Starting a Private School in Virginia
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Virginia State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no registration requirements, and accreditation, licensing and approval are optional except for schools serving students with disabilities. In this case, licensing is required.
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The Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Virginia.
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Instruction in the home of a child or children by the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of such child or children shall not be classified or defined as a private, denominational, or parochial school.
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The VCPE has no published requirements for school insurance -- consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Curriculum Requirements
The commonwealth of Virginia does not require any specific curriculum for private schools.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is not required by the commonwealth; however, an approved accrediting association may set its own requirements for teacher credentials.
Food Services / Lunch
In Virginia, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
Students must attend school at least 180 days per year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Teachers must track and report on student attendance.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must be immunized or provide documentation of a medical or religious exemption.
Transportation
Local school districts may, though are not required to, enter into agreements with private schools to provide students transportation to and from school.
Testing
Private school students are not required to participate in state administered tests unless the student is a child with a disability who has been placed by a local school division
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Virginia State Resources
State & Regional Associations
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Quick Guide Nav
We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
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