Want to learn how to homeschool in West Virginia? You can! The Mountain State gives you three ways to do it. Pick the one that fits your family best.
In fact, West Virginia welcomes homeschoolers. Thousands of families teach their kids at home here. Therefore, you have real choices. Want more structure? Go with school board approval. Want more freedom? File a notice of intent. Want to team up with others? Join a learning pod.
This guide shows you how to start. We cover all three options. You’ll learn the steps, the rules, and where to find help.
Comparing different states? See our guides for Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Why Homeschool in West Virginia?
West Virginia offers real benefits for homeschool families:
- Three legal options – First, you can pick your level of oversight
- Curriculum freedom – Additionally, teach your way with any materials
- No teacher credentials – Notably, a high school diploma is enough
- Learning pod option – Furthermore, team up with other families
- Flexible testing – Also, multiple assessment methods are accepted
- Strong community – Finally, active support groups exist statewide
West Virginia ranks among the easiest states to homeschool. Low oversight and flexible options make it a great choice for families.
Furthermore, the Mountain State has natural beauty too. Use it for science. Hike the trails. Study the rivers. Visit state parks. As a result, nature becomes your classroom.
Moreover, history comes alive here. Civil War sites. Coal mining museums. The New River Gorge. Consequently, field trips are everywhere. Your kids will learn by doing.
West Virginia Homeschool Laws at a Glance
West Virginia has three legal paths. Each works differently. Here’s the quick view.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal with three options |
| Compulsory Age | 6-17 years old |
| Notification Required | Yes (varies by option) |
| Subjects Required | Reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, health, PE |
| Assessment Required | Annual (Options 2 and 3) |
| Record Keeping | Required (varies by option) |
Three Homeschool Options in West Virginia
West Virginia gives you choices. Three legal paths exist. Pick what works for you.
Option 1: School Board Approval
This option has the most oversight. Specifically, you ask your local school board for permission. Then, they review your plan. If approved, you may get extra perks. For instance, some districts let you use school resources. Additionally, your child might join sports or clubs.
What you need for Option 1:
- First, apply to your county board
- Second, show your curriculum plan
- Third, have a high school diploma
- Also, follow the board’s testing rules
- Finally, report to the board when asked
This works well for some families. You get more support. However, you also have less freedom. As a result, the board can set rules you must follow.
Option 2: Notice of Intent (Most Popular)
Most families pick this one. Essentially, it’s simple. You file a notice each year. Additionally, you do annual testing. However, you keep your freedom.
What you need for Option 2:
- First, file notice with your county each year
- Second, have a high school diploma or GED
- Third, teach the required subjects
- Additionally, submit test results each year
- Finally, match the public school term length
Why do most choose this? Balance. You have real freedom. However, you also show progress yearly. Therefore, it satisfies the law without too much hassle.
Option 3: Learning Pod (Private School)
This option lets families team up. Specifically, you form a group. Then, the group acts as a private school. As a result, you get independence with built-in support.
What you need for Option 3:
- First, join or start a pod with 2+ families
- Second, file as a private school
- Third, keep attendance records
- Also, follow private school rules
- Finally, do yearly testing as a group
Learning pods offer community. Specifically, kids learn together. Additionally, parents share the work. Furthermore, some pods hire teachers for certain subjects. As a result, it’s homeschool with built-in friends.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Homeschool in West Virginia
Ready to start? Follow these five steps. Most families finish in a week or two.
Step 1: Choose Your Legal Option
First, read about all three options above. Then, think about what matters to you. Do you want school resources? Pick Option 1. Want simplicity? Pick Option 2. Like teamwork? Try Option 3. Generally, most families go with Option 2.
Step 2: Check Parent Requirements
Options 1 and 2 need you to have a high school diploma or GED. However, Option 3 might be different. Specifically, each pod sets its own rules. Therefore, get your diploma copy ready before you file.
Step 3: File Your Paperwork
Next, send your notice to the right place. For Option 2, that’s your county superintendent. Also, include your child’s name and age. Additionally, list the subjects you’ll teach. Finally, keep a copy for yourself.
Step 4: Plan Your Curriculum
You must teach required subjects. However, you pick the materials. For example, use textbooks. Alternatively, try online programs. Otherwise, mix things up. The choice is yours. Essentially, just cover reading, math, science, social studies, health, and PE.
Popular curriculum choices include:
- Textbook programs – For example, Saxon Math, Abeka, and BJU Press
- Online schools – Alternatively, Time4Learning and Khan Academy
- Unit studies – Specifically, learn all subjects through one topic
- Charlotte Mason – Notably, living books and nature study
- Classical – Finally, grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages
Step 5: Set Up Your Records
Good records make life easier. First, track your school days. Then, note what you teach. Also, save test results. Finally, keep everything organized by year. As a result, you’ll need these for reports.
Assessment Requirements in West Virginia
Options 2 and 3 require yearly testing. Essentially, you show your child is learning. Fortunately, several ways exist to do this.
Ways to Show Progress
- Standardized tests – First, Iowa, Stanford, or CAT tests work
- Portfolio review – Alternatively, a certified teacher looks at your child’s work
- Psychologist evaluation – Also, a licensed pro writes a report
- Other methods – Finally, some superintendents approve alternatives
What to Submit
Next, send results to your county each year. Importantly, grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 have extra rules. Specifically, kids must score at the 40th percentile. Alternatively, they must show growth from last year. Notably, this applies to reading and math tests.
Portfolio Tips
Many families prefer portfolios. After all, they show real work without test stress. Therefore, include:
- First, writing samples from each subject
- Second, math worksheets and tests
- Third, art projects
- Also, science experiment photos
- Additionally, reading logs and book lists
- Finally, field trip reports
Required Subjects for West Virginia Homeschoolers
The state wants you to cover certain topics. However, you decide how to teach them.
Core Subjects
- Reading and Language Arts – First, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar
- Math – Second, skills that match your child’s level
- Science – Third, life, earth, and physical sciences
- Social Studies – Also, history, geography, civics, and economics
- Health – Additionally, personal wellness topics
- Physical Education – Finally, regular physical activity
Optional Extras
Many families add more subjects. Admittedly, these aren’t required. Nevertheless, they enrich learning:
- First, art and music
- Second, foreign languages
- Third, computer skills
- Finally, life skills
Record Keeping Requirements
Keep good records. After all, they protect you. Additionally, they help your child. Furthermore, they make reports easy.
What to Save
- Attendance – First, log your school days (aim for 180)
- Subjects taught – Second, note what you covered
- Test results – Third, save all assessment papers
- Filing copies – Also, keep your notices and forms
- Shot records – Finally, immunizations or exemptions
How Long to Keep Records
Save everything for at least three years. In fact, many families keep records forever. Specifically, you might need them for college applications. Also, employers sometimes ask for transcripts. Moreover, the military wants detailed records too.
West Virginia Homeschool Resources
You don’t have to do this alone. Fortunately, West Virginia has great support available.
State Organizations
- HSLDA West Virginia – Legal help and state info
- Christian Home Educators of West Virginia (CHEWV) – Events, support, and resources
- West Virginia Department of Education – Official forms and rules
Support Groups and Co-ops
Local groups exist all over the state. Importantly, they offer real benefits:
- First, field trip partners
- Second, group classes
- Third, sports teams
- Also, social events
- Finally, parent support
Search online for groups near you. For instance, Facebook has active West Virginia homeschool groups. Additionally, CHEWV lists groups by region. Furthermore, libraries often know local homeschoolers too.
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
Is your child in public school now? Here’s how to switch. First, file your homeschool notice. Then, tell the school you’re leaving. Specifically, do it in writing. Importantly, there’s no waiting period. Therefore, you can start right away once you file.
High School and Graduation
You create the diploma. Additionally, you make the transcript. Therefore, plan courses that match your child’s goals. College? Trade school? Work? Ultimately, build the program around that. Also, track credits carefully from 9th grade on.
For college prep, have your student take the SAT or ACT. Fortunately, many colleges welcome homeschoolers. Therefore, keep detailed records. As a result, you’ll build a strong transcript.
Special Needs Accommodations
Special needs kids can homeschool too. In fact, you might get some public school services. Therefore, call your district to ask. Specifically, they may offer therapy or testing. However, extra rules might apply.
Homeschool often works great for special needs. Essentially, you set the pace. Additionally, you choose methods that fit. Consequently, no rushing. Furthermore, no comparing. Ultimately, your child learns in the best way for them.
Military Families
West Virginia works well for military families. Specifically, Option 2 is easiest for moves. Therefore, keep detailed records. After all, your next state might want them. Consequently, good documentation makes transfers smooth.
Dual Enrollment
Some districts let homeschoolers take classes. However, policies vary. Therefore, ask your local school. For college classes, try the community colleges. Additionally, WVU and Marshall work with homeschoolers too. As a result, your teen can earn credits early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in West Virginia?
No. Specifically, no teaching certificate is required. However, Options 1 and 2 need a high school diploma or GED. That’s it. Alternatively, Option 3 pods set their own rules.
Can homeschoolers play public school sports in West Virginia?
Maybe. Essentially, it depends on your district. Some say yes. However, some say no. Therefore, call your local school and ask. After all, each district decides for itself.
What standardized tests are accepted in West Virginia?
Many tests work. For example, the Iowa Tests. Additionally, the Stanford Achievement Test. Also, the CAT. Alternatively, you can use portfolio reviews. Otherwise, get a psychologist’s evaluation. Ultimately, pick what fits your family.
Is there a specific number of instruction hours required?
No exact hours. However, match the public school term. Specifically, that’s about 180 days. Generally, most families do 4-5 hours daily. Ultimately, quality matters more than clock time.
Can I homeschool if I don’t have a high school diploma?
Try Option 3. Specifically, learning pods may work for you. Alternatively, you could get your GED while homeschooling. Additionally, some umbrella programs don’t check parent education.
Tips for New West Virginia Homeschoolers
Starting out? These tips will certainly help:
- Start simple – First, don’t buy everything at once
- Join a group – Second, connect with other families early
- Be flexible – Third, change what doesn’t work
- Take breaks – Also, don’t stay home all day
- Use the outdoors – Additionally, West Virginia’s nature is perfect for learning
- Trust yourself – Finally, you know your child best
Start Your West Virginia Homeschool Journey Today
In conclusion, West Virginia makes homeschooling doable. Three options give you flexibility. Therefore, pick your path. Then, file your paperwork. Finally, start teaching.
Additionally, connect with local groups early. Other families can help. After all, they’ve been where you are. As a result, they’ll share tips and resources.
Thousands of West Virginia families homeschool well. Consequently, you can too. Your kids will get personal attention. Furthermore, they’ll learn at their own pace. Ultimately, the Mountain State supports your choice.
Curious how West Virginia compares? Check our guides to homeschooling in Texas and homeschooling in Florida for states with fewer rules. Or see homeschooling in Kentucky to compare with a neighbor state.
Related State Guides
Looking at other states? Check these guides:
- First, How to Homeschool in Virginia
- Second, How to Homeschool in Ohio
- Third, How to Homeschool in Pennsylvania
- Finally, How to Homeschool in Kentucky
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