Homeschooling in West Virginia: official source

West Virginia Code section 18-8-1 includes two home-instruction subdivisions. The text we captured for subdivision (1) requires instruction for a time equal to the instructional term in section 18-5-45, by a person the county superintendent and board judge qualified, and records on request. Subdivision (2) was cut off before its requirements were readable.

Not legal advice. This page is a reading aid. It is not a law firm, and it does not restate every statute, regulation, or case. Confirm the linked source, because rules change, and contact the agency or a qualified attorney about your own facts.

Official source checked 2026-10-17: West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-1.

What West Virginia requires

RequirementWhat the source saysCitationVerified
Notice / registrationThe captured text of subdivision (1) says that if a request for home instruction is denied, the county board furnishes the justification in writing. How the request is filed was not in the sentences we captured. Subdivision (2)'s notice rule was cut off. unknown, check official source for the filing steps.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17
Required subjectsSubdivision (1) says instruction is given in subjects required to be taught in the public elementary schools of the state. The list of those subjects was not in the captured text.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17
Instruction days / hoursSubdivision (1) says instruction is for a time equal to the instructional term set forth in section 18-5-45. That section's day or hour number was not the page we opened.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17
Assessment / testingThe captured text says the state board develops guidelines for home schooling of special education students, including alternative assessment measures. A general testing rule for other students was not in the sentences we captured.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17
Teacher qualificationsSubdivision (1) says instruction is conducted by a person or persons who, in the judgment of the county superintendent and county board, are qualified to give instruction in the subjects required in public elementary schools.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17
Record keepingSubdivision (1) says the person providing instruction, upon request of the county superintendent, shall furnish the county board information and records as may be required periodically with respect to attendance, instruction, and progress.West Virginia Legislature, Code §18-8-12026-10-17

Choosing a curriculum that fits West Virginia's rules

If the table names records, an assessment, or subjects, ask which provider keeps grades and which leaves that to you. Online schools usually keep the file. Print curricula usually leave it to the parent. That is a description of the program type, not a ranking. Tuition-free online public schools, such as those powered by K12 Online School or Connections Academy, are available only in some states. Check each provider's site for West Virginia. Where a row says the requirement is unknown, do not guess from another state.

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