How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Virginia

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Virginia requires to start

   Virginia requires annual written notice to the division superintendent, with a description of the curriculum limited to a list of subjects and evidence the parent meets one qualification: a high school diploma, a teaching license, an approved program of study, or other evidence of ability to provide an adequate education (22.1-254.1(A)-(B)). It is notice only; the statute has no approval step. A separate religious exemption exists under 22.1-254(B)(1) and is a different route.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   Neither the statute nor the VDOE Home Instruction Handbook (2025) describes a separate school withdrawal step. After notice is given the parent may begin home instruction. Telling the current school in writing is a courtesy, not stated as a requirement.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   Notice is due each August, no later than August 15 (22.1-254.1(B)). For a child leaving school mid-year or a family moving in, notify as soon as practicable and meet the remaining requirements within 30 days. Evidence of progress is due to the superintendent by August 1 after the school year (22.1-254.1(C)).

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Under FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) a parent may inspect and request a copy of the child's education records, and the school must comply within 45 days of the request. The VDOE handbook says VDOE keeps no academic records for home-instructed students and divisions keep no transcripts or diploma status for them.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   Under federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent may revoke consent to special education services in writing; the district must then stop the services after giving prior written notice, and does not have to hold an IEP meeting or seek a due process hearing to override it. The VDOE handbook points special education questions to the division's special education director or VDOE; no Virginia-specific withdrawal form was found in primary sources.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Virginia: the items Virginia asks to be included are listed in it. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The division superintendent of the school division where I live [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Va. Code 22.1-254.1, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Virginia asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name (the notice must identify each child) [fill in]
- List of subjects to be taught [fill in]
- Evidence of meeting one qualification option under 22.1-254.1(A) [fill in]

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Virginia

VDOE Home Instruction, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions