West Virginia Homeschool Planning: Creating Your First Year Timeline

Planning your homeschool year takes the chaos out of starting. This timeline guide walks you through months 1-12 of your homeschool journey, with specific tasks, deadlines, and decision points. Follow this and you’ll launch smoothly, stay compliant, and end with completed assessment.

Key Takeaways

• 12-month cycle from planning through assessment
• Key deadlines: NOI filing (before starting), Assessment by May, Results submitted by June 30
• Work backwards from June 30 (assessment deadline) to front-load efficiently
• Planning spiral: Each year improves; keep what works, adjust what doesn’t
• Monthly tasks keep you on track without overwhelming
• Flexibility is built in: Plan for 80% and leave 20% as buffer

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Pre-Start Planning (Months 1-2)

Month 1: Decision & Research

Big picture:
– Decide to homeschool (or commit to the decision)
– Talk with spouse/partner about expectations
– Discuss with child (age-appropriate, honest conversation)
– Research West Virginia laws and requirements

Specific tasks:
– [ ] Read WV Code § 18-8-1 overview (or our comprehensive guide)
– [ ] Find local homeschool group or co-op (Facebook search, CHEWV, WVHEA)
– [ ] Attend a homeschool meetup or event
– [ ] Calculate costs and Hope Scholarship eligibility
– [ ] Identify your school year model (traditional, year-round, etc.)
– [ ] Create realistic family expectations document

Output: Understanding of legal requirements, identified local community, basic plan

Month 2: Curriculum & Logistics Planning

Big picture:
– Choose curriculum (or narrow down options)
– Plan your schedule and teaching model
– Arrange community support
– Prepare paperwork

Specific tasks:
– [ ] Finalize curriculum choices (1-2 weeks testing/samples)
– [ ] Order curriculum (arrive 1-2 weeks before start)
– [ ] Identify co-op options or support group
– [ ] Enroll in co-op (if participating)
– [ ] Complete Notice of Intent form
– [ ] Gather documents (HS diploma/GED copy, child info)
– [ ] Create simple schedule draft
– [ ] Identify assessment method preference

Output: Ordered curriculum, enrolled in co-ops if applicable, completed NOI

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Launch Phase (Month 3: Start of School Year)

Early August (Or 2-4 Weeks Before Start)

Final preparations:
– [ ] File Notice of Intent (with county superintendent or State Board portal)
– [ ] Receive NOI confirmation (keep for records)
– [ ] Set up physical school space (desk, organization)
– [ ] Gather basic supplies (pencils, paper, notebooks, storage)
– [ ] Get library card (free resource!)
– [ ] Test technology and internet connection

Timeline: File 2-4 weeks before starting to allow processing time

Late August / Early September (Week 1 of School)

Going live:
– [ ] Receive curriculum (verify complete)
– [ ] Introduce curriculum to child
– [ ] Establish morning routine and schedule
– [ ] Start light first week (low pressure, adjustment focus)
– [ ] Attend first co-op meeting (if applicable)
– [ ] Set up record-keeping file
– [ ] Create initial calendar with important dates

Focus: Routine and relationship, not perfection

Your goal week 1: Child knows schedule, feels safe, understands expectations. Not academic rigor.

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Fall Semester (Months 4-5: September-October)

September

Getting into rhythm:
– [ ] Implement full curriculum by week 3
– [ ] Fine-tune schedule and timing
– [ ] Identify what’s working and what needs adjustment
– [ ] Maintain regular co-op or group attendance
– [ ] Start collecting work samples for potential portfolio
– [ ] Create reading list for the year

Common adjustments month 1:
– Curriculum too hard? Switch.
– Schedule not working? Adjust.
– Child struggling with independence? Change approach.
– Spending too much time on math? Reduce or change curriculum.

Adjustment is normal and expected.

October

Settling in:
– [ ] Establish stable routine (same time, same place)
– [ ] Reduce schedule tweaks (routine now predictable)
– [ ] Assess progress informally (is child learning?)
– [ ] Plan field trips or enrichment activities
– [ ] Attend homeschool convention if available (CHEWV fall event)
– [ ] Network with other homeschooling families
– [ ] Continue collecting work samples

End of month reflection: Is this model sustainable? What needs changing before spring?

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Winter Semester (Months 6-7: November-December)

November

Momentum checkpoint:
– [ ] Assess mid-year progress (informally; not official assessment)
– [ ] Review curriculum pacing (on track for assessment prep by May?)
– [ ] Take informal reading level check
– [ ] Plan holiday break schedule
– [ ] Continue field trips and enrichment
– [ ] Holiday planning (decide on school schedule during holidays)

Common adjustments month 5:
– Is pace too fast? Slow down now, don’t cram in spring.
– Is pace too slow? Check if curriculum is right fit for year 2.
– Child thriving? Celebrate and continue!
– Child struggling? Adjust for spring semester.

December-January

Holiday and reset:
– [ ] Plan holiday schedule (full break, light school, or continue?)
– [ ] Holiday enrichment (museum visits, book reading, documentaries)
– [ ] New Year planning: any mid-year adjustments?
– [ ] Year 2 curriculum research (for planning later)
– [ ] New Year goals or reflections

January: Fresh start energy
– [ ] Resume full schedule
– [ ] Reinforce routines
– [ ] Motivation often peaks in January (use it!)

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Spring Semester (Months 8-9: February-March)

February-March

Assessment prep begins (quietly):
– [ ] Identify assessment method you’ll use
– [ ] Contact test provider or certified teacher (if portfolio method)
– [ ] Understand timeline for your chosen assessment
– [ ] Continue work sample collection (portfolio method)
– [ ] No major changes to curriculum (you’re in stride now)
– [ ] Plan spring field trips

Important: Choose assessment method by March so you know what you’re building toward

Work backward from June 30 deadline:
– June 30: Grades 3/5/8/11 results submitted
– June 15: Results received (or portfolio narrative complete)
– June 1: Assessment completed
– May: Assessment conducted
– March: Assessment method confirmed, timeline set

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Assessment Phase (Months 10-11: April-May)

April

Pre-assessment:
– [ ] Finalize assessment logistics
– [ ] Schedule assessment time/location (if standardized test)
– [ ] Prepare portfolio (if portfolio method)
– [ ] Reduce pressure and stress around assessment
– [ ] Continue normal instruction (don’t cram)
– [ ] Boost confidence (celebrate progress so far)

May (Assessment Month)

Conduct assessment:
– [ ] Take standardized test OR
– [ ] Submit portfolio to certified teacher for review
– [ ] OR take public school assessments
– [ ] OR test with SAT/ACT (high school)
– [ ] Receive results or narrative
– [ ] Celebrate completion!

Assessment didn’t go as hoped?
– Standardized test scores lower than expected? Still valid.
– Portfolio review tough feedback? Use to adjust year 2.
– Public school assessment confusing? Get explanation from school.
– Assessment shows learning progress. That’s success.

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Completion Phase (Month 12: June)

Early June

Results and submission:
– [ ] Receive official assessment results
– [ ] Prepare submission for State Board (grades 3/5/8/11)
– [ ] Check State Board portal for submission process
– [ ] Gather supporting documents
– [ ] Submit before June 30 deadline

Important: Grade 3/5/8/11 results MUST go to State Board by June 30. All other grades keep records.

Mid-June

Documentation and filing:
– [ ] Receive State Board submission confirmation
– [ ] File assessment results and confirmation letter with your three-year records
– [ ] File curriculum materials and work samples with records
– [ ] File NOI confirmation letter
– [ ] Organize complete first-year records

What to keep for three years:
– Assessment results
– Work samples
– State Board submission confirmation
– Curriculum receipts/documentation
– Any progress notes or records

Late June-Early July

Reflection and planning:
– [ ] Reflect on what worked
– [ ] Reflect on what didn’t work
– [ ] Document lessons learned
– [ ] Plan year 2 curriculum choices
– [ ] Plan schedule adjustments for year 2
– [ ] Celebrate! You completed your first year.

Reflection questions:
– Which curriculum matched our style? Which didn’t?
– Was schedule sustainable? What needs changing?
– Did child thrive academically? Socially?
– What community supports helped most?
– How can year 2 improve on year 1?

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Year 2 Planning (July-August)

July

Plan year 2:
– [ ] Research curriculum adjustments
– [ ] Review assessment method (keep same or change?)
– [ ] Plan schedule adjustments
– [ ] Order curriculum for year 2
– [ ] Decide on co-ops or groups for year 2

August

Prepare for year 2:
– [ ] Curriculum arrives
– [ ] Update schedule for year 2
– [ ] Enroll in new co-ops or groups
– [ ] Set new goals
– [ ] Year 2 often easier (you know what you’re doing!)

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Parallel Tracking: Optional Enrichment & Community

Throughout the Year (Ongoing)

Weave these in alongside main instruction:

Field trips:
– Monthly or quarterly (Clay Center, state parks, local attractions)
– Plan ahead, don’t overcommit

Extracurriculars:
– Sports, 4-H, Scouts, clubs (fits around school schedule)
– Enrich learning, provide community

Co-op or group activities:
– Regular classes (1-2 days/week)
– Social events (park days, park days)
– Field trips (combine families for savings)
– Mom’s Night Out or parent support

Home projects:
– Service learning or community service
– Passion projects aligned with interests
– Long-term projects (e.g., family garden, cookbook)

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Planning Templates

Simple Monthly Checklist

Month: _____________

Instruction:
☐ Curriculum pacing on track
☐ Child engaged and learning
☐ Adjustments made if needed
☐ Work samples collected

Community:
☐ Co-op attendance
☐ Support group connection
☐ Field trip or enrichment

Admin:
☐ Records organized
☐ Supplies restocked
☐ Month reflection completed

Concerns:
- ___________
- ___________

Wins:
- ___________
- ___________

Annual Planning Sheet

School Year: 2024-25

Curriculum Choices:
- Math: ______________
- Language arts: ____________
- Science: ______________
- History: _____________
- Enrichment: _______________

Schedule:
School days: _______ (# per week)
Daily time: _______ hours
Model: Traditional / Year-round / Semester / Other

Community:
- Co-ops: ________________
- Support groups: ___________
- Extracurriculars: ____________

Assessment Method: Standardized test / Portfolio / Public school / ACT/SAT

Success Metrics for Year:
1. _____________
2. _____________
3. _____________

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The Bottom Line

Your first year follows this rhythm: Plan (months 1-2), Launch (month 3), Adjust and Settle (months 4-7), Assess (months 8-12). By June 30, you’ve submitted assessment results and completed a full year. Year 2 builds on what you learned.

This timeline removes the guessing game. You know when to plan, when to adjust, when to assess, and when to submit. Follow it and you’ll launch successfully and stay compliant.

Most important: Give yourself grace in year one. You’re learning to homeschool while your child is learning your approach. By year two, you’ve got systems and it flows.

Start here. Adjust as needed. Trust the process.