Everything you need to know about homeschooling in West Virginia. Two compliance options based on parent qualifications, annual or third-year assessments, Hope Scholarship ESA funding, and guaranteed sports access. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
West Virginia has moderate regulation for homeschooling, offering two compliance options under W. Va. Code § 18-8-1. The option you choose depends on your educational qualifications as a parent. Option 1 (for parents with a high school diploma or GED) requires annual assessment, while Option 2 (for parents with a four-year college degree) only requires assessment at third-year intervals.
Both options require annual notification to the county superintendent and a curriculum outline covering required subjects. West Virginia also offers the Hope Scholarship - an Education Savings Account program providing approximately $4,300 or more per student per year for educational expenses.
One of West Virginia's strongest features is its guaranteed access to public school extracurricular activities, including sports. Under state law, homeschool students may participate at their county school as long as they meet the same eligibility standards as enrolled students.
Most families use Option 1 unless they have a four-year college degree. Option 2 provides less frequent testing but requires higher parent qualifications. Both options give you full curriculum freedom - the superintendent receives your outline but does not approve or reject it.
West Virginia homeschool law is found in W. Va. Code § 18-8-1, which defines two compliance options based on the parent's educational qualifications.
| Requirement | Option 1: § 18-8-1(c)(1) | Option 2: § 18-8-1(c)(2) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Qualification | High school diploma or GED | 4-year college degree |
| Notification | Annual, to county superintendent | Annual, to county superintendent |
| Required Subjects | 5 subjects specified | Not specified |
| Curriculum | Outline required | "Formal" curriculum |
| Assessment | Annual (test or portfolio) | Third year only (grades 3, 5, 8, 11) |
| Attendance | No specific hours/days | No specific hours/days |
| Best For | Most families | Parents with bachelor's degree |
This is the most commonly used option. Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or GED and provide instruction in five specified subjects. An annual assessment is required, either through a nationally normed standardized test or a portfolio review conducted by a certified teacher.
Available only to parents with a four-year college degree. This option offers reduced testing - only at third-year intervals (grades 3, 5, 8, and 11). The curriculum must be "formal" but specific subjects are not mandated by law.
If you have a high school diploma or GED but not a four-year degree, Option 1 is your path. If you have a bachelor's degree or higher, you can choose either option. Many degreed parents still choose Option 1 because the annual assessment provides regular feedback on their child's progress.
Starting homeschool in West Virginia requires a few key steps. The process is the same whether you are beginning for the first time or withdrawing from public school.
Determine which option you qualify for based on your education level. Option 1 requires a high school diploma or GED. Option 2 requires a four-year college degree.
Your Notice of Intent to the county superintendent should include:
File your Notice of Intent with your county superintendent before beginning instruction. This must be renewed annually. The superintendent receives the notice but does not "approve" your homeschool - this is notification, not a request for permission.
Start teaching the required subjects (Option 1) or your chosen formal curriculum (Option 2). Keep records of your instruction for your own reference.
At the end of the school year, complete your required assessment. For Option 1, this is annual. For Option 2, this is only at third-year intervals (grades 3, 5, 8, 11).
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, send a withdrawal letter to the school in addition to filing your Notice of Intent with the county superintendent. Begin instruction immediately after withdrawal to avoid any truancy issues.
Keep a copy of your Notice of Intent and any confirmation of receipt from the superintendent's office. Send via certified mail or email so you have proof of delivery. Blue Folder can help you generate your notice and track your requirements. Try it free →
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Both options require annual notification to the county superintendent. This is a notification process, not an approval process - the superintendent cannot deny your right to homeschool if you meet the qualifications.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Submit To | County superintendent |
| When | Before starting, annually thereafter |
| Form | Notice of Intent (no standard state form) |
| Include | Child info, curriculum outline, assessment plan, proof of qualifications |
| Approval Required | No - this is notification only |
West Virginia does not have a standardized state-issued form for homeschool notification. You write your own letter or use a template. Include all required information: child details, curriculum outline, assessment method, and proof of your qualifications. Some counties may provide their own forms, but you are not required to use them.
Under Option 1, West Virginia requires instruction in five specific subjects. Option 2 requires a "formal" curriculum but does not specify subjects.
Both options require a curriculum outline as part of your Notice of Intent. Your outline should cover:
The superintendent receives your curriculum outline but does not approve or reject it. You have full freedom to choose your curriculum materials, teaching methods, and approach.
Keep your curriculum outline on file at home even though you are not required to submit detailed plans. Having documentation of what you teach each year is helpful for building transcripts and is useful if your child returns to public school or applies to college.
West Virginia does not specify minimum days or hours of instruction for homeschoolers. There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar, and you set your own schedule entirely.
While there is no legal attendance mandate, your instruction must be regular and thorough. Most homeschool families provide instruction roughly equivalent to the public school calendar (approximately 180 days), but this is a best practice rather than a legal requirement.
Even though West Virginia does not mandate specific attendance, keeping basic attendance records is wise. This documentation supports your annual assessment, helps build transcripts for high school students, and provides evidence of your homeschool program if ever questioned. Blue Folder makes attendance tracking effortless. Try it free →
West Virginia requires assessment, but the frequency and type depend on which option you choose.
Under Option 1, you must complete an assessment every year. You have two choices:
| Assessment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Standardized Test | Any nationally normed test (CAT, Iowa, Stanford, CTBS, etc.) |
| Portfolio Review | Review by a certified teacher |
For standardized tests, scores at or above the 50th percentile are expected. Scores below the 50th percentile may require a remediation plan, and the county superintendent may request a meeting to discuss progress.
Under Option 2, assessment is only required at third-year intervals: grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. The same assessment methods are available (standardized test or portfolio review).
If your child's standardized test scores fall below the 50th percentile, the county superintendent may request a meeting and ask you to develop a remediation plan. This does not mean you lose the right to homeschool - it means the county wants to ensure adequate academic progress. Work with the superintendent cooperatively.
West Virginia requires that you maintain certain records, though most are kept at home and not submitted to the state.
Keep your Notice of Intent, assessment results, and curriculum outlines organized by year. This creates a clear compliance history and makes annual renewal straightforward. Blue Folder organizes all of this automatically and lets you export a complete binder. Try it free →
Parents create their own transcripts in West Virginia. Include courses, grades, credits, and GPA. West Virginia colleges accept homeschool graduates, and students may also be eligible for the PROMISE Scholarship (merit-based) with appropriate ACT scores and GPA.
West Virginia offers one of the most significant financial programs for homeschool families in the country.
The Hope Scholarship is West Virginia's Education Savings Account program providing approximately $4,300 or more per student per year for educational expenses.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | ~$4,300+ per student (varies annually) |
| Eligibility | Enrolled in WV public school previous year (45 days) OR entering K/1st grade |
| Residency | Must be West Virginia resident |
Taking the Hope Scholarship may affect your homeschool notification requirements and may come with additional reporting obligations. Check the current program rules carefully before applying. Some families choose not to participate to maintain simpler compliance.
Under W. Va. Code § 18-8-1(c)(5), homeschool students may participate in extracurricular activities at their county public school, including sports. This is guaranteed by state law - not left to district discretion.
West Virginia's guaranteed extracurricular access is stronger than most states, where participation is often left to district discretion or not available at all. If sports or activities are important to your family, this is a significant advantage.
West Virginia's merit scholarship may be available to homeschool students. Eligibility is based on GPA and ACT scores. Check current requirements with the PROMISE Scholarship program.
West Virginia homeschool law has more requirements than many states. Here are the most common mistakes new families make.
The annual assessment (Option 1) or third-year assessment (Option 2) is the most commonly missed requirement. Mark your testing dates on your calendar at the beginning of each school year and arrange testing well in advance.
Don't miss a deadline
Blue Folder tracks every requirement and sends reminders so you never fall out of compliance.
Track West Virginia ComplianceIf you have a high school diploma or GED (but not a four-year degree), Option 1 is your only choice. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can choose either option. Option 2 means less frequent testing. Option 1 gives you annual feedback on progress.
You may need to develop a remediation plan, and the county superintendent may request a meeting. This does not end your right to homeschool - it is a checkpoint to ensure adequate progress. Work cooperatively with the superintendent.
Yes. West Virginia law guarantees access to extracurricular activities, including sports, at your county public school. Your child must meet the same eligibility standards as enrolled students.
Eligibility typically requires prior public school enrollment for 45 days or new students entering kindergarten or first grade. Check current program rules, as requirements may change.
No. West Virginia does not mandate specific days or hours. You set your own schedule. However, most families follow a schedule roughly equivalent to the public school year.
Yes. The state does not approve or restrict curriculum materials. You may use any approach or materials you choose, including religious curriculum.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the West Virginia Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see the WV Department of Education and Christian Home Educators of West Virginia. Last updated February 2026.