How to Start Homeschooling in West Virginia
Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling? You’re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide.
West Virginia’s homeschooling laws are considered moderate. Parents still have flexibility but also have a structure to build off of. There are three different options for homeschooling in the Mountain State. If you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started, we’ll cover everything about homeschooling in WV!
Homeschooling in West Virginia at a Glance
West Virginia – The Mountain State
| Option | School Board Approval | Notice of Intent | Learning Pod |
| Required Age | 6-17 | 6-17 | 6-17 |
| Standardized Testing | Annual assessment required | Annual assessment required | Annual assessment required |
| Subjects | Reading, science, language, math, social studies | Reading, science, language, math, social studies | Reading, science, language, math, social studies |
| Time Requirements | 180 days | None | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent | Determined by parent | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | School board may deny any request within reason | Parent must have high school diploma or higher | Instructor must have high school diploma or higher |
| Financial Resources Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
First, we’ll begin by going over all three options available for homeschooling in WV. It’s important to consider the needs of both you and your child when choosing a way to homeschool. Also, please be aware that requirements can vary, depending on what you choose.
Option 1: Homeschooling with School Board Approval
If you want to bring the public school home, gaining school board approval may be for you. You must first request the board’s approval to homeschool, which they can deny with good and reasonable justification.
You must also have your curriculum and instruction approved, follow testing requirements, teach in an approved location, and submit records when requested. With this route, the school board has the authority to regulate all aspects of your homeschool as they wish.
This tends to be the least popular option, but it provides parents without a high school education an opportunity to homeschool their students and gives parents who may be unsure a little more support.
Option 2: Homeschooling with a Notice of Intent
Homeschooling with a Notice of Intent (NOI) requires notifying your local school district of your decision to do so. Your notice will include information about your education, the names and ages of your children, the curriculum, and your plans for standardized testing. You’ll also need to submit assessment results every few years to the county superintendent.
This is a good option if you want more flexibility than what a pod can offer. You’ll be able to set the pace, as well as create a more personalized experience for your student’s unique needs.
Option 3: Homeschooling in a Learning Pod
A learning pod is where homeschooled children get to learn in a group setting, as opposed to independently at home. Students get to learn alongside their peers and make new friends but with the added benefits of a homeschool approach.
Learning pod instructors must be qualified, and students must participate in standardized testing. Parents will also need to submit assessments every few years to the county superintendent.
Parent Qualifications
Parents who choose to homeschool with school board approval are not required by West Virginia law to be qualified. However, the school board may reject your application if you do not meet the qualifications that they decide.
Instructors must have a high school diploma, equivalent, or higher if teaching with an NOI or in a learning pod.
Notice of Intent
Only families who homeschool with a Notice of Intent (NOI) or with a learning pod need to submit an NOI. The NOI for each will look a little bit different.
For Notice of Intent families, the notice will need to have the following:
- Name, address, and age of the students
- Assurance that students will learn the required subjects
- Assurance that students will participate in standardized testing
- Proof of parent qualification
This notice will need to be submitted on or before the day homeschooling begins. The notice will remain in effect until you stop homeschooling or move to a different county.
For learning pod families, instead of parent qualification, it will require proof of instructor qualification. The instructor is also responsible for notifying the superintendent if the learning pod discontinues.
If the learning pod moves to a different county, the instructor has to submit a new NOI to that county’s superintendent. If they fail to do so, all children in the learning pod will be subject to the compulsory attendance law.
Attendance
Families who homeschool with school board approval will need to teach for at least 180 days per year. These requirements do not apply to NOI and learning pod families.
Homeschool Curriculum
West Virginia state law requires all students to learn reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies. Those who homeschool with school board approval may be required to teach additional subjects if requested.
Accredited Homeschool Programs in West Virginia
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
West Virginia law requires all students to participate in annual academic assessments.
If you homeschool under the school board, the board will determine the assessment.
If you homeschool with an NOI or learning pod, the assessment will need to be one of the following:
- A nationally recognized standardized test
- A standardized test offered at the local public school
- An evaluation by a certified teacher of your child’s homeschool portfolio samples
- An alternate assessment agreed upon by the local school district
For students in grades 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 11th, you will need to submit assessment results to the county superintendent by June 30 of that school year.
Record Keeping
West Virginia homeschool laws require that all homeschool parents keep at least three years’ worth of annual assessments. Keeping a detailed homeschool portfolio is a great way to make sure everything stays safe and organized. Other helpful items to put in your portfolio include:
- School correspondence
- List of courses taken
- Final grades for each course
- Samples of your student’s best work
Good record keeping is especially important if you choose the portfolio evaluation at the end of the year.
Transcripts
High school transcripts are often necessary for college applications. It’s important to keep a list of all the courses, credit hours, final grades, and test scores from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In West Virginia, homeschool students graduate when their parents decide they’re ready. This allows parents to design a high school diploma around their child’s career aspirations. Some parents also look to the West Virginia Content Standards for guidance.
Parents will need to provide a homeschool diploma as well. The Diploma Fairness Law (WV Code 18-8-12) prevents any employer or public college in West Virginia from discriminating against homeschool diplomas. However, not all states recognize homeschool diplomas, so keep that in mind if your child plans to look for work or school elsewhere.
It’s common for homeschool students across the country to seek a high school equivalency (HSE) for this reason. The majority of employers and colleges in all 50 states recognize the HiSET exam. To find out more about the exam, visit the Department of Education’s Learn page.
Financial Resources
Some homeschoolers in West Virginia are eligible for the Hope Scholarship, which covers qualifying educational expenses. However, students must be enrolled in a public school for at least 45 days prior to applying and must stay enrolled until a decision is made to qualify.
This requirement may or may not be lifted for homeschool students as of July 1, 2026.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in West Virginia, check out:
- West Virginia Home Educators’ Association
- West Virginia Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on WV homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How many homeschoolers are in West Virginia?
There are tens of thousands of homeschool families in West Virginia! Popularity is rapidly increasing, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
What are the requirements to homeschool in West Virginia?
First, you’ll need to choose a homeschooling option. Then, submit a letter of intent if required. Make sure you fulfill the instructor qualifications, teach the required subjects, and test your students annually.
Information accurate as of: 07/17/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only.Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.