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. The Hope Scholarship program will provide up to $5,267 in scholarship funds for the 2025-2026 school year.
But like every ESA program, there are rules for how you can spend these funds, and we’re here to walk you through just that!
What is the Hope Scholarship?
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’s a quick, clear breakdown of who qualifies, how funds can be used, and what families need to keep in mind.
Who qualifies for the Hope Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Hope Scholarship, your child must be a resident of West Virginia and meet any of the following criteria:
- Kindergarten-Eligible: Your child is eligible to start kindergarten for the year they are applying.
- Public School Student (Prior Year): Your child was enrolled full-time in a West Virginia public school for the entire school year before applying.
- Currently in Public School: Your child is currently enrolled full-time and has attended a West Virginia public school for at least 45 days in a row this school year. The student must remain enrolled and attend the public school program until a decision is reached on the Hope Scholarship application.
But there is good news! By 2026, there will be no prior public school requirement to apply for this scholarship! Giving thousands of families ‘hope’ and access to vital educational resources.
Key rules and requirements
The Hope Scholarship has a few general guidelines that you must adhere to. These rules aren’t to control your child’s education, but rather promote fairness and equality amongst all participating families. Here are a few important ones to start with:
- 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 by 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 by the Scholarship?
Here are the educational expenses covered by the West Virginia Empowerment Scholarship to support your child's learning journey:
- Tuition and fees for private school, non-public online programs, or alternative education programs
- Services provided by a public school (extracurricular, 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 the qualifying and non-qualifying expenses.
How Do You Apply for the West Virginia Empowerment Scholarship?
Taking control of your child's education starts with a simple application process. The Hope Scholarship allows you to apply year-round; however, the funding amount is tied to the application window you apply in. This means that if you apply between:
- March to June - you’re eligible for a 100% scholarship
- June to September - you’re eligible for a 75% scholarship
- September to November - you’re eligible for a 50% scholarship
- December to February - you’re eligible for a 25% scholarship
- After February - no funding for the rest of the current school year, but you can apply for the next school year
No matter which application cycle you apply to, you’ll need to have your documentation ready.
Here's what you'll need to prepare:
Identity Documents:
- Your child's state-issued birth certificate
Residency Proof (one of these):
- Tax record
- 2 utility bills not more than 60 days old
- Vehicle registration
- Mortgage statement
Education Records:
- Your child's WVEIS ID# (check report cards)
- Public school enrollment verification or kindergarten eligibility proof
Ready to move forward? Follow these simple steps:
- Set up your account on the Hope Scholarship portal
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit your Notice of Intent to your county's Board of Education
- Upload your prepared documents
- 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 (FAQs) about the Hope Scholarship
Your scholarship opens up a world of educational possibilities for your family. These answers will help you make the most of your funds while creating an enriching learning experience for your child.
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 online courses that spark your child's curiosity.
What educational expenses can my family cover?
Your scholarship supports a rich variety of learning experiences. This includes 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 need to 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 remember to notify the Hope Scholarship Board about changes in your residency status.
Can my child 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'm 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 easy 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’s not just about passing tests, but about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and honoring your child’s unique potential.
With the right support and resources, your learner can thrive on their own path, at their own pace.
More resources for West Virginia homeschoolers
Want to learn more? Check out our guide to homeschooling in West Virginia for supportive insights and resources to help your family’s homeschool journey.
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