Skip to main content

Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in West Virginia

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in West Virginia, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

West Virginia's special education rules say the duty to provide a free appropriate public education does not apply to students who are home schooled, so your child's IEP does not continue when you homeschool (Policy 2419). Your county must still identify and evaluate home-schooled children with disabilities, and on request the county board must tell you in writing what services are available to assess your child's eligibility (W. Va. Code 18-8-1).

Primary source: 34 CFR 300.111; W. Va. Code 18-8-1

How to access services while homeschooling

✓

Child Find

Your county must identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education, including home-schooled children (34 CFR 300.111). On request, the county board must tell you in writing what services are available to assess eligibility (W. Va. Code 18-8-1).

How to request: Request an evaluation in writing from your county school district.

34 CFR 300.111; W. Va. Code 18-8-1

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

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

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in West Virginia?
West Virginia's special education rules say the duty to provide a free appropriate public education does not apply to students who are home schooled, so your child's IEP does not continue when you homeschool (Policy 2419). Your county must still identify and evaluate home-schooled children with disabilities, and on request the county board must tell you in writing what services are available to assess your child's eligibility (W. Va. Code 18-8-1).
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in West Virginia?
Child Find: Your county must identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education, including home-schooled children (34 CFR 300.111). On request, the county board must tell you in writing what services are available to assess eligibility (W. Va. Code 18-8-1).

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). Last reviewed October 2026