Homeschooling in Washington

Washington's home-based instruction law (RCW 28A.200, enacted 1985) is one of the most clearly defined homeschool statutes in the country. The law explicitly states that homeschool families 'shall be subject only to those minimum state laws and regulations which are necessary to insure that a sufficient basic educational opportunity is provided.' Washington also has a unique parent qualification requirement — parents must meet one of four qualification pathways.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Home-Based Instruction under RCW 28A.200 (most common) or enrollment in a Private School Extension Program.

Notification: Home-Based Instruction: file an annual Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction with your local school district superintendent by September 15 (or within two weeks of the start of any quarter, trimester, or semester)..

Instructional time: 180 days per year OR an average of 1,000 hours per year (per RCW 28A.225.010).

Required subjects: 11 required subjects: reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, and art and music appreciation. These do NOT have to be taught separately or every year..

Testing and evaluation: Annual assessment required — either a standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education OR an evaluation by a Washington-certified teacher. Results are kept in family records and not submitted to the district..

What Washington families need to know

Declaration of Intent: file annually with the local school district superintendent by September 15 each year. The notice must include the name and age of each child, parent's name and address, and indicate whether a certificated person is supervising. Re-file annually for each child receiving home-based instruction. Children under age 8 receiving home-based instruction do not require a Declaration of Intent.

Parent qualifications: must meet ONE of four pathways. (1) Be supervised by a Washington-certificated teacher (minimum one contact hour per week, jointly planning objectives, evaluating progress); OR (2) Have at least 45 college quarter credits (approximately 30 semester credits); OR (3) Complete a course in home-based education at a postsecondary institution or vocational-technical institute; OR (4) Be deemed qualified by the local superintendent (rarely used).

Annual assessment: choose between (a) a standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education (Iowa, Stanford, CAT, etc.) administered by a qualified individual, or (b) a non-test assessment conducted by a Washington-certificated teacher actively working in the field. Results are part of your private homeschool record — the district does not receive a copy.

Records to maintain: annual test scores or assessment reports, immunization records, and any other records relating to instructional and educational activities. The law is not specific on form — these are private records and do not need to be shared with any state agency unless your child later enrolls in a traditional school.

Part-time public school enrollment guaranteed (RCW 28A.150.350): Washington homeschool students have a legal right to part-time enrollment in public school courses, including ancillary services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, testing, remedial instruction). The school district is required to permit such enrollment on the same basis as full-time students.

Sports access via Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA): homeschool students may participate in interscholastic activities at their resident public school per district policy.

Private School Extension Program (RCW 28A.195): an alternative pathway where families enroll in an approved private school's extension program. The school handles all filings, recordkeeping, and compliance oversight. No Declaration of Intent or instructor credential is required from the parent.

Compulsory attendance: ages 8 through 18 (children under 8 are not required to be enrolled in any school, even if they have started kindergarten or first grade). This is the latest compulsory start age in the country.

No state ESA program currently: Washington does not currently offer state ESA funding for homeschool families. Families rely on federal Coverdell ESAs and 529 plans (which now cover up to $10,000 per year in K-12 expenses under federal law).

Always verify current requirements with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Washington homeschool families issue their own diplomas. ESDs and school districts do not award diplomas to homeschool students. The Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) hosts an optional graduation ceremony each year with caps, gowns, and a senior address. Washington public universities (UW, WSU, Western Washington, etc.) and private institutions accept homeschool transcripts. Running Start (dual enrollment at community colleges) is available to homeschool students starting in 11th grade.

Getting started in Washington

If you are new to homeschooling in Washington, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Washington offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Washington has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Washington homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Washington homeschool families:

• Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) — Inclusive statewide homeschool organization — washhomeschool.org
• Washington Coalition for Responsible Home Education (WACRHE) — Statewide advocacy and information
• HSLDA Washington — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Washington homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Washington's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Washington State Guide