Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in West Virginia

This is general guidance based on West Virginia law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in West Virginia. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

West Virginia's Hope Scholarship program can fund private therapies including speech, OT, behavioral, and audiology services. Eligibility is expanding in 2026 to include more homeschool families. Your district must still evaluate your child under Child Find.

Homeschooled students not entitled to IEP services through the public school system. Child Find obligations remain. Hope Scholarship funds can be used for educational therapies.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

✓

Child Find

County boards must evaluate

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

Not a clear statutory right

Equitable services

Limited

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available through Hope Scholarship funds from private providers
Occupational therapy:: Available through Hope Scholarship funds from private providers
Behavioral therapy:: Available through Hope Scholarship funds including ABA and audiology

Hope Scholarship (ESA) covers OT, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies. Eligibility expanding in 2026.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

West Virginia offers Hope Scholarship. ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in West Virginia?

Yes. Parents in West Virginia have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in West Virginia.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in West Virginia?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see West Virginia's specific provisions.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

Start the West Virginia wizard

Requirements sourced from W.Va. Code 18-8-1(c). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026