Are you considering homeschooling your child in West Virginia? With the increasing popularity of homeschooling, more parents are taking a hard look at the requirements and benefits of this educational option.
This article covers the official regulations for homeschooling in West Virginia and provides tips for successful homeschooling. Before beginning the homeschool process, parents should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements and regulations set by the West Virginia Legislature. Homeschooling in West Virginia is regulated by two organizations – the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Board of Education.
All homeschool parents in West Virginia must register with their local school district and provide written notification of their intentions to homeschool. Once they have filed their paperwork, they are required to maintain records of their homeschool student’s instructional activities.
Now that you are aware of the legal requirements, let’s look at the 15 questions you should consider when homeschooling in West Virginia.
1. What Is the Definition of Homeschooling in West Virginia?
Homeschooling in West Virginia is defined as a parent or legal guardian providing instruction to their children in the home without enrolling them in a public or private school. According to the West Virginia Department of Education, homeschooling can take place outside of the home as well, so long as the instruction is administered by the parent/guardian or someone who is approved by the parent/guardian.
2. What Subjects Should I Teach My Child?
When homeschooling your child in West Virginia, parents are responsible for providing an educational program in the basic educational subjects, including language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. In addition to these subjects, parents may choose to offer instruction in foreign languages, art, music, literature, and physical activity/health.
3. How Many Hours of Instruction Should I Provide?
Parents should strive to provide at least 850 hours of instruction each year. A full-time program consists of 175 instructional days per school year with at least four instructional hours per day.
4. What is Required for Proof of Competency?
In West Virginia, homeschool students must prove their competency in the core subjects once their homeschool program is complete. Parents can provide proof of their child’s competency by submitting the results of an achievement test or a portfolio containing a variety of work samples and written assessments.
5. What Are the Testing Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Homeschoolers in West Virginia are required to take a nationally standardized achievement test or an alternative assessment. These assessments must be administered by a certified teacher and the results of the assessment must be submitted to the local school district.
6. What Are the Record Keeping Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Parents of West Virginia homeschoolers are required to keep the following records: attendance records, lesson plans, and records of the student’s academic progress. Parents must also keep a record of attendance that shows the number of instructional hours and number of days in the school year.
7. Do I Need to Notify My Local School District?
Yes. Parents must notify their local school district of their intention to homeschool. This must be done in writing and must include the child’s name, the parent/guardian’s name and address, and the purpose for homeschooling.
8. Is a Parent Required to Have a High School Diploma or GED to Homeschool their Child?
No. According to the West Virginia Department of Education, the parent/guardian does not need a high school diploma or General Education Diploma to teach their child. However, if the parent/guardian does not have either of these credentials, they are required to take a home teaching course from an approved provider.
9. Are There Any Support Services Available for Homeschoolers in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers support services for homeschoolers. Some of these services include homeschool workshops, homeschool mentoring, academic advisement, and online classes.
10. Are Co-Ops Available for Homeschoolers in West Virginia?
Yes, there are co-operative learning opportunities available for West Virginia homeschoolers. Co-op classes offer group instruction in various subject areas and provide an opportunity for homeschoolers to interact with their peers in a supportive environment.
11. Can Homeschoolers Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes. Home schooled students in West Virginia can participate in organized extracurricular activities, such as band and drama, offered by their local school district. However, they are not eligible to participate in varsity sports.
12. What Are the Graduation Requirements for Homeschoolers?
Homeschool students in West Virginia must earn at least 24 high school credits to graduate. They must also submit a portfolio of their work samples, as well as the results of an approved assessment, to the school district in order to continue their homeschooling program.
13. Are Homeschoolers Eligible for the HOPE Scholarship Program?
Yes. Home schooled students in West Virginia are eligible for the HOPE (Home Ownership and Practical Education) Scholarship Program.
To be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship, homeschoolers must complete a home school graduation packet, provide proof of GPA requirement, and enroll in an approved college or university.
14. Is Distance Education Available for Homeschoolers?
Yes. West Virginia offers distance education options for homeschoolers.
These include online classes and individualized instruction from certified teachers.
15. Are Any Post-Secondary Institutions in West Virginia Open to Homeschoolers?
Yes. Several post-secondary institutions in West Virginia are open to homeschoolers, including West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Concord University. These schools accept homeschoolers on an individual basis and provide admission requirements specific to homeschoolers.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in West Virginia can be an exciting experience for both the parent and the student. By familiarizing yourself with the regulations and requirements of homeschooling in West Virginia, you can ensure that your child is receiving a quality education that meets all the necessary state guidelines.
Remember, the key to successful homeschooling is to stay organized, keep accurate records, and provide a supportive and caring learning environment. With a little planning and patience, you can create a homeschool program that is tailored to your child’s educational needs.