{"id":4212,"date":"2023-08-28T21:46:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T21:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4212"},"modified":"2025-09-09T20:18:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T20:18:43","slug":"west-virginia-homeschool-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/west-virginia-homeschool-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Homeschooling in West Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling<\/a>? You\u2019re not alone! Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


West Virginia\u2019s homeschooling laws<\/a> 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\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>, we\u2019ll cover everything about homeschooling in WV!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in West Virginia at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

West Virginia – The Mountain State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/strong><\/td>School Board Approval<\/strong><\/td>Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/td>Learning Pod<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>6-17<\/td>6-17<\/td>6-17<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Annual assessment required<\/td>Annual assessment required<\/td>Annual assessment required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>Reading, science, language, math, social studies<\/td>Reading, science, language, math, social studies<\/td>Reading, science, language, math, social studies<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>180 days<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>School board may deny any request within reason<\/td>Parent must have high school diploma or higher<\/td>Instructor must have high school diploma or higher<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First, we\u2019ll begin by going over all three options available for homeschooling in WV. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Homeschooling with School Board Approval<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want to bring the public school home, gaining school board approval may be for you. You must first request the board\u2019s approval to homeschool, which they can deny with good and reasonable justification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: Homeschooling with a Notice of Intent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll also need to submit assessment results every few years to the county superintendent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a good option if you want more flexibility than what a pod can offer. You\u2019ll be able to set the pace, as well as create a more personalized experience for your student\u2019s unique needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 3: Homeschooling in a Learning Pod<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructors must have a high school diploma, equivalent, or higher if teaching with an NOI or in a learning pod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only families who homeschool with a Notice of Intent (NOI) or with a learning pod need to submit an NOI<\/a>. The NOI for each will look a little bit different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Notice of Intent families, the notice will need to have the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n