‘Not Good Enough.’ Official Objects when Family Starts Homeschooling

Olivia Knapp decided to start homeschooling her 10-year-old daughter in the middle of the spring semester for good reason. Her daughter was dealing with bullies at school and falling behind in her studies.

She submitted her notice of intent to launch a homeschool program (as Virginia law requires) by hand-delivering the paperwork to the public school superintendent’s office near her home. But the superintendent’s response was ominous.

“This isn’t good enough,” he told Olivia. “I want to see your curriculum.”

Raising Obstacles

This unanticipated demand left her puzzled and disappointed. She was anxious to start teaching her daughter at home so she could provide the personalized care that had been lacking in public school.

“My daughter just didn’t get the one-on-one attention that she needed,” Olivia said.

It also troubled her that the superintendent was asking for something the law doesn’t require. Virginia law says the homeschool notice of intent should include a description of the curriculum parents intend to use. But this requirement is typically fulfilled by submitting a simple list of subjects.

“I had done my research,” Olivia said. “And it seemed like these officials didn’t have any knowledge on how to do homeschooling.”

Looking for Help

The superintendent kept insisting on reviewing the family’s curriculum, and even scheduled a time for Olivia to come to the office for an in-person interview. So she searched for additional help. A homeschooling friend recommended the Home School Legal Defense Association, and Olivia was interested. She joined HSLDA and reached out for help.

Scott Woodruff, HSLDA Director of Legal and Legislative Advocacy, quickly contacted the school division on Olivia’s behalf. He affirmed that the documents she had submitted constituted “a lawful and proper notice of intent to provide instruction.”

He also asked officials to cancel the scheduled meeting with Olivia. He explained that, according to HSLDA’s experience interpreting homeschool law (which includes a recent victory in the Virginia Supreme Court), the division lacked the authority to require such an interview.

“Within four days I received a letter from the division stating we had successfully completed all our paperwork,” said Olivia.

Defending Freedom

Woodruff spoke to the larger principal at stake: State law defines the legal steps for beginning to homeschool and what documentation parents must provide. When families comply with requests from officials for more than what the law requires, they risk eroding the liberty and privacy of all homeschoolers.

He said HSLDA helps homeschool families understand what’s at stake and provides the means to resist  an all-too-common encroachment on their rights. In the past 30 days alone, HSLDA’s legal team has dealt with 137 reports of unwarranted contacts by public school officials.

“In most school districts, officials have a moderately good understanding of homeschool law,” Woodruff said. “Those who don’t—once they begin making unlawful demands—might ramp up these demands with no end in sight if the family does not put their foot down.”

He added that refusing to give in—even to seemingly minor breaches of the law—makes a big difference in the long run. “Freedom can be destroyed in one fell swoop or by nibbling around the edges,” he said. “HSLDA’s policy has always been—not one nibble!”

Positive Outcome

Since her case was resolved, Olivia said she’s already seen improvement in her daughter’s studies, especially reading: “She’s learning at her own speed, so she’s able to comprehend more. I let her go to the store and pick out books she’s interested in.”

Some recent favorites are books on the Grand Canyon and tornadoes—she has a bent toward adventure and science. “She’s talking about becoming an astronaut,” Olivia noted.

She appreciates the swift and personal help she received from Woodruff.

“We just love him,” Olivia said. “He’s so full of good information.”