This post contains affiliate links.
West Virginia Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide
The Notice of Intent (NOI) is your official notification that your child will receive home instruction. It’s a one-time filing—simple, quick, and free. This guide walks you through exactly what to include, where to send it, and when you need to file.
Key Takeaways
- File once per child (not every year)
- Two filing options: State Board electronic School Choice Portal OR county superintendent (depends on your county)
- File on or before homeschooling begins (if withdrawing from public school, file immediately)
- Takes 10-15 minutes to complete
- Completely free
- 2025 update: Filings now go through State Board portal (transition in progress; some counties still accepting local filings)
Before You File: What You Need
Gather these items before starting:
- Child’s information: Full legal name, date of birth, current grade level
- Your information: Full legal name, home address, phone number, email
- Proof of your HS diploma or GED: Copy of diploma or GED credential
- Assurance you can provide: Statement that you will offer instruction in the five required subjects and conduct annual assessment
That’s it. Takes 10 minutes to assemble.
Where to File: Two Options
Option 1: State Board of Education Electronic School Choice Portal (2025 Preferred)
As of 2025, West Virginia shifted NOI and assessment submissions to a centralized electronic portal.
How to access:
– Visit: hopescholarshipwv.gov (portal entry point)
– OR: Check wvde.us/school-choice for direct portal link
– Create account with your email and password
– Select “Notice of Intent to Homeschool”
– Complete online form
– Upload copy of your HS diploma/GED
– Submit electronically
Processing time: 5-10 business days
Confirmation: You’ll receive email confirmation of filing with date stamp
Benefits:
– Centralized tracking
– Online form is clear and straightforward
– Instant confirmation
– No waiting in county office
Option 2: County Superintendent (Local Filing)
Some counties are still accepting local NOI filings during the transition period. Check first.
How to file locally:
1. Contact your county superintendent’s office
2. Ask: “Do you accept Notice of Intent filings locally, or must I use the State Board portal?”
3. If they accept locally:
– Request their NOI form (or use template below)
– Complete and print
– Mail or deliver in person
– Keep a copy for your records
Processing time: 5-15 business days depending on county workload
Confirmation: County will provide written confirmation or receipt
County superintendent contact: Search “[your county] West Virginia superintendent” or call county board of education
Notice of Intent Template
Use this template if filing locally with your county superintendent (or as reference for online portal):
NOTICE OF INTENT TO HOMESCHOOL
West Virginia Code § 18-8-1(c)(2)
To the County Superintendent of _________________________ County:
I hereby notify you of my intent to provide home instruction for my child under
the provisions of West Virginia Code § 18-8-1(c)(2) (Notice of Intent option).
CHILD'S INFORMATION:
Name: _________________________________________
Date of Birth: _______________ Grade Level: _____
Address: ______________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION:
Name: _________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Phone: _________________ Email: ______________
ASSURANCES:
I assure that I will:
□ Provide instruction in the five required subjects (reading, language arts,
mathematics, science, and social studies)
□ Conduct annual assessment of my child's educational progress
□ Maintain assessment records for three years
□ Provide evidence of my high school diploma or GED (copy attached)
I understand that:
□ Assessment results for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11 must be submitted to the
State Board of Education by June 30
□ I must maintain assessment records for three years
□ Home instruction must be provided to children of compulsory school age (6-17)
Dated this _______ day of ______________, 20_____.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________
Printed Name: _____________________________________
Enclosure: Copy of high school diploma or GED credential
---
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT USE ONLY:
Received: ________________ By: ___________________
County: __________________ Date Processed: ______________
Note: Use the official state form from the electronic portal if filing online. This template is for reference or local county filing.
What to Include
Required Documents
1. Your HS Diploma or GED
– Photocopy of your high school diploma from any state
– OR photocopy of GED certificate
– Must be legible
– Do not need to be certified or notarized
– Keep original; send copy
2. Child Information
– Full legal name (as appears on birth certificate)
– Date of birth
– Current grade level (K, 1st, 2nd, etc.)
3. Your Assurance
– Statement that you will teach the five required subjects
– Statement that you will assess annually
– Both go on the form
That’s all. You don’t need:
– Curriculum lists
– Teaching credentials
– College degrees
– Syllabi or lesson plans
– School supplies receipts
– Home office photos
– References
Filing Timeline
When to file:
– New to homeschooling: File anytime before you start (ideally 2-4 weeks before)
– Withdrawing from public school mid-year: File on or before the date homeschooling begins
– Starting in fall: File by August 31 to be safe
Filing deadline for specific situations:
– Child currently in public school? File on or before withdrawal date
– Child turning 6 and entering homeschool? File before 6th birthday or start date
– Switching from private/charter school? File when switching
No late penalty: If you file 2-3 weeks after starting, it’s not a legal violation, but file as soon as possible to avoid complications.
After You File: What Happens Next
Week 1: You submit NOI (electronically or locally)
Week 2-3: County superintendent (or state board) processes filing
Week 3-4: You receive written confirmation that NOI is on file
Ongoing:
– You maintain instruction records (for your reference)
– You assess your child annually
– For grades 3/5/8/11: You submit assessment results by June 30
– You keep assessment records for three years
Annual renewal: You don’t file a new NOI each year—it’s one-time filing. However, if your child’s grade level changes, you may update the information in the portal or with your county (check local requirements).
Common Filing Questions
What if I’m not sure my diploma counts? Contact your county superintendent and ask. Most HS diplomas from accredited US schools count. Some counties accept equivalents (check first).
What if I can’t find my original diploma? Get a replacement from your high school (request certified copy). Most schools provide free replacements. Cost is usually $0-15 if not free.
What if I have a GED but not from West Virginia? That’s fine. GED is nationally recognized. Copy of your GED credential works.
What if I’m filing as a guardian, not a biological parent? File as the legal guardian with evidence of guardianship (court order). Contact county superintendent for specific requirements.
Can I file for multiple children at once? You’ll need to file a separate NOI for each child (each has their own assessment record).
What if my child moves to a different county? File a new NOI with the new county. Contact the new county superintendent and explain the situation. Most allow transfers easily.
Do I have to tell the public school when I withdraw? Best practice: notify the school in writing and request records. School will want to know about the withdrawal, but the NOI filing is your official notification to the district that you’re homeschooling.
The Bottom Line
Filing your Notice of Intent is the easiest part of homeschooling in West Virginia. It’s a one-page form, free, takes 10 minutes, and you’re done with it for the life of your home education journey. File electronically through the State Board portal (preferred as of 2025) or with your county superintendent, whichever is available in your area. Keep your confirmation letter with your three-year record-keeping file, and you’re set.
The NOI is your legal authorization to homeschool. File it, and you’re officially compliant with West Virginia’s primary requirement.