How to Homeschool in West Virginia

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Homeschooling in West Virginia offers families the flexibility to tailor their children's education while complying with state laws. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to set up and maintain a homeschool program in West Virginia, including details on the Hope Scholarship Program.

Beyond the Page is an approved vendor for the West Virginia Hope Scholarship. This means that if you receive the Hope Scholarship, you can use your funds to purchase Beyond the Page curriculum.

Setting Up a Homeschool in West Virginia

West Virginia provides three legal pathways for homeschooling:

1. School Board Approval: Obtain approval from your local school board. This option involves having your curriculum and instruction approved and providing instruction for at least 180 days per year. This option is less commonly chosen.

2. Notice of Intent: Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to your county's Board of Education or Superintendent. This is the most common option and requires the following:
- Include your child's name, age, and address.
- Assure that instruction will cover reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent for the homeschooling parent.
- Submit annual assessments in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11.

3. Learning Pods: Participate in a learning pod by notifying the school board or county superintendent.

Maintaining Compliance

To maintain compliance with West Virginia homeschooling laws:

- Annual Notice of Intent: Submit this notice annually at least two weeks before starting the school year.
- Curriculum: Ensure it covers required subjects and adjust as necessary to meet educational standards.
- Assessments: Conduct assessments using standardized tests or portfolio reviews. Results must be submitted to the county superintendent upon request.
- Recordkeeping: Keep detailed records of attendance, curriculum materials, samples of work, and assessment results for at least three years.

The Hope Scholarship Program

The Hope Scholarship is an educational savings account program that provides financial assistance for various educational expenses, including homeschool curriculum. Here's how it relates to homeschoolers:

- Eligibility: Currently available to students leaving public schools or entering kindergarten. By 2026, it will expand to include all students, including those already homeschooling.
- Funding: For the 2024-25 school year, eligible families can receive up to $4,921. The scholarship can be used for tuition, curriculum, tutoring, and other educational expenses.
- Application Process: Applications are accepted annually within specified windows. The amount awarded depends on when you apply.

Conclusion

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can successfully homeschool in West Virginia while taking advantage of programs like the Hope Scholarship to support your educational choices.

Helpful Links:
[1] https://svhs.co/homeschooling-west-virginia-laws/"
[2] https://wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginia-hope-scholarship-numbers-show-program-to-be-gaining-popularity
[3] https://hopescholarshipwv.com
[4] https://hopescholarshipwv.com/Home/Parents-Students

Homeschool Groups in West Virginia

Homeschooling your children is a daunting task, but there are many groups and organizations in West Virginia to help you out. Here are some organizations you may want to look into.

Christian Home Educators of West Virginia (CHEWV)

http://chewv.org/

CHEWV is a Christian homeschool group that provides assistance to homeschool families across the state. Their website provides both new and experienced homeschool families information and guidance. Whether you need help understanding the homeschooling laws, or you want a list of testing options for your child, CHEWV will provide it. CHEWV also has a list of homeschool events both statewide (i.e. conferences, and state fairs), and locally (i.e. field trips, and support group meetings). Whatever information you need about homeschooling, CHEWV has available for you to utilize in order to make your life easier.

Tri-State Homeschoolers

http://www.tristatehomeschoolers.org/

This support group serves several counties in West Virginia and is open to everyone who wishes to join. Tri-State Homeschoolers provides newsletters to keep their families connected, recreational and educational events for your family to attend, and discounts for testing and other local venues. This homeschool group is the perfect place to meet new people and expand your child’s education trough field trips and activities.

West Virginia Home Educators Association (WVHEA)

http://www.wvhea.org/

WVHEA is a homeschool group based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, but they serves the entire state also. Even if you do not live close to Clarksburg, WVHEA has a toll-free line that you are free to call if you have any questions or concerns regarding homeschooling. They also have contacts with several homeschool groups from around the state that you can ask about and find a group that fits for you and your family. WVHEA also provides a newsletter to its members that will keep you updated with everything pertaining to homeschooling, any changes in legislature or activities going on around the area for homeschoolers. Regardless of if you live near Clarksburg, WV, you will find that West Virginia Home Educators Association is very helpful and supportive to your family.

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NOTE: You can find a wealth of local and state groups offering homeschooling advice and support on sites such as Facebook and Yahoo Groups. You can search by city or county, religious preference, homeschooling philosophy, and more. You will need a free account on these sites to join one of their groups.

A Homeschool Curriculum for West Virginia

Beyond the Page is a homeschool curriculum that exceeds the requirements for homeschooling in the state of West Virginia. All of the Beyond the Page packages cover science, social studies, and language arts, and we offer a range of math programs as well. The West Virginia legal requirements are only a starting point, and our curriculum utilizes a range of educational strategies that are designed to foster a love of learning in children including:

Hands-on activities,
Differentiated options, and
Independent projects.

Beyond the Page encourages critical thinking and creativity while encouraging your child's unique learning style like no other curriculum on the market. If your child is a hands-on learner, a gifted learner, or a creative free-thinker, then you should look into Beyond the Page for your child.

Choose an age level to continue:

Age 4-5

Age 5-7

Age 6-8

Age 7-9

Age 8-10

Age 9-11

Age 10-12

Age 11-13

Age 12-14

Disclaimers

Any information about the laws in your state is provided to help you understand your legal requirements to homeschool in your state. It should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. This information was not compiled by a lawyer. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under. If you have questions, you should seek the advice of a lawyer that operates in your state.

Beyond the Page does not endorse any of the homeschool groups that are included in these pages. They are provided only for your benefit. You should research any group to ensure that they align with your family's goals and philosophies.