For Students & Parents

News & Announcements

Don’t Take a Vacation from Learning
To get a jump start on the next school year, encourage your child check out the resources available through Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning. Discover fun activities and resources related to reading, mathematics, science and history that can involve the whole family. Download a PDF version of the Summer Learning flyer or bookmark.

Using this website

• Tips & Hints on Using this website
• Virginia Department of Education and Education Directories – Contact information for VDOE, Virginia Public School Divisions and Public Schools
• Search this site by using the "Search VDOE" feature located at the top right of each page

Education Terminology

• Glossary of Terms Related to Public Education in Virginia (PDF)

School Enrollment

• Enrollment in Virginia Public Schools
• Virginia School Entrance Laws
• School Entrance Physical Exam Form (PDF) and Instructions (PDF)
• School readiness describes the capabilities of children, families, schools and communities that promote student success in kindergarten and beyond. Each component plays an essential role in the development of school readiness.

Information for Military Families

• Military Families

Testing, Standards of Learning (SOL) & Achievement

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools describe student learning and achievement expectations in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. These standards represent a broad consensus of what parents, classroom teachers, school administrators, academics, and business and community leaders believe schools should teach and students should learn.

Annual assessments – including SOL tests, the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP), Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) and Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) – provide information on individual student achievement including those with special needs.

• Standards of Learning (SOL) & Testing
• Participation and Inclusion – includes guidance regarding the assessment of students with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency

Test results also provide critical data for schools, school divisions and the Virginia Department of Education to develop and implement effective instructional strategies, and information to determine school accreditation and federal accountability.

• Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment Results
• Report Cards for Schools, School Divisions and the State
• Accreditation & Federal Reports

Special Education

Students with disabilities are guaranteed a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment through the federal Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires parents and school personnel to work together to provide appropriate educational services outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Special Education
• Special Education for Parents
• Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (PDF)

Graduation Requirements

Students have many options for earning a high school diploma and opportunities ways to maximize course selections.

• Graduation Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions about Earning a Virginia High School Diploma

Student Records

• Student Records & Privacy

Other Resources

• Summer Learning
• Health and Medical Support
• School Nutrition Programs – including National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snack Program, USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and Summer Food Service Programs
• Driver Education's 45 Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide (PDF)
• Parent’s Guide to Additional Services
• A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Student Discipline Policies and Practices (PDF)
• Private Schools & Home Schooling
• Students & Parents: Preparing for College
• Virginia 529 College Savings Plan
• The Senate and House of Delegates programs

Teacher Direct provides a direct line of communication with classroom teachers and educators. Teacher Direct includes information about new instructional resources created by VDOE staff as well professional development and grant opportunities, and other information of special interest to teachers and their students.

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