Schools Disqualified, Placed On Probation From Hope Scholarship Program

A private school has been put on probation and another has been permanently disqualified from participating in the Hope Scholarship program.  

State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced Wednesday that Tygart Valley Christian Academy in Beverly can no longer participate in the program. The reason given is financial misconduct. The school declined to comment on the ban.   

“We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our investigations warrant it,” Pack said.  

The Hope Scholarship is an education savings account, open to all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, that allows students to take state money to pay for private and parochial education, as well as homeschooling and microschools.   

Additionally, Laurel Academy in Preston County has been placed on probation due to violations of program rules. The school will be required to come into compliance with all program requirements during the probationary period.   

A statement from the Treasurer’s Office indicated that the investigations are ongoing. 

Pack also announced the board has authorized the expansion of various qualifying expenses, including the ability for families to purchase lifetime digital curriculum subscriptions. 

“It is vital that we continue to provide flexibility and additional options to parents so they can best meet the needs of their children,” Pack said following last week’s board meeting. “West Virginia has a proud history of military service and I am honored to help extend opportunities to families that have dedicated their lives defending our freedoms.” 

The board adopted a Quarterly Funding Policy in response to legislation signed into law modifying scholarship disbursements from biannual to quarterly.  

The Military Service Member Policy that was adopted in November 2024 was also updated to permit active-duty military service members that are required to relocate with permanent military orders to remain eligible and participate in the Hope Scholarship program.