| 8 | Skills WG | Demonstrate skills for historical thinking, geographical analysis, and responsible citizenship in World Geography. |
| 8 | WG.1 | Explain how geographic information and tools are used to understand the world. |
| 8 | WG.10 | Analyze the characteristics of the East Asian region. |
| 8 | WG.17 | Analyze strategic geographic features and the political organization of space. |
| 8 | WG.2 | Evaluate the significance of natural, human, and capital resources. |
| 8 | WG.3 | Analyze the characteristics of the United States and Canadian regions. |
| 8 | WG.4 | Analyze the characteristics of the Latin American and Caribbean regions. |
| 8 | WG.6 | Analyze the characteristics of the Russian and Central Asian regions. |
| 8 | WG.7 | Analyze the characteristics of the Sub-Saharan African region. |
| 8 | WG.8 | Analyze the characteristics of the North African and Southwest Asian regions. |
| 9 | Skills WHI | Apply history and social science skills to the content of World History and Geography to 1500 A.D. |
| 9 | WHI.1 | Describe the period from the Paleolithic Era to the agricultural revolution. |
| 9 | WHI.11 | Analyze conflict and cooperation among civilizations (e.g., the Crusades). |
| 9 | WHI.13 | Understand the factors contributing to change at the end of the medieval period (toward 1500). |
| 9 | WHI.2 | Describe early societies in the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia). |
| 9 | WHI.7 | Understand the civilizations of China and Japan. |
| 10 | Skills WHII | Apply history and social science skills to the content of World History and Geography 1500 A.D. to the Present. |
| 10 | WHII.1 | Analyze the political, cultural, geographic, and economic conditions of the world about 1500 A.D. |
| 10 | WHII.12 | Explain global changes during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. |
| 10 | WHII.2 | Analyze the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe. |
| 10 | WHII.8 | Understand World War I. |
| 10 | WHII.9 | Understand World War II. |
| 11 | Skills VUS | Apply history and social science skills to the content of Virginia and United States History. |
| 11 | VUS.1 | Describe early North America. |
| 11 | VUS.13 | Describe the effects of the Great Depression and the New Deal. |
| 11 | VUS.16 | Analyze the causes and effects of major social, political, and economic movements (e.g., civil rights). |
| 11 | VUS.6 | Describe the development and ratification of the United States Constitution. |
| 11 | VUS.9 | Analyze the major turning points of the Civil War and Reconstruction. |
| 12 | GOVT.1 | Understand the foundations of American constitutional government. |
| 12 | GOVT.10 | Explain the organization and powers of state and local government in Virginia. |
| 12 | GOVT.11 | Analyze civil liberties and civil rights. |
| 12 | GOVT.14 | Explain the role of government in the Virginia and United States economies. |
| 12 | GOVT.2 | Describe the concept of democracy. |
| 12 | GOVT.3 | Analyze the Virginia and United States constitutions. |
| 12 | GOVT.7 | Describe the scope and limits of the legislative branch (Congress). |
| 12 | GOVT.8 | Describe the powers of the executive branch. |
| 12 | GOVT.9 | Describe the scope and limits of the judicial branch. |
| 12 | Skills GOVT | Apply history and social science skills to the content of Virginia and United States Government. |
Is homeschooling legal in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia is a moderate-regulation state.
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Virginia?
A parent electing to home instruct under the home instruction statute (Va. Code 22.1-254.1) must notify the division superintendent of intent no later than August 15 each year (or as soon as practicable if beginning mid-year, then comply within 30 days). The notice must include a description of the curriculum limited to a list of subjects to be studied for the coming year, and evidence that the parent meets one of the four qualifying options. Note: Virginia also allows home instruction under the separate 'religious exemption' (22.1-254(B)(i)) and via a certified tutor (22.1-254(A)), which have different/looser requirements; the details here describe the main home instruction statute.
Is standardized testing required for homeschoolers in Virginia?
Yes (grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). No statutory recordkeeping or attendance-log requirement. Parents must, however, retain/submit annual evidence of progress (test score or evaluation) by August 1. Many families keep portfolios; the state issues no homeschool diploma, so parents maintain their own transcripts/records for high school.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Virginia?
Virginia requires instruction in: No specific subjects are mandated by statute. The law requires only 'a description of the curriculum, limited to a list of subjects to be studied during the coming year.' Parents choose the subjects..
Does Virginia have its own learning standards?
Math: Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL), 2023. ELA: Virginia English Standards of Learning (SOL), 2024. Science: Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL), 2018 (K-Physics); 2025 Expanded High School Science SOL approved Dec 2025 for additional HS courses. Social studies: Virginia History and Social Science Standards of Learning (SOL), 2023.
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-254.1/
- https://heav.org/virginia-homeschool-laws/testing/
- https://vahomeschoolers.org/guide/home-instruction/progress
- https://www.ed.gov/birth-grade-12-education/education-choice/state-regulation-of-private-and-home-schools/virginia-state-regulations-of-private-and-home-schools