Homeschooling in Washington State

Are you considering making the switch to homeschooling? Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. 

Washington’s state homeschooling laws allow for a good amount of flexibility and customization. Maybe you’ve homeschooled before, or you’re wondering how to get started. Either way, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start your journey confidently.

Homeschooling in Washington at a Glance

Washington- The Evergreen State

Option	Homeschool Statute	Private or Denominational School
Required Age	8-18	8-18
Standardized Testing	Annual assessments required.	Determined by school
Subjects	Reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation	Reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
Time Requirements	180 days per year, about 1,000 hours	Determined by school
Graduation Requirements	The student must receive instruction in the required subjects to graduate.	Determined by school
Special Requirements	Parents must be qualified to homeschool.	Parents will need to follow the rules and regulations of the private or denominational school.
Financial Resources Available	No	No

There are two main ways to go about homeschooling in the Evergreen State: 

1. Under the Home-Based Instruction Law 
2. Under a private school extension program

Both options have different requirements, so be sure to read carefully. You should consider both you and your child’s needs and lifestyles when deciding between the two. 

Option 1: Homeschool Statute

Most parents choose to teach at home under Washington’s homeschool statute, also known as the Home-Based Instruction Law. This law provides protections for homeschool families by limiting the amount of restrictions the Board of Education can place. In order to homeschool in Washington under this law, you must meet the requirements, which are outlined below.

Option 2: Private or Denominational School

You may also homeschool under a private extension program. To do this, enroll your child in an approved private school and to comply with their requirements. This is a good option for parents who can’t teach full time, but would still prefer home education.

Parent Qualifications

Parents do need to be qualified in Washington. You can meet these qualifications by satisfying one of the following: 

• Having earned at least 45 quarter college credits, or semester hour equivalent
• Meeting with a state-certified teacher for at least one hour a week
• Receiving approval from your local school superintendent to instruct your child
• Completing a Washington state homeschool parent qualifying course.

Notice of Intent

To homeschool in Washington under the Home-Based Instruction Law, you’ll need to file a Declaration of Intent (DOI). This form is due to your local school district by September 15th. If transitioning to homeschool mid-year, you can mail this form within 2 weeks of the start of the semester. If your child currently attends a public school, be sure to withdraw them in writing to prevent any truancy claims.

Private school families do not have to file a DOI.

Attendance

State law requires parents to teach for the same amount of hours each year that private schools must teach. (28a.225.010). This amounts to no less than 180 days per year, or about 1,000 total hours of instruction. Although the Washington legislature understands that homeschooling is structurally different from traditional schooling, and enforces the time requirement liberally, it’s still a good idea to try to meet the requirement when possible.

Curriculum

The State of Washington requires a total of 11 subjects for your child to study. These subjects include: 

If you are homeschooling under a private or denominational school, they will likely provide a curriculum for you.

 If you choose to homeschool under the Home-Based Instruction law, our programs can help you on your journey! Miacademy and MiaPrep both meet state academic requirements with little need for supplementation. 

Testing

You do need to assess your child’s academic progress annually, and you have a couple options. The assessment can be a test, or an evaluation administered by a teacher certified in the state of Washington. 

Parents can choose any standardized achievement test approved by the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements. They can also request that their child participate in public school state testing. You can find more information about annual assessments and testing on the Washington State Board of Education website. 

We encourage high schoolers to take the SAT or ACT for college readiness. The majority of colleges require at least one test score when applying.

Recordkeeping

In addition to the Declaration of Intent, homeschooling families must also keep annual assessments and immunization records on file. These requirements are minimal, but it is still a great idea to keep records anyway. 

You can create a homeschool portfolio, including…

• Subjects they studied
• Report cards or grades earned
• Standardized test scores
• Extracurricular activities

We recommend holding onto at least two years’ worth of homeschool records. For older kids who plan on attending college, a detailed portfolio is essential to make a high school transcript. 

Graduation Requirements

In Washington State, the only requirement to graduate from high school as a homeschooler is to follow the guidelines above. Parents are able to decide when their student is ready to graduate.

However, it can be intimidating to know when your student is ready. Many parents find it helpful to look to the state’s graduation requirements for students in traditional schools. You can find the graduation requirements for Washington public schools here.

The Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) organizes optional graduation ceremonies for homeschooled students, complete with caps, gowns, and a senior address! If your family is interested in a formal graduation ceremony, the WHO ensures that you do not have to miss out.

Financial Resources

Unfortunately, there are no state financial resources available for homeschool families at this time.

Other Tips & Resources

For more information, tips, and resources about homeschooling in Washington, check out:

• Washington Coalition for Responsible Home Education
• Homeschool groups from the Homeschool Mom

Miacademy’s online accredited K-8 program can help you homeschool in Washington with ease. Our friendly customer service team is always available to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our helpful agents! 

Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Washington homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates. 

FAQ

What is the Home-Based Instruction law in Washington state?

The Home-Based Instruction law provides legal protections for families who wish to educate at home. The law ensures children can have a quality home education with minimal interference from the state, allowing for plenty of flexibility.

What are the requirements to homeschool in Washington state?

To homeschool your child in Washington State, you must:

• Meet the qualifications
• File a declaration of intent
• Teach all required subjects for at least 180 days per year
• Take yearly assessments, and keep proper records.

Is unschooling legal in Washington state?

Washington’s homeschool laws allow parents to explore many different homeschooling styles. Unschooling is legal as long as you meet the requirements for the Home-Based Education law.

Information accurate as of: 04/24/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.