Resources

Homeschool Laws and Requirements in West Virginia

Homeschool has been legal in every state for a while now, but each state’s homeschool laws and requirements differ from one another. In West Virginia, parents have two options to homeschool their children. They can either get approval from a school board or submit a notice of intent to homeschool. Each of these options has different requirements. Researching both options will help you decide which one is a better fit for your family. The following are resources that describe the homeschooling requirements in detail:

• Home School Legal Defense Association
• West Virginia Legislature
• West Virginia Department of Education

We also recommend reaching out to your state’s homeschool associations for legal advice regarding home education and the most updated information.

RECORD KEEPING

For both homeschooling options in West Virginia, parents must keep copies on record of each student’s annual academic assessment. These records should be kept on file for three years. Parents must submit results in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 to their county superintendent.

In addition to annual assessments, it is a good idea to keep thorough records of standardized test results, course materials, progress reports, samples of the student’s work, and attendance. Power Homeschool allows parents to access much of this information through the parent portal on the Acellus app. Keeping detailed records of your child’s education will help them when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. For this reason, high school transcripts are also beneficial to keep on file.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia homeschool laws mandate that students are evaluated annually. Nationally normed standardized assessments are one way to meet this requirement. The West Virginia Educational Standards Test (WESTEST) is a popular choice for many homeschoolers because it can be taken with public school students and is available to third through eleventh grade level students.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Homeschool parents are responsible for setting graduation requirements and issuing diplomas for high school students. Homeschoolers are not required to take tests to earn a diploma. Many parents set graduation requirements based on what their homeschool students plan to do after high school.

Many colleges, trade schools, workplace organizations, and the military will set specific eligibility guidelines that address home education. Researching these early on in your student’s high school career will ensure they check the boxes throughout their schooling.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in West Virginia

Transitioning to homeschool education can be daunting for both the parent and student. Luckily, many organizations and groups provide homeschoolers with advice and resources throughout their homeschool journey.

• Christian Home Educators of West Virginia (CHEWV) is an association the protects and advances home education by offering resources to homeschoolers, specifically information about legislation and current and pending issues.
• West Virginia Home Educators Association (WVHEA) is a secular organization that offers an information contact line, contacts for homeschool help in each county, a regular newsletter, and various homeschool events throughout the year.

In addition to homeschool association, support groups and cooperatives allow homeschoolers to meet other parents and students in their areas. Some homeschool support groups operate online via Facebook or online forums; however, many regularly meet in person. Support groups are for home educators to share experiences and receive advice about all things relating to homeschool. There are many homeschool support groups in West Virginia based on city or region, as well as several groups founded on religious values. The following are just a few examples of the many homeschool support groups out there:

• Boone County Homeschool Association
• Eastern Panhandle Homeschool Conference (EPHSC)
• REACH Homeschool Group – WV
• We Are Homeschoolers Support Group

Homeschool cooperatives or co-ops are more academic-focused and give homeschoolers the chance to participate in group learning. Co-ops are volunteer-based groups typically taught by alternating parents or hired tutors. Some co-ops focus on a specific subject area, while others structure lessons around religious beliefs. There are a wide variety of homeschool co-ops in West Virginia, so you are sure to find a group that aligns with your family’s beliefs and needs. Most homeschool support groups and co-ops have Facebook pages, so you can easily find one with a Facebook search.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Oglebay Good Zoo in Wheeling: Explore various wildlife species and their native habitats at this 30-acre zoo. Homeschool programs are available to offer hands-on learning opportunities for students of all ages.
• Huntington Museum of Art in Huntington: As the largest art museum in West Virginia, this art museum houses collections of paintings, sculptures, glass, prints, and more from cultures and countries around the world. Educational programs are also available.
• Clay Center for the Arts and Science of West Virginia in Charleston: With an art museum and discovery center, the Clay Center has many educational opportunities. Hands-on exhibits, workshops, special events, and concerts at the performance hall offer something for the whole family.
• Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg: Exploring caverns will enhance any geology or science unit. Self-guided and guided tours are available for visitors to see the cave’s formation, including the Snowy Chandelier and Ice Cream Wall.
• Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro: This park features reenactments of the Battle of Droop Mountain, which was the last major Civil War conflict that took place in West Virginia. When there aren’t reenactments, homeschoolers can explore hiking trails and go on picnics.
• Cannan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Davis: Homeschoolers can learn about various wildlife species and conservation through animal viewings and environmental education programs.