West Virginia offers a relatively flexible but structured environment for homeschooling. Recent legislative changes have streamlined the process, moving from annual notifications to a one-time notice and reducing the frequency of required assessment submissions. Families in the Mountain State have two primary legal pathways, plus the option to participate in the state’s robust Education Savings Account (ESA) program, the Hope Scholarship.

The Two Main Pathways

1. Notice of Intent (Pathway 2 / § 18-8-1(c)(2))

This is the most common route for West Virginia families. It is an “as-of-right” pathway, meaning if you meet the basic requirements, the county cannot deny your request to homeschool.

• Notification: File a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) with your county superintendent. You only need to file again if you move to a different county or stop homeschooling and then restart.
• Teacher Qualifications: The instructing parent must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED/TASC).
• Subjects: You must teach reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Assessment: Students must be assessed annually. However, you only submit the results to the county superintendent for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. Results are due by June 30th of those years.

2. Board Approval (Pathway 1 / § 18-8-1(c)(1))

Families can seek formal approval from the local board of education. Because this gives the board discretion to deny the request and often involves more oversight, it is rarely used compared to the Notice of Intent pathway.

The Hope Scholarship (ESA)

West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship is one of the most expansive school choice programs in the country.

• What it is: An Education Savings Account that allows parents to receive a portion of the state’s per-pupil funding (roughly $4,500-$5,000) to pay for educational expenses.
• Eligibility: Students must be West Virginia residents and either entering kindergarten or have been enrolled in a public school for the 45 days prior to application.
• Legal Status: If you accept the Hope Scholarship, you are technically a “Hope Scholarship Student” under W. Va. Code § 18-31. You must still notify the county that you are participating in the program, but your primary reporting for assessments goes to the Hope Scholarship Board.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

1. File Your Notice of Intent: Before you begin homeschooling, send a Notice of Intent to your county superintendent. It should include the names, addresses, and ages of the children, and proof of your high school diploma.
2. Plan Your Curriculum: Ensure your plan covers the five required subjects: reading, language, math, science, and social studies.
3. Conduct Annual Assessments: Every year, choose an assessment method. Most families use a standardized test (like the IOWA or Stanford) or a portfolio review by a certified teacher.
4. Submit Results in Key Years: Keep your records every year, but specifically mail or email your results to the superintendent by June 30th after your child finishes 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 11th grade.
5. Maintain Records: Keep copies of your NOI and all annual assessment results for at least three years.

Assessment Options

West Virginia allows several ways to meet the annual assessment requirement:

• Standardized Testing: A nationally normed standardized achievement test.
• Testing at Public Schools: Participation in the state testing program at a local school.
• Portfolio Review: A written evaluation by a certified teacher who reviews a portfolio of the student’s work.
• Alternative Methods: Any other method agreed upon by the county superintendent.

Mandatory Attendance

Children in West Virginia must receive formal education between the ages of 6 and 17. If a child is enrolled in public kindergarten at age 5, they also fall under compulsory attendance laws unless formally withdrawn.