KINGWOOD — The State Department of Education oversees private schools in West Virginia, which are operated based on state policy and codes.
Laurel Academy, in Preston County, is licensed by the state, as required by law, according to Christy Day, coordinator of the Office of Communications for the State Department of Education.
In order for a private school to do business in West Virginia, according to Day, it must follow the guidelines set out in code. Those include health and safety regulations and requirements for standardized testing.
If the testing results show students performing below the 40th percentile two calendar years in a row, attendance at the private school will no longer meet the state mandate for compulsory attendance, according to the code.
County schools can share student records with private schools, Day said, but only with a signed release from the student’s parents or guardian.
Public schools are not required to accept the credits students earn in private schools, Day said. “It is at the discretion of each county board office.”
As for diplomas earned at private schools, “Diplomas, whether from a public school, private school or home school must be accepted by public institutions of higher education. Of course the student is subject to other entrance requirements of the institution,” according to Carla Warren, special assistant to the State Superintendent of Schools.
State code 18-8-12 says private and public schools can issue diplomas if they meet state requirements. State Board of Education policy sets out the numbers of credits and what subjects they have to be earned in for a student to graduate.
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