Homeschooling in West Virginia
Assess Annually, Submit Occasionally
To homeschool in West Virginia, you must file a one-time 'Notice of Intent' and ensure your child receives an annual academic assessment.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
Yes
one-time
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File a one-time Notice of Intent (unless you move)
- Parent must have HS Diploma or GED
- Teach 5 core subjects (Reading, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies)
- Assess annually (Test or Portfolio)
- Submit assessment results ONLY for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11
- Keep records for 3 years
Legal Framework
West Virginia Code 18-8-1.
Required Subjects
Must be covered.
Reading
Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent
When
Upon starting (re-file if you move counties)
Where
County board of education
How to submit
Submit to county (HB 2777 online portal coming Aug 2025)
What to include
- • Proof of HS diploma/GED
- • Intent to homeschool
**One-time filing** (re-file if you change counties). HS diploma/GED REQUIRED. Annual assessment REQUIRED - submit results to county ONLY for grades 3, 5, 8, 11 by **June 30** (23rd %ile or portfolio review). **Hope Scholarship** (~$4,400+/year) available but classifies you as 'Hope Student', not Exemption C homeschooler. Diploma Fairness Bill recognizes parent-issued diplomas. Sports: HB 3488 pending, not guaranteed.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annual (Submit 3, 5, 8, 11)
Grades: All (Submit 3, 5, 8, 11)
Must assess annually. Submit results to county by June 30 for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 only. Options: Standardized Test (23rd percentile) or Portfolio Review by certified teacher.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
File the form with your county board of education.
- •Attach proof of HS diploma/GED
Tip: You do not need to refile annually unless you move counties.Before beginning (One-time)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Assessment submission only in specific grades
- ✓One-time notification
- ✓Portfolio option available
Cons
- •Must still assess every year
- •Record keeping required
Help with the cost in West Virginia
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Scholarship (HB 2777)ESACreated by HB 2777. If you accept Hope Scholarship, you must take an approved standardized test annually (grades 3, 5, 8, 11) and submit results to the West Virginia Treasury. | ~$4,400+ per student (varies by county) | Students who were enrolled in public school for at least 45 days in the prior year, OR entering kindergarten, OR returning from out-of-state. | hopescholarshipwv.gov |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
West Virginia Hope Scholarship for Homeschoolers: Complete 2026-27 Guide ($5,435 Per Student, Universal Eligibility)Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary / Not Guaranteed**. Legislation (HB 3488) to start "Homeschool Athletics" was introduced but is not fully enacted as a guarantee for individual access to public teams.
Questions about homeschooling in West Virginia
Do I have to test every year?
Yes, you must Assess every year, but you only SUBMIT the results in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11.
Does the portfolio reviewer have to be a WV teacher?
They must be certified to teach, but WV law typically accepts certification from any state.
Can I play sports?
Yes. The 'Tim Tebow' law allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports (WVSSAC rules apply).
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Keep your West Virginia records in order
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Last updated: 2025-12-17 · WV homeschool law guide