Homeschooling in Washington
Washington State recognizes homeschooling under the legal framework called Home-Based Instruction (HBI). The state enforces requirements around filing intent, parent qualifications, subject coverage, assessment or testing, and record keeping. The guiding statutes include RCW 28A.225.010 and Chapter 28A.200.
Options for Homeschooling in Washington
Washington offers two primary legal paths for home-based instruction:
Option #1
Traditional Home-Based Instruction Under State Law
(Parent-led with Required Oversight)
Option #2
Homeschool Under “Extension Programs” of Approved Private Schools
Option #1
Traditional Home-Based Instruction Under State Law
(Parent-led with Required Oversight)
Option #2
Homeschool Under “Extension Programs” of Approved Private Schools
Breakdown of Homeschooling Options
Option #1:
Traditional Home-Based Instruction (Parent-led)
Requirements:
Parents must file a Declaration of Intent annually (for children age 8–18) with the superintendent of the local school district. The declaration must be filed by September 15 or within two weeks of the start of a public school quarter/semester.
The parent must qualify to instruct by satisfying at least one of:
• Earned 45 quarter college credits (or equivalent)
• Completed a home instruction qualifying course
• Use a certificated teacher to supervise the instruction with at least one contact hour per week
• Be deemed sufficiently qualified by the local superintendent
Curriculum must cover 11 broad subject areas, including basic skills (reading, writing, spelling), mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, art/music appreciation, occupational education, etc.
Instruction should approximate 1,000 hours annually (or 180 days) — equivalent to public school instructional time.
Annual evaluation: either a standardized achievement test approved by the State Board or a written assessment by a certificated person currently working in education.
Records must be maintained (including test/assessment results, curriculum, instructional activities).
When transferring into public school, the district may request standardized tests or review records to place the student appropriately.
Option #2:
Extension Program via Approved Private School
Requirements:
Homeschooling under a private school’s extension program is considered enrollment in that private school rather than HBI law. Families following that route are subject to private school rules rather than the full HBI statutory requirements.
That means some or all of the HBI requirements (declaration of intent, testing, subject coverage) may be modified or not required under that private school framework.
Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs
Do parents/guardians need to file a form of intent to homeschool in Washington?
Yes. Parents must file a Declaration of Intent annually (for children ages 8 to 18) with the local district superintendent.
Do parents/guardians need to officially withdraw their student from public school in Washington?
Yes. If the child is enrolled in public school and switching to home-based instruction, the parent must formally withdraw them, and file the declaration of intent for HBI.
Withdrawal Letterhead (under 8 years old)
Withdrawal Letterhead (8 years or older)
How to Withdraw from Public School in Washington
Do parents/guardians need a certain level of education to homeschool their children in Washington?
Yes, parents must satisfy at least one of the qualifications: 45 hours of college credits, completion of a qualifying home instruction course, supervision by a certificated teacher, or being deemed qualified by the superintendent.
What subjects are required to be taught by homeschoolers in Washington?
Homeschooled students must cover 11 broad subject areas: reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, art/music appreciation, occupational education.
Homeschool Law (Section 4)
How many hours or days are required to equal a school year in Washington?
Instruction equivalent to 1,000 hours per year or 180 instructional days is expected, aligning with public school norms.
Are assessments/testing required for homeschoolers in Washington?
Yes. Parents must either administer a standardized achievement test approved by the State Board, or arrange for a written assessment by a certificated person.
Homeschool Law (Section 5)
Do reports from testing have to be submitted by homeschoolers in Washington?
Yes, test results or assessment must become part of the student’s permanent records and may be used during transitions or evaluations.
Does the state of Washington require a yearly portfolio for homeschoolers?
No explicit statewide portfolio requirement is mandated beyond keeping records of instructional activities, assessments, and curriculum.
Homeschool Law (Section 6)
Immunization: Is compliance required for homeschoolers in Washington?
No, the home-based instruction law does not require immunization compliance under HBI statute. However, immunization requirements may apply for re-entry into public school or other institutional settings.
Is MAP Growth an approved test in Washington?
Washington law does not specifically name MAP Growth; parents must use a standardized test that is approved by the State Board (or use assessment by a certificated person).
Home-Based Instruction FAQs (Question 3)
What level of regulation does Washington have for homeschoolers?
Moderate regulation: Washington mandates intent filing, subject coverage, assessment/testing, parent qualification, and record-keeping—but leaves much of curriculum, method, scheduling, and oversight to parents.
Are there special needs requirements for homeschooling children with disabilities in Washington?
Home-based instruction students are exempt from many public school standards, but they may still seek accommodations or services from public schools under certain circumstances. Washington law allows for part-time enrollment or ancillary services for HBI students.
Non-Law-Related Quick Reference FAQs
How can Washington homeschoolers participate in sports/extracurriculars through a local school?
Yes. Washington law provides that students receiving home-based instruction may attend public school part-time, access ancillary services, or participate in courses in public schools.
What Scholarships and Financial Aid are available for homeschoolers in Washington?
Washington does not offer broad state scholarships specifically for homeschoolers under HBI law. Support generally comes from private organizations or local programs.
How does Washington include homeschoolers in Special Programs or Discounts?
Local homeschooling groups, co-ops, curriculum vendors, and support organizations offer resources, group classes, and discounts. OSPI also provides a “Pink Booklet” of state laws and sample forms.
How many students are homeschooled in Washington?
Statistics vary; enrollment in home-based instruction has grown in recent years, especially post-pandemic, though precise statewide data is less centralized.
Summary
Washington offers a balanced homeschool framework: parents must file intent, qualify under certain criteria, instruct required subjects, complete annual assessments, and keep records. However, they retain freedom in curriculum, methods, timing, and scheduling. Homeschooled students also have pathways to enroll part-time in public schools and access services.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently and may be applied differently by local districts. Please confirm current requirements with your state department of education, local school district, or a licensed attorney.