How to Use the WV Hope Scholarship for Music Lessons (2026-27)
Who can apply, how much the Hope Scholarship pays in 2026-27, the deadlines that change your award, and how to use it for private music lessons.
By Fernando, music teacher · · 2 min read
The West Virginia Hope Scholarship gives families money for education expenses outside the public school system, and private music lessons with an approved provider are one of the ways you can use it. Here is what changed for the 2026-27 school year and how it works for lessons.
Who can apply in 2026-27
Starting with the 2026-27 school year, the Hope Scholarship is open to every West Virginia student in grades K-12. Before, only incoming kindergarteners and students already enrolled in a public school could apply. Now private school and homeschool students can apply too.
You must be a West Virginia resident. Families from Virginia or Maryland cannot use it.
How much is it?
The projected award for 2026-27 is about $5,435 per student. The amount changes every year because it is tied to state aid per public school student, so check the official site for the final number.
Apply early: the date changes the amount
For the 2026-27 year, the share of the award you get depends on when you apply:
- March 2 to June 15: 100% of the award
- June 16 to September 15: 75%
- September 16 to November 30: 50%
- December 1 to February 28: 25%
Families already in the program renew by June 15 to keep full funding.
Using it for music lessons
- Apply at HopeScholarshipWV.gov and wait for approval.
- Choose an approved provider. Stars Music School is a participating Hope Scholarship provider, so lessons qualify.
- Book your first lesson and check the Hope Scholarship box on the form.
- We bill the program. Lesson invoices go through the Hope Scholarship, so lessons are paid from your scholarship balance instead of out of pocket.
You can use it for one weekly lesson, or split it between two instruments or two children. See our prices to plan how far your balance goes, and read more on our Hope Scholarship page.
Common questions
Can I use it for lessons for my homeschooled child? Yes. Starting in 2026-27 homeschool students can apply.
Does it cover the instrument? That depends on the program's current rules for allowed expenses. Check the official site before you buy.
What if I live in Winchester, VA? The Hope Scholarship is only for West Virginia students. Virginia families can still take lessons and pay by cash, Venmo, Zelle, or Revolut.
