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Home Instruction

In Virginia, parents must ensure that a child attends school in compliance with the state Compulsory Attendance law. 

The Compulsory Attendance law permits a child, subject to that law to attend a private, public school or receive an education through alternatives to school attendance. Below are options that parents may consider that are in compliance with the compulsory attendance law which requires children of school age to attend a private or public school or receive an education through alternatives to school attendance.

Common alternatives include:

  • Home-instruction by a parent: Parents that wish to meet the compulsory attendance law through home-instruction must complete a Notice of Intent and supply supporting documentation. Click here to access the Notice of Intent form, requirements for religious exemptions, and the Guidelines for Home Instruction in Virginia.
  • Home instruction by a teacher/tutor: Section 1-254 of the Code of Virginia requires tutors or teachers to meet the teacher licensure qualifications prescribed by the Board of Education and that the individual has been approved by the school division superintendent. 

Parents planning to have their child taught by a certified tutor or teacher must submit a letter to the superintendent that includes the following information:  

  • Student’s Name (first and last)
  • Student’s grade level
  • Student’s previous school (if applicable)
  • Parent’s name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Tutor’s/teacher’s name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Copy of the tutor’s/teacher’s Virginia issued teacher’s license (must be current)

Families may mail or email letters to:

  • Enrollment, Placement, and Planning Department
    2120 Fendall Avenue
    Richmond, VA 23222

Alternatively, families may submit a notice of intent via RPS's online form.

Once RPS receives the required documents, the Enrollment Department will review and process the request. Letters will be mailed (or emailed) to acknowledge the receipt of Notice of Intent forms and approvals for tutor/teacher certifications. Notice of Intent forms must be submitted annually by August 15 for the proceding school year. Tutor certifications will remain valid as long as the tutor maintains his/her state-issued teacher’s license.

Parents interested in Home Instruction, Tutoring, or Religious Exemption should contact the Superintendent’s office at 780-7710 for information and assistance, or email homeinstruction@rvaschools.net. Parents who choose to use an alternative route to educate their children are welcome to return to Richmond Public Schools at any time.