Comparison of Educational Options in Virginia*

Cost per Child

Parent’s Time Required

Child’s Time Required

Public School

School collects at least $8,891, plus capital construction dollars, for each child from public taxes.** Parents pay for supplies, special fees, lunches, etc.

Parents are asked to help in classrooms, plus may need to help child with homework. Parents may also need to provide transportation.

Child attends school 6 to 7 hours per day, plus has 1 to 4 hours of homework to complete.

Charter School

School collects at least $6,450, plus some capital construction dollars, for each child from public taxes.***

Parents may be required to help in school, plus may need to help child with homework. May also need to provide transportation.

Child attends school 6 to 7 hours each day, plus 1 to 4 hours of homework to complete.

Virtual Schools: Public School at Home

School collects at least $8,891 for each child from public taxes. Families may receive Internet access, free materials, and/or reimbursement for some expenses.**

Parents are required to oversee educational activities and computer work. Parents must meet with public school teacher who has oversight of the program.

Studies take about 6 to 7 hours per day, plus additional time if needed.

Part-time Public School

Amount school collects varies based on the number of classes taken. Amount collected is limited to ½ ADM (Average Daily Membership).

Public school teachers instruct child in a public school classroom. Parents act as a coach, overseeing child class work at home according to program schedule. A limited number of classes may be taken. Parents may also need to provide transportation.

School time includes public school hours, homework assignments, and homeschool hours.

Private School

Parents pay $1,000 - $10,000 per year, per child.

Parents may be asked to help in classroom, plus may need to help with homework. Parents may also need to provide transportation.

Child attends school 6 to 7 hours per day, plus has 1 to 4 hours of home-work per day.

Independent Homeschool
§22.1-254.1

Expense varies based on curriculum choices. Average cost is $400 per year, per child; cost is paid by parents.

Parents teach, plan, and grade. Time required will depend on the curriculum, method, grade level, and individual student. It may take from 2 to 6 hours per day. Multiple children can often be taught at the same time, and teaching can be done in conjunction with household responsibilities.

Child does 2 to 7 hours of homeschool work per day depending on the child, method, and curriculum.