The West Virginia Hope Scholarship is an Education Savings Account (ESA) providing around $5,200 annually for approved educational expenses, becoming universally available to all WV students in 2026.
What is the West Virginia Hope Scholarship?
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship is an Education Savings Account program that deposits state education funding directly into a parent-controlled account. Families can use these funds for private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, educational therapies, and other approved expenses. Beginning July 2026, the program expands to become universally available to all West Virginia school-age children—including those who have never attended public school and current homeschoolers.
Key Takeaways
- Provides approximately $5,267 per student annually (2025-2026 amount)
- Becomes universal for all WV students starting 2026-2027 school year
- Covers private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and more
- Unused funds roll over to following years
- Parents control spending through an online account
Eligibility Requirements
Through the 2025-2026 school year, students must have attended public school the previous year or for at least 45 days of the current year. Kindergarteners qualify regardless of prior attendance. Starting July 1, 2026, these restrictions disappear—all West Virginia residents under 21 who haven't completed high school become eligible, including private school students and homeschoolers who never attended public school. This expansion makes the Hope Scholarship one of the most accessible ESA programs in the country.
Approved Expenses
Approved Expenses
- Private or parochial school tuition and fees
- Curriculum and supplemental materials
Reading, math, science, social studies, arts
- Tutoring services
Cannot be provided by immediate family members
- Online learning programs
- Educational therapies and support services
- Testing and assessments
- Transportation to educational activities
- Musical instruments required by courses
- After-school and summer programs
How to Apply
Key Deadlines and Funding
Apply by June 15 to receive 100% of annual funding. Applications submitted after this deadline receive prorated amounts—25%, 50%, or 75% depending on timing. For the 2025-2026 school year, the full award is $5,267.38 per student. Unused funds roll over to subsequent years and remain available through high school graduation or age 21. Nearly 15,000 students participated in 2025-2026, with projections of 30,000-40,000 once the program becomes universal.
The Bottom Line
The Hope Scholarship represents significant financial support for West Virginia families pursuing educational alternatives. With the 2026 expansion eliminating prior public school requirements, homeschoolers and private school families gain access to approximately $5,200 annually for educational expenses. The parent-controlled account format provides flexibility in how funds are used, though approved expenses must align with program guidelines. If you're planning to homeschool in West Virginia, understanding this program should be part of your financial planning.
