Homeschool benefits: Northern Virginia and Washington, DC commuter-rail

Children 18 and under ride Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter trains free, a trip that costs an adult $5.00 to $13.45 one way. Eligibility is based on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies: riders 11-18 traveling alone show a state-issued ID, a school ID, or a VRE-issued ID. Other options include library educator cards and resources.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Virginia Railway Express Kids Ride Free

Who qualifies

1. Is 18 or younger

   VRE has let youth 18 and younger ride free since July 1, 2024. There is no school enrollment requirement.

2. Under 11 rides with an adult

   Children 10 and under must travel with an adult on every trip, and they do not need an ID.

3. Carries ID when riding alone

   A rider aged 11-18 traveling without an adult shows a school ID, a state-issued ID, or a driver's license. A homeschooled teen with none of these can apply for a VRE-issued ID.

What the fare saves

VRE's full fare table, effective July 1, 2026, sets these adult prices by fare zone; a rider 18 or under pays nothing.

One way within zones 1-3 (Union Station to Alexandria)

$5.00

One way, Woodbridge to Union Station

$10.25

One way, Fredericksburg to Union Station

$13.45

Day pass, Fredericksburg to Union Station

$26.90

Monthly pass, Fredericksburg to Union Station

$372.80

Any trip for a rider 18 or under

Free

The fare pages do not say whether a youth needs a ticket in the VRE Mobile app, so ask VRE before your child's first trip alone.

How to ride free

1. Before the first trip

   Check your child's ID

   If your child is 11-18 and will ride without an adult, make sure they have a school ID, a state-issued ID, or a driver's license.

2. If your child has no ID

   Apply for a VRE ID

   Send the Reduced Fare Application to gotrains@vre.org, mail it to VRE at 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314, or drop it off at VRE headquarters.

3. Within 10 business days

   Get the ID

   VRE processes applications within 10 business days of receiving all required documents.

4. Every trip

   Carry the ID on board

   Conductors can ask to see the ID, so an unaccompanied teen should carry it on every ride.

What it includes

Included

• VRE train rides for riders 18 and under
• Unaccompanied rides for ages 11-18 with ID
• A VRE-issued ID for youth with no other ID

Not included

• Unaccompanied rides for children 10 and under
• Riders 19 and older

Who to contact about Kids Ride Free

VRE's main line answers rider questions, including youth ID applications, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

gotrains@vre.org 800-743-3873 Contact page

Loudoun County Public Library homeschool educator card

Who qualifies

1. Teaches at home

   LCPL lists homeschool teachers among the educators eligible, along with K-12 teachers, childcare providers, and preschool teachers.

2. Lives or works in Loudoun

   Educator Cards are for educators who work and/or live in Loudoun County.

3. Shows proof of status

   Bring a current homeschool status certification or a similar document. Branch staff decide whether the documentation is valid.

What the card gives you

The limits come from LCPL's Borrowing page, which lists the Educator Card next to the loan rules for personal cards.

Items out on the Educator Card

50

Educator Card loan period

4 weeks

Personal card loan period for most items

3 weeks

Overdue fines

None

Card length

1 year

Items count as lost 21 days past the due date and are billed at replacement cost, though the charge is waived if the item comes back.

How to get the card

1. Before you go

   Gather your proof

   Bring a photo ID with your current address and your current homeschool status certification.

2. At the branch

   Ask for an Educator Card

   Apply in person at any LCPL branch; staff review your documents and issue the card.

3. Each checkout

   Return within four weeks

   Keep the card for teaching use and return items within the four-week loan period.

4. By Oct. 1 each year

   Renew at a branch

   Educator Cards expire every October 1. Renew in person with current proof of educator status.

What it includes

Included

• Up to 50 items for teaching
• Four-week loans
• No overdue fines

Not included

• Interlibrary loan
• Personal, non-teaching use

The Educator Card is for professional use and does not replace a personal card, so keep family borrowing on your own account.

Who to contact about the card

Any LCPL branch can issue an Educator Card and answer questions about your account.

703-771-5626 Contact the library

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Virginia

You must file the annual notice of intent by August 15. If you move into a Virginia division or begin after the school year starts, notify the division as soon as practicable and complete the filing within 30 days of the notice.

Virginia sets these rules:

• Subjects: Provide a curriculum and include a list of the coming year’s subjects with the annual notice. The home-instruction statute does not require the public-school curriculum.
• Testing: Submit evidence of progress by August 1 after the school year. Children under six on September 30 of that school year are exempt from this assessment requirement.
• Records: Submit the annual notice, subject list, proof of a qualifying route, and required evidence of progress. Keep copies; no routine portfolio or attendance-log filing is required.
• Teachers: Qualify through a high-school diploma, Board-prescribed teaching qualifications, providing a curriculum or program of study, or evidence that you can provide an adequate education.

Read the Virginia homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Virginia

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