Quick Answer:
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship provides qualifying students with $5,267 for the 2025-2026 school year to cover approved educational expenses, including tutoring services. Families can use these funds for online or in-person tutoring in any subject, but immediate family members cannot provide paid tutoring services to their own children under program rules.
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship is changing how families approach education in the Mountain State. This Education Savings Account program gives qualifying K-12 students substantial funding to customize their learning journey. For many families, tutoring represents one of the most flexible and valuable uses of these funds.
Whether you’re new to the program or looking to maximize your Hope Scholarship allocation, understanding your tutoring options helps you make informed decisions about your child’s education. This guide walks you through eligibility requirements, approved tutoring providers, how to purchase services through the portal, and strategies to navigate common challenges.
Understanding the West Virginia Hope Scholarship
The Hope Scholarship program provides financial support for families seeking educational alternatives. For the 2025-2026 school year, eligible students receive $5,267.38 based on the state’s per-pupil funding formula, according to the official Hope Scholarship program website. This amount may adjust annually.
The program has grown significantly since its 2021 launch. Participation expanded from 2,333 students in 2022-2023 to over 19,000 expected participants in 2025-2026.
Current Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Hope Scholarship, students must be West Virginia residents and meet one of these criteria:
- Be eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the current school year
- Have attended a West Virginia public school for the entire previous instructional term
- Have attended a West Virginia public school for at least 45 consecutive calendar days during the current term and remain enrolled until application approval
Universal Eligibility Coming in 2026-2027
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the program becomes universal. All school-age children in West Virginia will be eligible, including existing private school students and homeschoolers who haven’t previously qualified. This expansion could increase program participation to approximately 30,000 students.
Application Timeline and Funding
The timing of your application determines the funding percentage you’ll receive for the initial year:
| Application Period | Funding Percentage |
|---|---|
| March 1 – June 15 | 100% of annual award |
| June 16 – September 15 | 75% of annual award |
| September 16 – November 30 | 50% of annual award |
| December 1 – February 28 | 25% of annual award |
Tutoring as a Qualifying Expense
Tutoring services represent a core qualifying expense under the Hope Scholarship program. According to West Virginia Code §18-31-7, tutoring services provided by an individual or tutoring facility are explicitly approved.
What Tutoring Services Are Covered
Hope Scholarship funds can pay for tutoring in a wide range of subjects and formats:
- Core academic subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
- Specialized subject tutoring, including foreign languages, music, and arts
- Test preparation for SAT, ACT, AP exams, and college admission tests
- Educational therapies and specialized instruction for students with learning differences
- Online tutoring programs and virtual learning platforms
- Individual one-on-one tutoring sessions
- Small group tutoring through tutoring facilities
The Immediate Family Restriction
There’s one crucial restriction you need to know. Tutoring services cannot be provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family. This rule is strictly enforced.
The program defines “immediate family member” broadly to include parents, grandparents, siblings, step-siblings, first cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and spouses of these relatives. Parents cannot tutor their own children and receive Hope Scholarship compensation. Controls exist to prevent families from circumventing this rule through business arrangements.
Approved Tutoring Providers and Options
Several established tutoring companies have registered as approved Hope Scholarship education service providers. Here are some of the options available to West Virginia families.
Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center offers comprehensive tutoring services as an approved Hope Scholarship provider. They provide individualized instruction in reading, writing, math, and science, plus test preparation programs. Their certified tutors work with students both in-center and online.
Studyville
Studyville provides ESA tutoring services statewide, offering virtual tutoring accessible from anywhere in West Virginia. They cover all K-12 subjects and grade levels with flexible scheduling designed for rural families.
Special Ed Resource
Special Ed Resource specializes in personalized learning experiences for students with special needs or those not thriving in traditional classrooms. They build custom learning plans backed by one-on-one online tutoring and can use Hope Scholarship funds to cover services.
Outschool
Outschool became an approved Hope Scholarship vendor in August 2025, offering online small-group classes on diverse topics. Families can purchase Learning Passports (credit bundles of $50, $100, or $200) through the Hope Scholarship portal, with a maximum of $500 in Outschool credits at any time per student.
Online Learning Platforms
Several online learning platforms are approved for Hope Scholarship use:
- Savvy Learning offers expert online reading and math tutoring for K-6 students. Their certified tutors provide personalized, high-dosage instruction designed to build skills and confidence through engaging 25-minute sessions.
- Accelerate Online Academy provides a full-time or part-time accredited online school with highly qualified teachers
- American Virtual Academy offers flexible online learning tailored to individual student needs
- Miacademy is an accredited online homeschool curriculum provider
- Penn Foster High School provides flexible online high school education
Finding Additional Approved Tutors
Individual tutors can also register as Hope Scholarship providers. To find approved tutors and service providers, families can search the official participating schools and service providers list on the Hope Scholarship website, which is updated regularly.
How to Use Hope Scholarship Funds for Tutoring
The Hope Scholarship operates through a dedicated online portal managed by Student First Technologies. Here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Apply and Get Approved
Submit your Hope Scholarship application through the official website at HopeScholarshipWV.com. You’ll need your student’s WVEIS number (obtained from your local county board of education), birth certificate, and proof of West Virginia residency.
Step 2: Receive Funding
Once approved, funds are deposited into your student’s Hope Scholarship account. For the 2025-2026 school year, the first funding distribution occurred on August 15, 2025.
Step 3: Select Approved Tutoring Providers
Browse the Hope Scholarship marketplace for approved tutoring services. All purchases must be made through the online portal. Hope Scholarship funds are never given directly to parents or students.
Step 4: Purchase Services
Request purchases through the portal. The system processes payments electronically directly to approved education service providers. Some families have reported delays in order processing, with wait times sometimes exceeding 10 days during peak periods.
Step 5: Maintain Records
Keep documentation of all tutoring services. For students following the Individualized Instructional Program (IIP) pathway, annual academic progress must be demonstrated either through standardized testing or a certified teacher’s review.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Based on parent experiences and program documentation, here are strategies to maximize your Hope Scholarship tutoring experience.
Plan Ahead for Purchase Delays
Purchase system delays have been a frequent concern among families. In October 2025, homeschool families reported wait times exceeding 10 days for purchase approvals. State Treasurer Larry Pack acknowledged these concerns and noted his office has implemented bi-weekly meetings with the vendor to improve the system.
Start your tutor search and submit purchase requests as early as possible. Consider identifying tutors and planning your educational approach during the spring and early summer, well before the August funding distribution.
Verify Provider Approval Status
Before committing to a tutor or service, confirm they’re registered as an approved Hope Scholarship provider. If your preferred tutor isn’t yet approved, allow 4-6 weeks for the registration and approval process.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain thorough documentation of all tutoring services, including dates, subjects covered, and progress notes. This documentation supports annual academic progress reporting requirements and helps demonstrate appropriate use of funds.
Consider Multiple Tutoring Options
Don’t limit yourself to one tutoring approach. Hope Scholarship funds can cover a combination of services, such as online group classes through Outschool, individual subject tutoring for challenging areas, and specialized instruction for test preparation.
Connect with Local Communities
Facebook groups and local homeschool organizations provide valuable tutor recommendations and insights about providers who work well with Hope Scholarship families. Experienced families often share information about responsive tutors who understand the ESA payment process.
Requirements for Tutors and Service Providers
If you’re a tutor interested in serving Hope Scholarship families, understanding the registration requirements is essential.
Background Check Requirements
All education service providers must ensure that employees who have contact with Hope Scholarship students complete criminal background screenings. No employee can have been convicted of a felony involving violence to the person or be listed on a federal or state sex offender registry.
Registration Process
Tutors register through the Hope Scholarship portal by completing the Education Service Provider Agreement. The Hope Scholarship Education Service Provider Handbook provides detailed step-by-step instructions for registration.
Out-of-state tutors can serve West Virginia Hope Scholarship students. Providers do not need to be physically located in West Virginia.
Certified Teacher Requirements
For students following the IIP pathway, a certified teacher must conduct an annual review of the student’s academic work to demonstrate appropriate progress. Teachers certified in states other than West Virginia must submit a copy of their teaching license or certificate.
This annual review requirement creates opportunities for certified teachers to offer portfolio review services to homeschool families using Hope Scholarship funds.
Immediate Family Restrictions Enforcement
The prohibition on immediate family members providing tutoring services is strictly enforced. Education service providers must have internal controls to prevent parents from sharing in their students’ Hope Scholarship funds.
A parent is considered a “control employee” if they own 15% or greater interest in the provider, collect 15% or more of the provider’s gross income, serve as an officer or director, or are related to 50% or more of the students receiving services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Hope Scholarship funds for both online and in-person tutoring?
Yes, Hope Scholarship funds cover both online and in-person tutoring services. You can mix formats based on your child’s needs and what works best for your family’s schedule and location.
How long does it take for tutoring purchases to be approved?
Purchase approval times vary. During peak periods like August and September, some families have reported wait times exceeding 10 days. The state treasurer’s office is working to improve processing times through regular meetings with the portal vendor.
Can my child’s grandparent tutor them using Hope Scholarship funds?
No, grandparents fall under the immediate family member restriction. The program prohibits parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and other close relatives from providing paid tutoring services to Hope Scholarship students they’re related to.
What happens if a tutor I want to use isn’t approved yet?
You can ask the tutor to register as a Hope Scholarship education service provider. The registration process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once approved, they’ll appear in the Hope Scholarship marketplace, and you can purchase their services.
Do I need to show my child made progress to keep using tutoring funds?
If your child follows the Individualized Instructional Program pathway, you must demonstrate annual academic progress either through standardized testing or a certified teacher’s portfolio review. This requirement ensures funds are used effectively for educational purposes.
Key Takeaways
- The West Virginia Hope Scholarship provides $5,267.38 per student for 2025-2026 to cover approved educational expenses, including tutoring.
- Tutoring services are explicitly approved for any subject, format, or grade level, but immediate family members cannot provide paid services.
- Multiple approved providers exist, including Huntington Learning Center, Studyville, Special Ed Resource, Savvy Learning, and Outschool, plus individual registered tutors.
- All purchases must be made through the online Hope Scholarship portal, with some families experiencing delays during peak periods.
- Plan ahead by identifying tutors early, verifying their approval status, and submitting purchase requests well before you need services to start.
Ready to maximize your Hope Scholarship funds for tutoring? Savvy Learning is committed to helping families make the most of educational opportunities. Our expert tutors provide personalized reading and math instruction that complements your child’s learning journey. Start with a free reading assessment to understand your child’s current skill level and create a personalized learning plan.
