Education funding in Virginia
2 programs in Virginia. Each links to the program’s official sources.
Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program
Not open to homeschoolers From official sources October 7, 2026
No. Scholarships can only be paid to nonpublic K-12 schools that are accredited or that test scholarship students each year, or to nonpublic pre-K programs. A homeschooled child could only use one by enrolling in such a school; home instruction is not listed.
Dates and status: Ongoing under Va. Code §§ 58.1-439.25 to 439.28; families apply through approved scholarship foundations. Students qualify by recent Virginia public school attendance, being eligible to enter kindergarten or first grade, having had a scholarship before, or moving from another state; students with an IEP have a separate route. Donors get a credit of 65% of the donation, and no more than $25 million in credits can be issued a year, first come, first served. Starting with taxable years beginning January 1, 2028, students with disabilities must also meet the general student rules and have family income at or below 400% of poverty guidelines.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (state participation)
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026 Not open yet
Not settled yet. Federal rules define eligible costs by reference to Coverdell account expenses tied to enrollment or attendance at a school 'as determined under State law,' and neither the IRS notice nor the October 2026 proposed rules mention homeschooling.
Dates and status: Virginia made an advance election and appears on the IRS list of participating states for 2027 (as of September 14, 2026). To complete participation, a state submits its scholarship organization list by February 15, 2027. Donor credits of up to $1,700 begin January 1, 2027.