West Virginia Homeschool Curriculum Requirements by Subject

Key Takeaways:
– West Virginia requires only five subjects: reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies
– You choose any curriculum; the state does not approve or reject materials
– WV Content Standards are optional reference guides, not mandates
– No instructional hours or days requirement under Notice of Intent option
– Assessment must show competency in required subjects

West Virginia’s curriculum requirements are refreshingly clear and minimal. The state specifies five subjects, provides optional standards as reference, then trusts you to teach them effectively.

This means complete curriculum freedom. You can use Abeka, Sonlight, Time4Learning, Khan Academy, Easy Peasy, library books, or a custom mix you build yourself. The state does not review, approve, or reject any of it.

The Five Required Subjects

1. Reading

West Virginia defines reading as comprehension and decoding skills—the ability to understand what you read and unlock new words. Reading appears across curricula differently:

Structured phonics programs: Abeka, BJU Press, Sonlight
Literature-based approach: Sonlight, Charlotte Mason methods
Self-taught/library-heavy: Easy Peasy, Khan Academy supplements
Online programs: Time4Learning includes reading instruction

Your curriculum choice determines your reading approach. All roads lead to competency if you choose something intentional.

For assessment, your child must demonstrate reading comprehension at grade level (verified through standardized test, portfolio review, or college entrance exam scores).

2. Language Arts

Language arts includes writing, grammar, spelling, and communication skills.

Common coverage:
– Grammar (parts of speech, sentence structure, editing)
– Writing (compositions, essays, creative writing)
– Spelling
– Handwriting or typing (depending on age)
– Vocabulary development

Curricula approach this differently. Abeka teaches grammar systematically via workbooks. Sonlight embeds grammar into literature study. Easy Peasy combines workbook exercises with writing assignments.

Writing samples form the core of portfolio assessment in West Virginia. Your curriculum should produce regular writing evidence: essays, short compositions, journal entries, creative work.

3. Mathematics

Mathematics includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus (by high school).

Grade progression typically:
– K-2: Counting, addition, subtraction, basic shapes
– 3-5: Multiplication, division, fractions, basic geometry
– 6-8: Pre-algebra, integers, algebraic thinking
– 9-12: Algebra I, geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus, statistics

Curricula vary widely. Saxon Math emphasizes spiral review. Teaching Textbooks uses video instruction. Abeka provides structured workbooks. Khan Academy offers video lessons. Time4Learning is interactive and self-paced.

Pick one. Competency is measured through standardized test scores or portfolio evidence of work.

4. Science

Science includes life science, physical science, earth science, and scientific method.

Grade progression typically:
– K-2: Observation, simple life cycles, weather, five senses
– 3-5: Systems (human body, ecosystems), states of matter, energy, weather patterns
– 6-8: More complex systems, chemistry, physics foundations, earth science
– 9-12: Biology, chemistry, physics, potentially marine biology or environmental science

West Virginia’s rich field trip resources strengthen science dramatically:
– New River Gorge National Park: Geology, plate tectonics, engineering
– Green Bank Observatory: Astronomy, space science, radio waves
– Exhibition Coal Mine: Industrial geology, Appalachian history connection
– Clay Center (Charleston): Physics, chemistry, biology hands-on exhibits
– State parks (34 throughout WV): Ecology, forestry, watershed education

Curricula approach science differently. Abeka and BJU are textbook-based. Sonlight uses books and discussion. Easy Peasy blends videos and experiments. Time4Learning is interactive.

Assessment requires demonstrating competency in multiple science areas (not just one branch).

5. Social Studies

Social studies includes history, geography, civics, economics, and cultural studies.

Grade progression typically:
– K-1: Community, family, basic holidays and cultures
– 2-3: Local community, state geography, basic civics
– 4-5: State history, United States geography, American history foundations
– 6-8: World history or geography, ancient civilizations, world cultures
– 9-12: U.S. history (two years typically), world history, civics/government, economics

West Virginia’s Appalachian heritage offers unique enrichment:
– Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Civil War, John Brown’s raid, American history
– WV State Museum (Charleston): State history, Native American heritage, coal mining heritage
– Hatfield-McCoy Trail and history: American frontier conflict
– Railroad heritage sites: Industrial history and Appalachian development
– WV statehood (1863): Civil War context
– Cultural heritage: Quilting, folk music, storytelling traditions

Curricula vary. Some focus chronologically (ancient to modern); others geographically. Literature-based approaches integrate history with reading. Any approach works if it covers the required breadth.

Subjects NOT Required

West Virginia does not mandate:
– Art (though often included in curricula)
– Music (though often included in curricula)
– Physical Education (though often included in curricula)
– Foreign Language (optional, but valuable for college preparation)
– Electives (technology, vocational, etc.)

You can include these or not. Hope Scholarship ($5,267/year) covers them if you do. Many families add at least one enrichment subject (art or music) using scholarship funds.

Using WV Content Standards

The West Virginia Department of Education publishes “Content Standards and Objectives” for each grade and subject. These outline what the state suggests students know by grade level.

Important: These are reference guides only. You do not need to follow them. Your chosen curriculum determines your scope and sequence.

Many families never consult them. Some reference them to ensure they’re hitting major grade-level concepts. Either approach works.

Curriculum Flexibility by Subject

Here’s what matters: you can mix and match curricula by subject. Example high school approach:

• Math: Khan Academy (free) or Teaching Textbooks (premium)
• English: Abeka curriculum (structured)
• Science: Sonlight (book-based)
• Social Studies: Library research + field trips + Easy Peasy
• Electives: Co-op classes, homeschool+-style programs

No rule says one curriculum must serve all subjects.

Assessment and Curriculum Alignment

West Virginia’s flexible assessment works with any curriculum:

1. Standardized testing: Take the test your curriculum recommends (or any nationally normed test). Results prove competency in required subjects.

2. Portfolio review: Collect work samples across the year in all five subjects. A certified teacher reviews for grade-level competency.

3. Public school assessments: Take annual tests at public school to demonstrate competency.

4. College entrance exams (10-12 grade): SAT/ACT scores document competency in reading, math, English, and science.

Your curriculum produces the evidence. The assessment method documents it.

Special Considerations

Special needs: No special curriculum requirements. Hope Scholarship can cover specialized materials or tutoring.

Gifted students: No acceleration requirements. You can move faster through any curriculum.

Multiple grades: Use one curriculum for multiple grades (like Time4Learning’s multi-level approach) or different curricula per child.

Your Curriculum Planning Checklist

Before choosing, confirm your curriculum covers:
– Reading instruction (or reading materials)
– Language arts (grammar, writing, spelling)
– Mathematics (grade-appropriate)
– Science (multiple branches, hands-on where possible)
– Social studies (history, geography, civics)

If something’s missing, supplement with free resources (Khan Academy, library, Easy Peasy) or Hope Scholarship funds.

West Virginia trusts you to choose wisely. Pick curriculum that matches your family’s philosophy, learning style, and schedule. Curriculum freedom is the gift you’ve been given.

West virginia/west virginia homeschool curriculum by grade level k 12 guide