Homeschooling in Washington offers two main paths: home-based instruction or private school extension programs. Each option has its own requirements and benefits, giving families the flexibility to choose what works best for them.
Washington is home to approximately 40,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
Your homeschool options in Washington
In Washington, you have two main choices for homeschooling:
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Home-Based Instruction (RCW 28A.200): Most families go this route. You teach at home, file a Declaration of Intent each year, and assess your child’s progress. You control the curriculum and schedule while meeting required subjects and parent qualifications.
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Approved Private School Extension Program: Some private schools offer programs for homeschoolers. Your child enrolls there, and the school provides oversight and curriculum guidance. You still teach at home, but under the school’s framework.
The trade-off? Home-based instruction gives you maximum flexibility, but you handle all compliance. Extension programs provide support but usually come with costs and fewer curriculum choices. Many families prefer home-based instruction for its flexibility and savings.
Parent qualification requirements
To homeschool in Washington, parents need to meet one of these qualifications:
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High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most parents qualify this way. If you have a diploma or GED, you're good to go. You don’t need to provide transcripts when filing.
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Qualifying Course Completion: Complete a course in home-based instruction from a post-secondary institution or school district. These courses cover homeschooling methods and legal requirements.
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Certified Teacher Oversight: Work with a certified teacher who meets with you weekly. This is a good option if you don’t have a diploma or choose not to take a course.
If you don’t meet these qualifications, some extension programs can provide the required oversight.
How to start homeschooling in Washington
To get started:
- File your Declaration of Intent: Do this by September 15 each year.
- Map your curriculum: Ensure it covers the 11 required subjects.
- Choose your assessment method: Pick one that fits your teaching style.
Keeping good records is important. Track hours, document subjects, and maintain work samples. This makes assessments easier and helps with transcripts later.
The 11 required subjects
You need to cover these subjects:
- Reading (comprehension and literature)
- Writing (composition, grammar)
- Spelling
- Language (grammar and vocabulary)
- Mathematics
- Science (physical, life, earth)
- Social Studies (civics, sociology, economics)
- History (U.S. and world)
- Health
- Occupational Education (career skills)
- Art and/or Music Appreciation.
Annual assessment requirements
You must assess your child's progress each year. Here are your options:
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Standardized Testing: Use state-approved tests. They can be given by a qualified person, not just you. No minimum scores are needed—just show progress.
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Certified Teacher Evaluation: A Washington-certified teacher evaluates your child’s work. This is good for families who prefer not to use tests.
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Qualified Person Assessment: Choose someone you think is qualified to assess your child, allowing for portfolio reviews or other methods.
Keep these assessment results on file for at least one year.
Instructional hour requirements
Washington requires average annual instructional hours:
- Elementary (K-5): 1,000 hours per year (about 180 days at 5.5 hours per day).
- Secondary (6-12): 1,080 hours per year (about 180 days at 6 hours per day).
These are averages—not strict minimums. Field trips and hands-on learning count as instructional hours too. Just keep a simple log of your hours.
Record-keeping recommendations
You don’t need to submit records to the state, but keeping good documentation is important. Here's what to keep:
- Assessment results: Keep the most recent year’s results.
- Attendance logs: Track instructional hours.
- Subject documentation: List the subjects you cover.
- Work samples: Keep examples of your child’s work.
- Declaration copies: Keep copies of your filed Declaration of Intent.
Good records help with transcripts and future educational needs.
High school, graduation & beyond
Homeschool families give out their own diplomas in Washington. You decide what your graduation requirements are. Many families follow public school guidelines as a baseline, like:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math
- 3 years of science
- 3 years of social studies
- 2 years of world language
Document your child’s courses and grades for transcripts. Washington colleges accept homeschool transcripts as long as they’re clear and consistent. Plus, you can use the Running Start program for free college courses.
Sports and extracurricular access
Homeschoolers in Washington can join public school activities, including sports and clubs. Your child must meet the same eligibility rules as enrolled students. Some districts might require partial enrollment in classes to participate, so check with your local district. There are also active homeschool athletic leagues if public school access doesn’t work for you.
Funding situation
Washington doesn’t offer state funding for homeschool families. However, the Running Start program allows 11th and 12th graders to take community college courses for free. You’ll need to cover curriculum costs, testing fees, and other educational expenses. Many families budget modestly, using libraries and online resources.
Special situations
You can start homeschooling anytime during the year. Just file your Declaration of Intent within two weeks of beginning. If moving to Washington, file it within two weeks too. If you have special needs children, check with your district for available services. If you have multiple children, your Declaration covers all of them, but each child needs their own assessment.
The bottom line
Washington’s homeschool laws find a balance between accountability and flexibility. You need to file a Declaration of Intent, cover 11 subjects, and assess each year, but you also have freedom in how you teach and schedule. Make sure you understand the parent qualifications, file on time, and keep records consistently. BetterSchool can help you manage your compliance and plan your curriculum effectively.
