Question 1

Do I have to file paperwork every year to homeschool in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

No. Under the notice-of-intent option (Exemption B), you file a one-time notice with your county superintendent before starting. You do need an academic assessment every year, but you only submit results after grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. Confirm current forms with your county board of education.

Question 2

Is there a required number of school days or hours in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

No. Families homeschooling under the notice-of-intent option are not required to log a minimum number of days or hours. Many families still follow a roughly 180-day calendar by choice.

Question 3

What is the Hope Scholarship and who can get it?

Accepted Answer

The Hope Scholarship is West Virginia's education savings account, run by the State Treasurer's Office and the Hope Scholarship Board. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, every West Virginia K-12 student can apply, including families who have always homeschooled. The 2026-27 award is about $5,436 per student. Check hopescholarshipwv.com for current dates and amounts.

Question 4

If I take the Hope Scholarship, am I still a homeschooler under the regular homeschool law?

Accepted Answer

Not legally. A Hope Scholarship student learning at home follows the program's own 'individualized instructional program' rules instead of the regular homeschool law. The biggest difference: Hope students report assessment results to the county superintendent every year, while traditional homeschoolers submit results only after grades 3, 5, 8, and 11.

Question 5

Can Hope Scholarship funds pay for an online curriculum subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the provider is registered with the program. Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs and purchases of curriculum and instructional materials are qualifying expenses. Purchases go through the official Hope Scholarship portal, so check that a provider is listed there before counting on it.

Question 6

What records should I keep as a West Virginia homeschooler?

Accepted Answer

Keep a copy of each year's academic assessment for at least three years. If you use the Hope Scholarship, also keep your purchase records and the assessment paperwork the program requires each year.

The West Virginia Hope Scholarship, explained.

Program at a glance

Documents you’ll need

Key dates

Important: this program may change your legal status.

Homeschooling in West Virginia? We’ll handle the paperwork side.

Sources