West Virginia, known as the “Mountain State,” is a beautiful region in the Appalachian Mountains. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, it offers a unique environment for families seeking alternative education options.

In West Virginia, homeschooling is legally allowed, allowing families to tailor their children’s education to their specific needs and values.

One notable institution catering to homeschooling families is High School of America. Recognizing the importance of flexible learning, they offer comprehensive homeschooling programs designed to meet students’ academic and personal growth.

If you are considering homeschooling in West Virginia, it is essential to understand the state’s specific requirements and regulations. By continuing to read, you will discover the necessary steps, curriculum guidelines, and assessment procedures to embark on a successful homeschooling journey.

Homeschooling Laws in West Virginia

There are two legal options under which you can homeschool in West Virginia.

The two options are:

  1. Approval from a school board for homeschooling
  2. Homeschooling by through a letter of intent

a) Homeschooling by seeking school board approval

Here are the requirements for a school to be approved by the local school board:

  • The homeschool must have its curriculum and teaching methods reviewed and approved by the local school board.
  • The homeschool should provide instruction for a minimum of 180 days per year.
  • The homeschool must conduct classes in a location approved by the school board.
  • The homeschool should be able to provide attendance records, instructional details, and progress information upon request.
  • The homeschool must use an assessment method determined by the school board.

Please note that the school board has the authority to deny the request for approval if they deem it lacks good and reasonable justification.

b) Homeschooling by submitting a notice of intent

When families in West Virginia choose home education, their first step is to submit a letter of intent to either the county’s Board of Education or the Superintendent of Education. The letter ought to include the following information for each child who will be homeschooled:

  • Educational credentials of the homeschool parent, which should be at least equivalent to a high school diploma.
  • Child’s name, age, and address.
  • An attached outline of the instruction plan that will be followed.
  • Assurance that the child will receive instruction in social studies, science, mathematics, language, and reading.
  • Assurance that the child will undergo an annual educational assessment, which can be either a nationally normed standardized achievement test, a standardized test offered by the local school system, or an evaluation of the student’s portfolio by a certified instructor, including samples of their school work.

If the child is currently enrolled in a school, it is recommended to formally withdraw them from that school when homeschooling begins to avoid any truancy issues.

Required Courses

West Virginia has state-mandated subjects that all homeschooling families must teach.

Grades 9-12

High school students in the state of West Virginia are required to meet the following course credit requirements prior to their graduation:

  • Social Studies (4 credits)
  • English/Language Arts (4 credits)
  • Science (3 credits)
  • Fine Arts (1 credit)
  • Physical Education (1 credit)
  • Health Education (1 credit)
  • Mathematics (4 credits)
  • Electives (6 credits)

Annual Assessment

In West Virginia, homeschooling laws state that students must undergo an annual assessment. One option to fulfill this requirement is by taking a nationally standardized assessment.

Many homeschooling families in the state choose the West Virginia Educational Standards Test (WESTEST) because it can be taken alongside public school students and is accessible for third to eleventh-grade learners.

Record Keeping

West Virginia’s homeschool laws require parents or guardians of homeschooled children to maintain records of each student’s academic assessment for three years.

These assessments must be submitted to the county superintendent by June 30th of the year following the evaluation, specifically in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11.

Creating a homeschool portfolio is highly recommended to track your homeschooler’s progress throughout the school year. This portfolio should accurately document the educational content and demonstrate how well your student retains the material. Some essential items to include in the portfolio are:

  • An outline of the curriculum courses and topics you have covered.
  • A homeschool transcript for high school students.
  • Results from any standardized tests taken by your child.
  • Samples of the work of your homeschooled child.

Keeping these records organized and up-to-date will help ensure compliance with West Virginia’s homeschooling regulations while providing a comprehensive overview of your student’s academic achievements.

Shifting to Public School from Homeschool

If a family decides to discontinue homeschooling for any reason, they are required to inform the county Superintendent of Schools that they are terminating home instruction for any child who is of compulsory school age. For many families, the decision to homeschool is made yearly.

While some families homeschool their children from kindergarten to graduation, others homeschool for specific grades or under certain circumstances.

If, after a period of homeschooling, a family realizes that it is no longer the right choice, they need to understand how to transition their child from homeschooling to public school.

Transferring from homeschooling to public school in West Virginia varies depending on each school district. The school district may assess the child to determine the most appropriate grade level for placement. The acceptance of high school credits earned during homeschooling will be determined solely by the discretion of individual districts and schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling Online in West Virginia

The following are the frequently asked question about homeschooling in West Virginia:

Are there specific curriculum requirements set by the state?

No, there are no specific curriculum requirements. Homeschool students are expected to study Language Arts, History, Reading, Science, and Math.

Do I need to get approval from the state for my chosen curriculum?

No, you do not need to seek approval or report your curriculum to the state. As long as you cover the required subjects, you have the freedom to choose your own curriculum.

Can my child participate in sports at state schools while being homeschooled?

Yes, homeschoolers can participate in sports governed by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) if they fulfill certain criteria. This includes taking one virtual school class, meeting the GPA requirements, and participating in standardized tests.

Is it mandatory to join a homeschool co-op?

No, joining a homeschool co-op is not mandatory. While co-ops can be valuable for networking and support, there is no requirement for homeschooling families to join one.

How much time should I allocate to each subject?

There are no specific time requirements for instruction in homeschooling. You can spend as much or as little time on each subject as your child needs to grasp the material.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in West Virginia

Homeschooling in West Virginia dramatically increased during the 2020 pandemic, mirroring national trends. The percentage of households homeschooling in West Virginia rose from 5.4% in the spring of 2020 to 16.6% by the fall.

This trend may have been accelerated by West Virginia public school teachers going on strike in February 2018, which likely influenced parents’ decisions to homeschool their children instead of sending them to traditional schools. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic sparked an increased interest in online homeschooling across the country.

As a result, West Virginia parents have been able to take advantage of more online learning opportunities for their children.

How to Do it: Online Homeschooling in West Virginia

The first step to homeschooling online in West Virginia is to familiarize yourself with the state education laws. To do this, you can reach out to the West Virginia Department of Education or check out your local district’s website for more information.

Once you understand the requirements, it’s time to find a program that meets your needs and budget. Many online homeschooling programs are available, so take time to explore your options and find one that matches the curriculum standards set by West Virginia.

Once you have chosen a program, you must register with the state and submit the required paperwork for approval.

After registration is complete, start teaching!

Advantages of Homeschooling Online in West Virginia

Homeschooling online offers a variety of advantages for families in West Virginia. Here are the main benefits of homeschooling:

  1. Cost Savings: Online homeschooling generally requires fewer materials and fewer resources than traditional brick-and-mortar schools, making it more cost-effective for many families. Additionally, there is no need to pay for transportation or other related expenses associated with attending a physical school location.
  2. Variety of Content and Resources: With an online homeschool program, students can access a wide range of educational materials, from videos and interactive lessons to textbooks and projects. This can provide an advantage over traditional schooling in that it allows for more creativity and exploration into different topics of interest.
  3. Social Interaction: Online homeschooling offers many opportunities for socialization, such as virtual classrooms, discussion groups, and online clubs or organizations. These activities help build relationships with other students who share similar interests while allowing students to connect with people around the world.
  4. Parent Involvement: Homeschooling online enables parents to stay involved in their children’s education by allowing them to monitor progress, give feedback on assignments, and work side-by-side with their child on projects. This can create a stronger bond between parent and student, as well as help foster leadership skills in young people.

Conclusion

Homeschooling online in West Virginia is a great option for those looking for something special for their child’s education. West Virginia homeschool laws are not difficult to understand once you know what to look for, and the steps necessary to get started with an online program provide a clear path to success.

High School of America offers specific guidance on ensuring your homeschooled student receives a secure and successful educational experience tailored to their needs. With courses that fit the criteria needed for graduation, students can begin building the skill set necessary for future success.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in discussing further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with High School of America today – they are here to answer any questions you might have!