Homeschooling in West Virginia

Two Options for Home Instruction

West Virginia provides two primary pathways for homeschooling under W.Va. Code 18-8-1. Understanding the difference is important because each option has slightly different procedures and oversight levels.

Option 1: School Board Approval

Under this option, you seek approval from your local county school board before you begin instruction. This route involves more interaction with the school district and may include curriculum review. Most experienced homeschool families prefer Option 2.

Option 2: Notice of Intent (Recommended)

This is the option HSLDA and most West Virginia homeschool organizations recommend. You provide a one-time notice of intent to your county superintendent. If your child is currently enrolled in public school, submit this notice on or before the date homeschooling begins.

Filing Your Notice of Intent

Your notice to the county superintendent must include:

• Your child's name, address, and age
• Evidence of your qualifications (high school diploma or equivalent)
• An assurance that you will provide instruction in the five required subjects
• An assurance that you will conduct annual assessments

This is a one-time filing. You do not need to refile each year unless your circumstances change (such as a new child beginning homeschool).

Teacher Qualifications

The person providing home instruction must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (such as a GED), or a post-secondary degree or certificate from a regionally accredited institution. You do not need a teaching certificate.

Note: House Bill 2777, introduced in 2025, proposes removing the high school diploma requirement entirely. Check with the West Virginia Legislature for the current status of this bill. [VERIFY]

Required Subjects

All homeschool programs must provide instruction in five core areas:

• Reading
• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies

Beyond these five required areas, you have complete freedom to add any other subjects you choose. There are no prescribed curricula or approved textbook lists.

Attendance and Schedule

West Virginia does not specify a required number of instructional days or hours for homeschool families using Option 2 (Notice of Intent). You are free to set your own academic calendar and daily schedule.

Extracurricular Access

West Virginia homeschool students have legal access to interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities at the public school serving their attendance zone. Since House Bill 2820 (enacted June 9, 2023), this right extends to Hope Scholarship students, micro school students, and learning pod students as well.

Key details about extracurricular participation:

• You participate at the public secondary school in your attendance zone
• The school may charge reasonable fees to cover participation costs
• WVSSAC transfer rules apply: if your child withdrew from public school during the academic year, they may face a one-year waiting period before participating in sports

The Hope Scholarship (Education Savings Account)

West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Program is a robust Education Savings Account (ESA) that provides significant funding for homeschool families. For the 2025-2026 school year, the scholarship amount is $5,267 per student. The projected amount for 2026-2027 is $5,435.62.

Eligible expenses include:

• Homeschool curriculum and textbooks
• Online courses and interactive learning programs
• Tutoring services
• Educational technology (computers, software)
• Tuition at private schools

Eligibility Expansion

A major change is coming: beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, eligibility expands to all school-age children residing in West Virginia, including those who have been homeschooling or attending private school for years. Previously, students generally needed to have been enrolled in public school to qualify. Nearly 15,000 students received 100% funding for the 2025-2026 school year.

529 Education Savings Plans

As of 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals from 529 accounts for qualified K-12 education expenses, including curriculum materials and tutoring. West Virginia offers the SMART529 plan with a state income tax deduction for contributions.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

Federal Coverdell ESAs allow contributions of up to $2,000 per year per child for qualified education expenses, including homeschool curriculum and supplies.