Your guide to the West Virginia Education Savings Account (ESA)

What is the Hope Scholarship?

Every learner deserves an education that helps them thrive. In West Virginia, the Hope Scholarship program is creating new possibilities for families who want to take a more active role in shaping their child's learning journey.

With this scholarship, you can access education funding directly through an education savings account (ESA) — money you can use for approved educational expenses. For the 2026-27 school year, the Hope Scholarship provides up to $5,435.62 per student.

Families applying right now are in the 75% funding window, which means you can receive up to $4,076.72 for the 2026-27 year. This window runs through September 15, 2026, so there is still time to apply before the next funding tier drops.

The Hope Scholarship is West Virginia's Education Savings Account program. It gives eligible K-12 students access to public education funds that can be used for qualifying expenses, including private school tuition, homeschool resources, tutoring, and more. Funds are distributed through an online portal and can be used to support a variety of learning options that align with your child's goals, interests, and learning style.

Hope Scholarship eligibility, rules, and use of funds

Understanding the details of the Hope Scholarship can help you make the most of this opportunity. Here is a clear breakdown of who qualifies, how funds can be used, and what families need to keep in mind.

Who qualifies for the Hope Scholarship?

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, the Hope Scholarship is open to all eligible West Virginia K-12 families — there is no longer a prior public school enrollment requirement. This includes families whose children currently attend private school or who are already homeschooling.

To qualify, your child must meet all of the following criteria:

• West Virginia resident: Your child must live in West Virginia and remain a resident while participating in the program.
• K-12 eligible: Your child must be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a West Virginia public school in grades K-12 at the time of application.
• Kindergarten age: For incoming kindergarten students, your child must be at least five years old before July 1.
• Under 21: Your child must be under 21 years of age.
• Has not completed secondary education: Students who have already earned a high school diploma or equivalent are not eligible.

More than 26,000 students have already applied for the 2026-27 school year, reflecting the expanded eligibility and growing interest across the state.

Key rules and requirements

The Hope Scholarship has a few guidelines that all families must follow:

• Annual Reapplication: Submit an annual continued participation confirmation through the online Hope Scholarship portal by the specified deadline each year.
• Educational guidelines: Families must provide instruction in reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Approved Spending: All purchases must fall within the list of eligible expenses. Misuse can result in loss of funding.
• No Double Enrollment: Students cannot be enrolled full-time in a public school while receiving Hope Scholarship funds.
• Documentation: Save receipts and records for all purchases made with scholarship funds.
• Notice of Intent: Submit a Notice of Intent to the local county superintendent if participating in an Individualized Instructional Program (IIP) or enrolling in a participating nonpublic school.
• Reimbursements: Reimbursements are only provided for authorized payments under the Hope Scholarship Board's Reimbursement Policy. All reimbursement requests must be submitted through the online portal with required supporting documentation.
• Account Management: Only the Account Holder is authorized to access and manage the student's Hope Scholarship account. Sharing login information is prohibited.

What educational expenses are covered?

Here are the expenses covered by the West Virginia Hope Scholarship:

• Tuition and fees for private school, non-public online programs, or alternative education programs
• Services provided by a public school (extracurricular activities, individual courses)
• Tutoring services
• Fees for standardized or advanced placement exams
• Tuition or fees for online learning programs
• Fees for preparation courses
• Educational services and therapies
• Supplemental materials (supplies, textbooks)
• Student transportation for services by an approved fee-for-service transportation provider
• Any other qualifying expense as approved by the Hope Scholarship Board

You can check the state's official website for a detailed breakdown of qualifying and non-qualifying expenses.

How do you apply for the West Virginia Hope Scholarship?

The Hope Scholarship accepts applications year-round, but the timing of your application determines how much funding your child receives for that school year. The application windows for the 2026-27 school year are:

• March 2 – June 15, 2026: 100% of scholarship ($5,435.62) — this window is now closed
• June 16 – September 15, 2026: 75% (~$4,076.72) — open now
• September 16 – November 30, 2026: 50% (~$2,717.81)
• December 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027: 25% (~$1,358.91)
• After February 28, 2027: No funding for 2026-27; you can apply for the 2027-28 school year

No matter which application cycle you apply in, you will need to have your documentation ready. Here is what to prepare:

Identity Documents:

• Your child's state-issued birth certificate

Residency Proof (one of the following):

• Tax record
• Two utility bills no more than 60 days old
• Vehicle registration
• Mortgage statement

Education Records:

• Your child's WVEIS ID# (check report cards)
• Kindergarten eligibility proof (for new kindergartners)

Ready to move forward? Follow these steps:

1. Set up your account on the Hope Scholarship portal
2. Fill out the online application form
3. Submit your Notice of Intent to your county's Board of Education (if applicable)
4. Upload your prepared documents
5. Track your application status through the portal

Using your Hope Scholarship funds on Outschool

Outschool is an approved vendor for West Virginia families using the Hope Scholarship. Once approved, you may be able to use Hope Scholarship funds for:

• Live, small-group classes taught by expert educators
• One-on-one tutoring personalized to your learner's goals
• Self-paced courses across core subjects and enrichment topics
• Supplemental learning for homeschool, private, or hybrid education

Frequently asked questions about the Hope Scholarship

Can I use the scholarship funds for homeschooling and online classes?

Yes. You can create a personalized home education experience by combining traditional homeschool materials with engaging online classes. Your funds support a full range of learning options, from core curriculum materials to interactive live courses that spark your child's curiosity.

Can private school or homeschool families who were not previously eligible apply?

Yes. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, the prior public school enrollment requirement has been eliminated. Families whose children attend private school or who are already homeschooling are now eligible to apply for the first time.

What educational expenses can my family cover?

Your scholarship supports a wide range of learning expenses — textbooks, art supplies, musical instruments, educational software, and learning tools that match your child's interests. You can also use funds for specialized services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and educational assessments.

Can I combine the scholarship with other funding sources?

Yes, families may use personal funds to cover costs beyond the scholarship amount. However, each student's account is managed individually, and funds cannot be pooled with those of other children or personal family funds.

What happens if we move to another state?

Your scholarship eligibility ends when you move out of West Virginia. Plan any moves around the school year when possible, and notify the Hope Scholarship Board about changes in your residency status.

Can my child still participate in public school activities?

While accepting the scholarship means withdrawing from full-time public school enrollment, you can still access certain public school activities and resources. Connect with your local district to learn about available part-time opportunities.

How do I make sure I am using the funds correctly?

Keep records of your educational purchases and their connection to your child's learning goals. The Hope Scholarship Board provides clear guidelines about approved expenses, making it straightforward to plan your educational spending with confidence.

Empower your learner's future

The Hope Scholarship puts power back in the hands of families, helping you create an education that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and honors your child's unique potential. With the right support and resources, your learner can thrive on their own path, at their own pace.

Ready to get started? Apply through the Hope Scholarship portal and explore what Outschool has to offer.