Home Instruction

Welcome to the Richmond Public Schools Home Instruction Program page, now under the management of the Richmond Virtual Academy!

Richmond Public Schools (RPS) has a responsibility to meet the educational needs of children who are confined to their homes due to illness, injury, pregnancy, or emotional difficulties. It may also be used to supplement the classroom program for health-impaired children whose conditions may interfere with consistent attendance (e.g., students receiving dialysis, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments) or for children with disabilities that prevent regular school attendance. Homebound instruction enables students to continue their educational program while confined at home. Educational and physical modifications to the school environment may be attempted before students are placed on homebound instruction.

Homebound services are temporary services which are available to all students who are enrolled in Richmond City Schools. The program is designed to provide continuity of educational services between the classroom and home. The ultimate goal is always to return the student to the school setting as soon as possible.

The goal of homebound services is to provide quality instruction for a short period of time to students with medical or mental health necessity. We aim to assist students with keeping on track with core content instruction and facilitate the student’s return to the classroom setting. If your child has a current need for homebound services, you may use the form below to request services. 

Request for Homebound Services

Please note that the Medical Certification of Need Form must be completed by the treating physician/psychiatrist. All pages must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be processed.  All forms and communication will be processed electronically.  Families should contact the Home Instruction Coordinator, Mrs. Sandra Portee at spillard@rvaschools.net, with any questions or requests for assistance with the homebound application process.

Home-based services are determined by the student's IEP team or requested by the Disciplinary Review Hearing Officer for discipline related reasons or other unique circumstances.  For inquiries regarding eligibility for home-based services, please contact your child's school based team.