How to homeschool in West Virginia

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: Yes

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West Virginia homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in West Virginia is a legally recognized educational option under the state’s compulsory education law. Families have two main legal pathways to choose from:

The Home Instruction Option (W.Va. Code §18-8-1(c)): This requires parents to submit a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) to the county superintendent.
The Church School or School Operated by a Religious Order Option (W.Va. Code §18-8-1(b)): This requires families to affiliate with a recognized church or religious organization that operates their school.

Key requirements for homeschooling under the Home Instruction Option:

Notification: Submit a one-time Notice of Intent to homeschool to your local superintendent.
Parent qualification: Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Annual assessment (for Home Instruction Option): Maintain an academic assessment record of the child’s educational progress (e.g. a portfolio or standardized testing scores).
Core subjects (for Home Instruction Option): Teach subjects such as reading, language, math, science, and social studies.

For more details, visit the West Virginia Department of Education official website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in West Virginia

Getting started with homeschooling in West Virginia is easy with Time4Learning! Here’s how you can ensure a smooth beginning for your homeschooling experience.

Research your options. Decide which homeschooling option works best for your family—Home Instruction or the Church School/Religious Order option.
Notify your district. Submit the required Notification of Intent paperwork (for the Home Instruction Option).
Create a learning schedule. Design a structured routine that meets the state's subject requirements.
Choose your homeschool tools. Use Time4Learning’s curriculum to meet West Virginia’s homeschooling requirements. With its comprehensive lessons in core subjects, convenient record-keeping tools, and portfolio-ready documentation, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Maintain records. Keep academic progress evidence as required under law.

Time4Learning provides a flexible, online homeschooling curriculum that aligns with West Virginia’s legal requirements. It’s perfect for families seeking convenience and quality in their homeschool programs.

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West Virginia’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

In West Virginia, homeschoolers do not receive a state-certified high school diploma, leaving the responsibility of setting graduation requirements to parents. Families can choose to align these standards with the minimum criteria set by public schools or create personalized benchmarks that reflect their student’s unique goals and achievements.

Suggested credits for homeschool high school graduation

English/Language Arts: 4 credits
Math: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Science (with lab): 3 credits
Physical Education/Health: 1 credit each
Electives (including arts or technical skills): 7 credits or more

Homeschoolers may issue personalized diplomas and maintain transcripts through tools like Time4Learning. It’s also helpful to create a portfolio showcasing your student’s coursework, extracurricular activities, and special projects.

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Standardized test requirements for West Virginia homeschoolers

West Virginia law does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing. However, some families may opt to have their students take tests like the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the SAT/ACT to demonstrate progress or prepare for college applications.

Under the Home Instruction option, homeschoolers must maintain an academic assessment record, which can include a portfolio of the student’s work or other assessment measures of parental choice.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in West Virginia

Homeschoolers offer unique strengths when applying to colleges, such as independent study skills, personalized learning experiences, and portfolios that showcase their work. Here are tips for making a strong impression during the college application process as a homeschooler in West Virginia:

Maintain detailed records of your coursework and transcripts. Include grades, credits earned, and descriptions of unique courses or extracurricular activities.
Take standardized tests. Many colleges appreciate SAT, ACT, or CLT scores as part of the application package.
Create a portfolio. Showcase significant projects, volunteer experiences, or creative endeavors that highlight your learning.
Leverage recommendation letters. Ask tutors, volunteer coordinators, or community leaders to write a letter about your achievements and character.

Colleges nationwide, including those in West Virginia, have become increasingly homeschool-friendly. Many even have dedicated admissions officers to serve homeschool applicants.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in West Virginia

West Virginia offers an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, called Hope Scholarship. ESA funding provides families with financial aid that can be used toward homeschooling-related expenses, such as curriculum materials, online classes, or tutoring.

Eligibility for the Hope Scholarship

Students in West Virginia leaving the public school system or entering kindergarten are eligible. Funds are placed into a personal ESA account, where parents can allocate them as needed for education-related costs.

For more information on applying for and using the Hope Scholarship, visit the Hope Scholarship Program page.