Skip to content
homeHQT

Homeschool laws · West Virginia

How to homeschool in West Virginia

The superintendent cannot deny a notice of intent.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for West Virginia. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

West Virginia requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Depends on the option. Notice of intent option: a notice with each child’s name, address and age, and proof of your qualification, filed by the day you start. It stays valid until you move counties or stop.

Minimum school time

None set for the notice option (180 days with board approval).

Required subjects

Reading, language, math, science and social studies.

Parent qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent, or a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Testing or evaluation

An annual assessment (test, state test, teacher portfolio review, or an agreed alternative). Results for grades 3, 5, 8 and 11 go to the superintendent by June 30.

Records to keep

Copies of each annual assessment, kept three years.

Compulsory school ages

6–17

Legal ways to homeschool in West Virginia

  • Notice of intent
  • School board approval
  • Learning pod

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    Pick your legal option, then file what it asks

    Notice of intent option: a notice with each child’s name, address and age, and proof of your qualification, filed by the day you start. It stays valid until you move counties or stop.

  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    None set for the notice option (180 days with board approval). A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records West Virginia asks for: copies of each annual assessment, kept three years. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    An annual assessment (test, state test, teacher portfolio review, or an agreed alternative). Results for grades 3, 5, 8 and 11 go to the superintendent by June 30.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

West Virginia homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in West Virginia?

Notice of intent option: a notice with each child’s name, address and age, and proof of your qualification, filed by the day you start. It stays valid until you move counties or stop.

How many days do you have to homeschool in West Virginia?

None set for the notice option (180 days with board approval).

What subjects are required in West Virginia?

Reading, language, math, science and social studies.

Does West Virginia require testing for homeschoolers?

An annual assessment (test, state test, teacher portfolio review, or an agreed alternative). Results for grades 3, 5, 8 and 11 go to the superintendent by June 30.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in West Virginia?

A high school diploma or equivalent, or a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for West Virginia and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states