How to Homeschool in West Virginia

In West Virginia, taking education into your own hands lets families turn every ridge, river bend, and historic landmark into a hands-on learning adventure. Whether you’re tracing Civil War battlegrounds for history lessons or exploring Appalachian ecology along the New River Gorge, West Virginia’s clear homeschooling laws and supportive community networks give you the confidence to guide your child’s education. Trust your instincts, dive into the process, and watch your child flourish under your guidance.

How to start homeschooling in West Virginia

Submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to your county superintendent on or before the date home instruction is to begin.
This simple step registers your home program for children ages six through sixteen (with continuation through age eighteen optional).

Homeschooling laws in West Virginia and requirements

West Virginia requires instruction for a school term equivalent to that of local public schools in:

Reading
Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

While daily hours aren’t dictated, many families use local school calendars as a guide. You have flexibility to adjust lesson pacing to your child’s style and interests.

West Virginia homeschooling curriculum and programs

You may homeschool independently or join umbrella schools. Many families use mastery-based resources:

Free homeschooling in West Virginia

Free resources include public libraries, Khan Academy, co-op swaps, and AALP Free Resources.

Homeschool accountability in West Virginia

Annual assessments are required and must be submitted by June 30 after grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. Options include:

Nationally normed achievement test
State testing program
Portfolio review by a certified teacher
Alternative assessment agreed upon with superintendent

Homeschool support groups in West Virginia

Groups include WV Home Educators Association, Eastern Panhandle Co-op, and Mountain Lakes Network.

If you’re new to homeschooling, explore these free resources:

Final encouragement

Take a deep breath, you’ve got this. File your Notice of Intent, embrace the rhythm, and design lessons that spark joy. Lean on your community—you are the perfect teacher for your child.

FAQ

Can you homeschool in West Virginia?

Yes. Parent-led homeschooling is explicitly permitted through a Notice of Intent process.

Is homeschooling legal in West Virginia?

Yes. Homeschooling is recognized as a valid nonpublic education option for children ages 6 to 18.

How does homeschool accountability work in West Virginia?

Parents must submit an annual academic assessment by June 30 using one of four approved methods.

How much does it cost to homeschool in West Virginia?

There are no state filing fees. Many families minimize costs using free resources and co-op sharing.

Where can I find homeschool groups in West Virginia?

Regional networks include the WV Home Educators Association and county-based co-ops.

Resources

Disclaimer:

All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. Verify regulations through the WV Department of Education or HSLDA. All information is current as of August 2025.