{"id":3321,"date":"2022-12-13T05:36:46","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T05:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=3321"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:29:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:29:05","slug":"homeschooling-in-washington-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-washington-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington Homeschool Laws Made Simple (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you considering making the switch to homeschooling<\/a>? Many parents are seeking more flexibility and autonomy than traditional schools can provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington\u2019s state homeschooling laws<\/a> allow for a good amount of flexibility and customization. Maybe you\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you\u2019re wondering how to get started<\/a>. Either way, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know to start your journey confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Washington at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Washington- The Evergreen State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/strong><\/td>Homeschool Statute<\/strong><\/td>Private or Denominational School<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>8-18<\/td>8-18<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Annual assessments required.<\/td>Determined by school<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>Reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation <\/td>Reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation <\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>180 days per year, about 1,000 hours<\/td>Determined by school<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>The student must receive instruction in the required subjects to graduate.<\/td>Determined by school<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Parents must be qualified to homeschool.<\/td>Parents will need to follow the rules and regulations of the private or denominational school. <\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are two main ways to go about homeschooling in the Evergreen State: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Under the Home-Based Instruction Law <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Under a private school extension program<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Both options have different requirements, so be sure to read carefully. You should consider both you and your child\u2019s needs and lifestyles when deciding between the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option 1: Homeschool Statute<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Most parents choose to teach at home under Washington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option 2: Private or Denominational School<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2019t teach full time, but would still prefer home education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Parents do need to be qualified in Washington. You can meet these qualifications<\/a> by satisfying one of the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n