West Virginia Hope Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship is an education savings account (ESA) program that provides state funds to eligible K-12 students. It aims to increase educational choices and allow families to customize their child’s education based on their child’s needs. Families can use the scholarship for private school tuition, non-public online programs, alternative education programs, and other qualifying educational expenses.
Why this matters to families in West Virginia:
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship program gives parents the ability to choose alternate educational settings or services that are a better fit for their child’s learning needs. It ensures families have additional financial support for these choices.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
The scholarship amount may vary annually based on West Virginia’s education funding formula for the amount of state aid funding per pupil provided to county boards of education for public school students.
For representative purposes, a recent scholarship amount was approximately $5,000. Also, the program will prorate awards based on the scholarship application date.
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for a Hope Scholarship, a West Virginia student must be either:
- eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the application year, or,
- enrolled full-time in a West Virginia public elementary or secondary school for the entire instructional term of the academic year before applying, or,
- enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school in West Virginia for at least 45 consecutive calendar days during the current instructional term at the time of application. The student must remain enrolled in and attend the public school program until the program decides on their Hope Scholarship application.
Homeschooled students are not eligible to apply to the Hope Scholarship. But, a homeschool student could become eligible by enrolling full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in the state for at least 45 calendar days at the time of application.
How can families use the funds?
The Education Market Assistant (EMA) platform will manage Hope Scholarship funds. Families pay expenses through this platform. Expenses for participating schools, education service providers, and vendors for qualifying educational expenses, include:
- tuition and fees for private school, non-public online programs, or alternative education programs
- tutoring services
- fees for standardized or advanced placement exams
- fees for preparation courses educational services and therapies
- educational supplies and textbooks
- transportation fees
Refer to the Parent Handbook for a complete list of approved expenses and the process on how expenses are reimbursed under the West Virginia Hope Scholarship. Note that the program deposits funds directly into your EMA account, with the first half distributed by August 15 and the second half by January 15.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of West Virginia.
- Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades who are either starting public school in West Virginia, were previously enrolled in a public school, or are current recipients.
- School Requirements: Families can use the funds at eligible private schools and education service providers that participate in the program. For the complete list, refer to the Schools link at the top of the West Virginia Hope Scholarship site and select “Participating Schools”.
- Application Windows: There are four application windows to apply which you can find in the Frequently Asked Questions for the Hope Scholarship.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the requirements. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for the Hope Scholarship for all requirements to apply and to also remain eligible for the program.
- Choose a School: If opting to use funds for a private school, select a school which participates in the program. For the complete list, refer to the Schools link on the Hope Scholarship site and select “Participating Schools”. Also, use your selected school’s application process to ensure your child will be accepted for enrollment.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of residency. Refer to the Parent Handbook on the West Virginia Hope Scholarship site for required documentation needed for your application.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Hope Scholarship site during the open enrollment periods.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Renewal: The renewal application window will be open from January 3rd to June 15th each year. Renewal information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions for the Hope Scholarship.
Where can families learn more?
For other West Virginia School Choice Programs: Refer to our West Virginia State Summary.