magdalenahanson

We moved to Virginia about 6 weeks ago. We live in a townhouse
surrounded by nosey neighbors who called the police to complain about
our children 'playing outside too much without their parents
supervision' (my children are 14, 13, 11, 9, 8) and stated that the
children do not go to school. These neighbors have never said one
word to us.

The policeman told us that we needed to file a request for exemption
from compulsary attendance. I called the Superintendants office who
told me to write a letter with all the kids names, what our religion
teaches and ask to be excused from the compulsary attendance law. The
board will review the letter and let us know if they will grant the
request. It is my understanding that they don't have the right to
deny it. Is there anyone here from Virginia that has gone through
this process? If so please let me know what you did.
Magdalena

[email protected]

In a message dated 12/14/04 12:49:08 PM, magdalenahansonn@...
writes:

<< The policeman told us that we needed to file a request for exemption

from compulsary attendance. >>

That doesn't sound like a letter of intent.

I'm guessing you had inquired about homeschooling before moving, and maybe
had already registered, or had information about how to register. I think an
exemption from compulsory attendance is for freakish exceptions, not for
homeschooling.

Are you on a local homeschooling discussion list? (Does anyone here have an
address for a Virginia-specific list?)



Sandra

Nisha

--- In [email protected], "magdalenahanson"
<magdalenahansonn@e...> wrote:

> The policeman told us that we needed to file a request for
exemption from compulsary attendance.

Not exactly, but here is the link for the notice of intent. You can
print it from the link.

http://homeschooling.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%
2F%2Fwww.people.virginia.edu%2F%7Epm6f%2Fform.html

I called the Superintendants office who
> told me to write a letter with all the kids names, what our
religion teaches and ask to be excused from the compulsary
attendance law.

I don't think they can make you explain your religious beliefs, but
VA may be one of those states that if you say you do it for
religious reasons, you have less hassle.
There are quite a few yahoo groups for VA homeschoolers.
Here are the top three...but there were 46 listed. LOL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool-va-chat/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschool_Hotline/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arc-homeschool/

The people on those lists, should be able to help you find out
exactly what the law is, and what hoops you have to jump thru.

Nisha

Nisha

HEre is one for unschoolers, ecclectic and relaxed homeschoolers...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NovaUnschoolers/
Nisha

--- In [email protected], SandraDodd@a... wrote:
> Are you on a local homeschooling discussion list? (Does anyone
here have an
> address for a Virginia-specific list?)
>
>
>
> Sandra

gdawson22824

> (Does anyone here have an address for a Virginia-specific list?)

Two resources to check out:

Virginia Home Education Association
www.vhea.org

An inclusive organization that provides excellent information on
Virginia's home education statutes. Check out this page especially:
"Guide to Homeschooling in Virginia"
http://www.vhea.org/guide.html

Va Eclectic Homeschool (a Yahoo! group)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VaEclecticHomeschool/

"A large, active list for in-depth discussion of issues affecting
homeschooling, and for news about media articles and programs,
proposed legislation, research, conferences and other information of
interest to Virginia homeschoolers." Lots of links.

Gail Dawson

myfunny4

--- In [email protected], "magdalenahanson"
<magdalenahansonn@e...> wrote:
>
> We moved to Virginia about 6 weeks ago.

I don't live in Virginia, but HSLDA has a page for Virginia law.

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=VA

Where did you live before moving to Virginia? Each state has
different requirements for homeschooling.

Debbie

Betsy and Chris

Va homeschool assoc. site:

http://www.vhea.org/

Listserve:

[email protected]

This list is VERY knowledgeable about VA law, you should post there.

Best wishes,
Betsy S.

Are you on a local homeschooling discussion list? (Does anyone here have an
address for a Virginia-specific list?)




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

wifetovegman2002

--- In [email protected], "magdalenahanson"
<magdalenahansonn@e...> wrote:
>
> We moved to Virginia about 6 weeks ago.

>The
> board will review the letter and let us know if they will grant
the
> request. It is my understanding that they don't have the right to
> deny it. Is there anyone here from Virginia that has gone through
> this process?



Please go to www.vhea.org and read what is there about filing for an
RE. VHEA is an inclusive statewide homeschooling organization.

Filing an RE is different from complying with the home education
statute in VA. If you have an RE you do not have to comply with the
HE statute.

Yes, they have the right to deny an RE if they do not feel your
religious beliefs are genuine.

However, if that happens, you can still file under the homeschooling
statute.

Since this is a national unschooling list, and not a VA specific
one, you might also consider joining the VAEclecticHomeschool list
at yahoo groups, which is an inclusive, state-wide e-mail support
list with over 800 members.

Here's the yahoo groups link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VaEclecticHomeschool/

Please feel free to contact me off-list as well with any questions
regarding homeschooling or the RE in Virginia

Susan (wifetovegman)