CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new initiative in West Virginia aims to further support families opting out of traditional K-12 public schools by providing government-funded scholarships for private education or homeschooling. This program is now set to extend its reach to the children of military personnel who have to make temporary relocations out of state.
On Wednesday, the Hope Scholarship Board made a significant move by approving a policy that allows children from military families to maintain their eligibility for the Hope Scholarship even after returning to West Virginia from temporary relocations. State Treasurer Riley Moore, who also chairs the board, emphasized that a military-related temporary move should not negatively impact a child’s chance to enroll in the Hope Scholarship Program.
Moore expressed his enthusiasm, stating that he is delighted to enhance “access and flexibility” for military families under this program. This policy change will take effect immediately, creating a more inclusive environment for those in service.
The Hope Scholarship Program, established by a Republican-led legislature in 2021, provides state funding that families can utilize for tuition at private schools, homeschooling expenses, and various related costs. Currently, families whose children are already enrolled in private institutions or are being homeschooled do not qualify for these funds. To be eligible, students need to be entering kindergarten in the current academic year or have attended a public school in West Virginia during the previous year.
Significantly, the legislation is set to broaden eligibility in 2026, allowing all school-age children in West Virginia to benefit from the scholarship, regardless of their school attendance.
As the 2023-2024 school year approaches, the Hope board reports nearly 7,000 applications received, with over 6,000 scholarships awarded to students. Each scholarship for the current academic year is just under $5,000, resulting in over $30 million in public funds allocated toward supporting non-public education.