Home educators set for 25th convention

The Home Educators Association of Virginia will host its 25th annual convention and educational fair from June 5-7 in Richmond.

The association is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for families who home-school their children.

The convention, which is open to parents and children, will feature speakers from across the nation, as well as workshops to “equip and power parents to teach their children at home,” said Anne Miller, president of the association.

Between 9,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend. There will be 110 workshops that will cover a wide variety of issues such as choosing academic curriculum, managing household finances and planning for college.

The convention will also host a high-school graduation ceremony. About 177 home-schooled children will be participating in this year’s graduation, the largest home-school graduation in the country, Miller said.

Although the preregistration period has ended, those wishing to participate in the convention may still register at the door. Registration will cost between $25 and $75 depending on how many days one plans to attend. Four workshops on Thursday will be free, though registration is still required.

According to the state Department of Education’s Web site, 20,694 Virginia children were being home-schooled as of November, an increase over the 20,240 children being home-schooled a year ago. There were 396 home-schooled children in Albemarle County and 52 in Charlottesville.

“Home-schooling is really growing in Virginia,” Miller said. “I’d like to encourage people who are thinking about home-schooling to come to the convention. … They will be amazed by resources available.”