Virginia Beach School Policy - Testing & Exemptions

Education Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia parents need clear information on how state curriculum standards, Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, and exemption pathways affect their children in city schools. This guide explains who sets curriculum standards, how SOL assessments are administered in Virginia Beach public schools, what exemption or alternate-instruction options exist, and the practical steps parents should follow to apply, appeal, or report concerns. It draws from official state guidance and local school division practice to help parents act confidently and meet deadlines.

Check official testing schedules early each school year to avoid missed deadlines.

Overview of Curriculum & Testing

Virginia’s academic standards and required assessments are set at the state level; the Virginia Department of Education publishes Standards of Learning (SOL) expectations and test administration guidance used by Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Local schools implement instruction and testing calendars consistent with state rules and the division’s assessment policies. For specific SOL subjects, test windows, and accommodations, consult the state testing guidance below.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcement of curriculum and testing requirements is administrative and educational rather than criminal. School divisions and the Virginia Department of Education manage compliance, including reporting, required remediation, and administrative actions.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: procedures for first, repeat, or continuing noncompliance are not specified on the cited page; divisions typically document local remediation steps.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include required remedial instruction, administrative orders, documentation requirements, or referral to division-level review.
  • Enforcer: the school division (Virginia Beach City Public Schools) enforces local administration; the Virginia Department of Education issues statewide testing and accountability rules.
  • Complaints/inspections: parents may contact the school principal or division office for assessment concerns; the state testing office handles statewide test administration questions.
  • Appeals and review: division-level appeals processes vary; the cited state guidance does not specify exact time limits for appeals on the page.
Official pages cited do not list monetary fines or exact appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Most exemption or alternate-instruction requests (for example, documented medical accommodations or documented home instruction notifications) are handled through division forms or procedures. If a specific VDOE or division form is required, the division posts it on its parent/assessment pages; if no form is listed, the page states that no specific form is published.

Common Parent Actions

  • Request testing accommodations via the school’s 504 or special education coordinator.
  • Submit notice of home instruction if electing to homeschool under state rules.
  • Appeal division decisions following the school division’s published appeal procedures.
Contact your school’s registrar or student services office early when you need an accommodation or exemption.

FAQ

Can a parent refuse SOL testing for their child?
State testing requirements are set by the Virginia Department of Education; local divisions implement testing windows and accommodations. The official state testing guidance should be consulted for permitted accommodations and administration details.[1]
How do I request accommodations for my child?
Parents should contact the school’s 504 coordinator or special education office to initiate an accommodation request and provide supporting documentation.
Where do I find forms to declare home instruction or request exemptions?
Local division webpages and the state education site list required notices or forms; if a specific form is required it will be posted on the division’s parent or assessment pages.

How-To

  1. Contact your child’s school to request information on testing dates, accommodations, and the division’s appeal process.
  2. Gather supporting documentation (medical records, IEP or 504 plans, or home instruction plans) as required by the division.
  3. Submit the division’s accommodation or exemption form, or provide the home instruction notification to the school division office within the division’s published timelines.
  4. If the division denies a request, follow the school division’s appeal steps and consider contacting the Virginia Department of Education for statewide policy clarification.
Start appeals and documentation at the school level to preserve review rights.

Key Takeaways

  • The state sets SOL standards and testing rules; the division implements them locally.
  • Deadlines and forms are posted by the division; check early each school year.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Virginia Department of Education - Testing and Assessments

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data