Homeschooling in West Virginia

West Virginia offers two distinct pathways under W.Va. Code §18-8-1(c). Option B (Notice Option) is by far the most popular — a ONE-TIME notification with annual assessments only at 4 grade levels. The 'Tim Tebow Act' (2023) gave WV homeschoolers the right to participate in public school sports and extracurriculars. ⚠️ MAJOR 2026 UPDATE: The Hope Scholarship (~$5,267-$5,435 per student) becomes UNIVERSALLY ELIGIBLE starting July 1, 2026 — ALL WV school-age children eligible regardless of prior public school enrollment, including traditional homeschoolers who never attended public school. This will add an estimated 30,000-40,000 newly eligible students. Compulsory ages 6-17.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Option B (Notice of Intent, most common) or Option A (Board Approval, rarely used) under W.Va. Code §18-8-1(c).

Notification: ONE-TIME Notice of Intent to county superintendent. NOT annual. Stays in effect until you stop homeschooling or move to a different county..

Instructional time: Option A: 180 instructional days per year. Option B: NO specific days/hours required..

Required subjects: 5 required subjects under both options: reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies..

Testing and evaluation: Annual assessment required EVERY year (parent retains records). Submit results to county superintendent by JUNE 30 in grades 3, 5, 8, AND 11. 4 acceptable assessment methods..

What West Virginia families need to know

**OPTION B: NOTICE OF INTENT** (W.Va. Code §18-8-1(c)(2)) — the recommended option, used by vast majority of families:

• ONE-TIME Notice of Intent to county superintendent (NOT annual) before beginning homeschooling. Send via certified mail with return receipt.

• Notice must include: child's name, address, age; assurance child will receive instruction in 5 required subjects (reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies); evidence of instructor's high school diploma or equivalent.

• **PARENT/INSTRUCTOR MUST HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED** (or post-secondary degree from regionally accredited institution).

• If your county requires a 'substitute form' or extra paperwork, you are NOT obligated to use it. Your own letter citing the statute is legally sufficient.

**OPTION A: BOARD APPROVAL** (W.Va. Code §18-8-1(c)(1)) — rarely used and not recommended:

• Submit detailed curriculum plan to local school board for approval. Board can REJECT.

• Requires 180 instructional days per year.

• Most families and HSLDA advise AGAINST this option.

**5 REQUIRED SUBJECTS** (both options): reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

**ANNUAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED EVERY YEAR**: parents must conduct annual assessment using ONE of 4 methods:

• (1) Nationally normed standardized test (CAT, ITBS, Stanford 10, TerraNova, etc., normed within past 10 years)

• (2) Portfolio review by certified teacher

• (3) Public school's testing program

• (4) Method agreed upon in advance with county superintendent

**TESTING SUBMISSION AT GRADES 3, 5, 8, AND 11**: assessment results must be submitted to county superintendent by JUNE 30 in those grades. For other grades, parents keep records on file for 3 years.

**REMEDIAL PROGRAM**: if assessment falls below acceptable level, Year 1 = initiate remedial program (no county approval needed); Year 2 = submit evidence appropriate instruction is being provided. Potential intervention requires 'clear and convincing evidence' of educational neglect AND a court order — this is rare.

**HOPE SCHOLARSHIP** (W.Va. Code §18-31): provides ~$5,267-$5,435 per student annually as ESA funding. Approved expenses: curriculum, textbooks, tutoring, educational therapies, online learning, transportation, after-school programs, industry credentials. Funds roll over annually until graduation/age 21.

**HOPE SCHOLARSHIP UNIVERSAL ELIGIBILITY STARTING JULY 1, 2026** — MAJOR CHANGE: ALL WV school-age children become eligible, including traditional homeschoolers who never attended public school. Currently restricted to those previously enrolled in WV public school for prior term or 45+ consecutive days. NOTE: Hope Scholarship students homeschool under DIFFERENT exemption (m), NOT (c) — check chewv.org for Hope-specific requirements.

**TIM TEBOW ACT (2023)**: homeschool students have the right to participate in their local public school's extracurricular activities, including athletics. Try out and participate under same eligibility rules (academic standards, age limits, residency). Contact county school district's athletic director.

**HOMESCHOOL DIPLOMA**: per W.Va. Code §18-8-1a(e), a homeschool diploma issued by parent has the same legal standing as a public school diploma. 'No state agency or institution of higher learning in this state may reject or otherwise treat a person differently solely on the grounds of the source of such a diploma.' Parent-issued diplomas are LEGALLY VALID.

**WV PROMISE Scholarship**: currently requires GED/TASC for homeschool applicants — advocacy groups working to change this. As of Class of 2019, homeschoolers must achieve cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) in core courses AND overall coursework.

**Vocational Education Access** (W.Va. Code §18-5-15g): county boards SHALL permit homeschool students to enroll in county vocational schools at no greater cost than public school students.

**Work permit authority**: per W.Va. Code §21-6-3, homeschool parents may issue work permits for students 14-15 years old.

**Driver's eligibility**: per W.Va. Code §18-8-11(b), homeschool parents may sign a statement in lieu of driver's eligibility certificate.

**Learning Pod option**: third pathway also available with separate requirements.

Compulsory attendance: ages 6-17 (some counties extend to 18).

Always verify current requirements with the West Virginia Department of Education before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

West Virginia homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. Per W.Va. Code §18-8-1a(e), homeschool diplomas have the SAME legal standing as public school diplomas. No state agency or college can reject or treat applicants differently based on diploma source. WV public colleges (WVU, Marshall, WV State) accept homeschool transcripts. Hope Scholarship funds can be used for college-prep expenses. Strong SAT/ACT scores strengthen applications. The WV PROMISE Scholarship requires GED/TASC currently — advocacy ongoing.

Getting started in West Virginia

If you are new to homeschooling in West Virginia, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the West Virginia Department of Education website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. West Virginia offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. West Virginia has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

West Virginia homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for West Virginia homeschool families:

• Christian Home Educators of West Virginia (CHEWV) — Largest statewide Christian homeschool organization with detailed legal guidance and Hope Scholarship resources — chewv.org
• West Virginia Home Educators Association (WVHEA) — Inclusive statewide organization
• HSLDA West Virginia — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "West Virginia homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting West Virginia's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • West Virginia State Guide