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West Virginia

Moderate

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: WV

Overview

Instruction days
No minimum requirement
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) / County Superintendent
Official website
https://wvde.us/student-support/home-schooling/

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Notice of Intent filed with the county superintendent on or before the date homeschooling begins. Also file when moving to a different county. Notice remains effective until relocation or program termination. (Option 1 requires school board approval before starting rather than a simple notice.)
Frequency
One-time only — file once when you begin
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • Nationally normed standardized achievement test published within 10 years; score in 4th stanine (23rd percentile) or higher OR improvement over prior year demonstrates acceptable progress
  • Public school testing program
  • Written narrative evaluation from a certified teacher reviewing student portfolio
  • Alternative assessment agreed upon with the county superintendent

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
ReadingLanguage (English/grammar/writing)MathematicsScienceSocial Studies(Option 1 requires board-approved subjects for 180 days/year)
Teacher qualifications
Instructor must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent OR a post-secondary degree or certificate from a regionally accredited institution. Applies to Options 2 and 3. Option 1 (school board approval) sets requirements at the board's discretion.
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

West Virginia is a moderate-regulation state. Option 2 (Notice of Intent) is the most commonly used and HSLDA-recommended pathway. Key obligations: parent HS diploma/GED or post-secondary credential; annual assessment; submit grades 3/5/8/11 results to county superintendent by June 30; retain assessment records for 3 years. The 2023 HB 2820 sports access law is among the most robust in the Appalachian region. The West Virginia Home Educators Association (WVHEA) is a primary community resource. Compulsory ages: 6–17.

Tips for Homeschooling in West Virginia

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Notice of Intent filed with the county superintendent on or before the date homeschooling begins. Also file when moving to a different county. Notice remains effective until relocation or program termination. (Option 1 requires school board approval before starting rather than a simple notice.)". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Nationally normed standardized achievement test published within 10 years; score in 4th stanine (23rd percentile) or higher OR improvement over prior year demonstrates acceptable progress, Public school testing program. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Teacher qualification note: Instructor must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent OR a post-secondary degree or certificate from a regionally accredited institution. Applies to Options 2 and 3. Option 1 (school board approval) sets requirements at the board's discretion.. Keep a copy of your credentials with your homeschool records.

Open West Virginia Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) / County Superintendent or a qualified education attorney.