Understanding Student Discipline in Virginia

Student discipline policies in Virginia are shaped by both state law and local school board rules. As of today, Virginia requires school divisions to maintain codes of student conduct that address behavior expectations, disciplinary responses, and due process procedures. The state's framework is designed to help schools keep learning environments safe and orderly while also encouraging fair, consistent, and developmentally appropriate responses to student behavior. Local school boards may adopt rules that are more stringent than the state's minimum guidance, but they must still operate within Virginia law. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

For parents and students, this means discipline is not handled by a single statewide handbook. Instead, each Virginia school division has its own student conduct policy, often called a code of conduct, that reflects state requirements and local priorities. Those policies are supposed to be shared with students, parents, and school personnel so expectations are clear before problems arise. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

The State Rules That Shape Local Policies

Virginia law directs the Board of Education to develop guidelines and model policies for student conduct. Those guidelines must cover topics such as removal from class, suspension, expulsion, exclusion, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, threats, search and seizure, alcohol and drugs, gang-related activity, hazing, vandalism, trespassing, self-defense, and the discipline of students with disabilities. The law also requires standards for dress or grooming codes and for reducing bias and harassment in enforcement. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

One important feature of Virginia's system is that school boards must review the model student conduct code at least every two years and update it to include discipline options and alternatives that preserve a safe, nondisruptive environment for teaching and learning. That review requirement matters because school discipline practices continue to evolve, especially around prevention, equity, and alternatives to exclusionary punishment. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title22.1/chapter14/article3/))

Suspension, Expulsion, and Due Process

Virginia law sets procedures for suspension and expulsion, including notice and appeal-related protections. For short-term suspensions of up to 10 days, the school board must ensure that parents receive notice of the suspension length, information about community-based educational programs or other alternatives, and the student's right to return when the suspension ends. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-277.04/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=1864&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

For more serious discipline cases, the state's code requires procedures for suspension, expulsion, and exclusion decisions, along with applicable appeals processes. In practice, this means schools cannot simply remove a student without following the steps required by law and local policy. The exact process can vary by division, but the basic expectation is that discipline decisions should be documented, communicated, and handled consistently. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

Virginia also requires parent notification in certain situations. If a student violates a school board policy or attendance requirement in a way that is likely to lead to suspension or a court petition, the principal or designee must notify the parents, even if the school has not yet imposed the discipline or filed the petition. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.3/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=816&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

Alternatives to Suspension Are a Major Focus

In recent years, Virginia has emphasized positive, preventive approaches to student behavior. The Virginia Department of Education's 2021 Model Guidance for Positive, Preventive Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension is still a key blueprint for school divisions revising their policies and practices. The guidance reflects a broader shift toward prevention, intervention, and school climate strategies rather than relying only on exclusionary discipline. ([doe.virginia.gov](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/student-support-conduct))

This does not mean suspension is disappearing. It does mean that schools are encouraged to consider whether a student's behavior can be addressed through supports, restorative practices, counseling, behavior plans, or other interventions before resorting to removal from class or school. The state's current approach aims to balance safety with the educational goal of keeping students connected to school whenever possible. ([doe.virginia.gov](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/student-support-conduct))

Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Harassment

Virginia law gives bullying and cyberbullying special attention. School board policies must address these issues, including incidents that occur outside school property when they involve students enrolled in the division. The law also requires schools to notify parents of alleged bullying incidents within 24 hours of learning about them. Policies must also include protections so students are not discouraged from reporting bullying or seeking support because of fear of retaliation or social exclusion. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title22.1/chapter14/article3/))

These requirements show that student discipline in Virginia is not only about punishment. It is also about reporting, intervention, support services, and making sure students can learn in a safe environment. Schools are expected to provide access to support resources, including mental health-related help when appropriate. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title22.1/chapter14/article3/))

Discipline Data and Transparency

Virginia also collects statewide discipline data through the Student Behavior and Administrative Response Collection. School divisions must report events of student behavior and the administrative responses taken. This reporting system helps the state monitor discipline patterns and compare how local policies are being applied. It also reflects the reality that local discretion can affect how incidents are counted and handled. ([doe.virginia.gov](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/data-reports/data-collection/student-behavior-and-administrative-response-collection))

That data collection matters for families, educators, and policymakers because it can reveal whether discipline is being used consistently, whether certain student groups are affected more than others, and whether alternatives to suspension are being implemented as intended. In other words, discipline policy is not just a written document; it is also a measurable practice. ([doe.virginia.gov](https://www.doe.virginia.gov/data-policy-funding/data-reports/data-collection/student-behavior-and-administrative-response-collection))

What Families in Virginia Should Review

Because local policies can differ, families should review their school division's code of student conduct at the start of each school year and whenever a discipline issue arises. A good policy should explain what behaviors are prohibited, what consequences may follow, how parents are notified, how appeals work, and what supports are available for students. It should also explain how the school handles bullying, threats, electronic communication, and repeated misconduct. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

• Ask for the school division's current code of student conduct.
• Check the rules for suspension, expulsion, and classroom removal.
• Review bullying and cyberbullying procedures carefully.
• Look for information about alternative education options and readmission.
• Ask how the school uses prevention, intervention, and restorative supports.

The Bottom Line

As of today, student discipline policy in Virginia is built around a mix of state law, Board of Education guidance, and local school board rules. The system gives schools authority to respond to misconduct, but it also requires procedures, parent notice, and a growing emphasis on alternatives to suspension. For families, the most practical takeaway is simple: know your division's code of conduct, understand the due process steps, and pay attention to how the school balances safety, fairness, and student support. ([law.lis.virginia.gov](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.6/?preview=true&amp%3Bsite_id=c51l4v&amp%3Butm_source=openai))

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Information is sourced from publicaly available information and may be inaccurate