Requires Private Schools Taking Vouchers to Test
Virginia · HB359 · Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Why it matters
Private schools that take public tuition money would have to meet state testing and admissions rules. Families using vouchers or scholarships could lose their school's eligibility if it gets a low rating.
What it does
- Requires private schools getting public tuition money to take state Standards of Learning tests
- Schools must pay the state for the full cost of giving and scoring those tests
- Schools must follow nondiscrimination rules on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity
- Schools that get the lowest accountability rating lose the right to enroll new public assistance students for five years
- Teachers of core academic subjects must hold a valid Virginia teaching license or an approved equivalent
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would require private schools that receive public tuition money to give state tests and follow civil rights rules. Schools with the lowest ratings could not enroll new public assistance students for five years.
Private elementary or secondary school; use of public funds for tuition, standards.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Public accountability groups would likely say schools taking public money should meet the same testing and civil rights standards as public schools. They would argue that families deserve clear results.
💬 The case against
Private school groups would likely say the rules add costs and limit their independence. Religious schools may also object to the admissions and religious opt-out requirements.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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