Homeschooling in Washington State: Legal Requirements
Washington State recognizes two legal pathways for parents who choose to homeschool. Select the option that best fits your situation and follow the steps outlined below it.
Option 1: Homeschooling Under the Home-Based Instruction Law
This is the most common route for families who operate independently.
- Teacher Qualification
To homeschool, you must meet at least one of the following criteria and teach only your own child:- Work with a Washington-certified teacher who helps plan educational objectives, has at least one hour of contact per week with your child, and evaluates progress.
- Have 45 college quarter credits, or about 30 semester credits.
- Complete a home-based education course at a postsecondary institution or vocational-technical institute.
- Be deemed qualified by your local school district superintendent.
- Annual Notice of Intent
Submit a signed Declaration of Intent to homeschool each year by September 15, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester.- File it with your local school district superintendent, or with a nonresident district that accepts your child as a transfer student.
- Include your child’s name and age, and note whether a certified person will supervise instruction.
- Use the format prescribed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Instructional Time Requirement
Provide instruction for 180 days per year, or an average of 1,000 hours per year. - Required Subjects
Your curriculum must cover these areas:- Occupational education
- Science and math
- Language, reading, writing, and spelling
- Social studies and history
- Health
- Art and music appreciation
- Annual Assessment
Each year you must assess your child’s progress using one of these methods. Keep the results for your records; you do not submit them to the public school.- Have your child take a state-approved standardized test administered by a qualified test administrator.
- Have your child evaluated by a Washington-certified teacher.
Option 2: Homeschooling Through a Private or Denominational School Extension Program
Some approved private schools in Washington allow families to homeschool as an extension of their program.
- Enroll with an Approved Private School
Find an approved private school that offers an extension program for homeschoolers. Check the school’s website or contact them directly to confirm they accept extension students. - Follow the School’s Requirements
Once enrolled, comply with that school’s specific policies for extension students. Requirements vary by school.
