Want to teach your children at home in the Evergreen State? You’re joining over 40,000 families who’ve made this choice. With its parent qualification rules and strong protections for home education, this Pacific Northwest state offers a balanced approach.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll explain how to meet the requirements, file your paperwork, and start teaching.
Washington Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under RCW 28A.200 and 28A.225 |
| Notification | File Declaration of Intent by September 15 each year |
| Parent Qualifications | Must meet one of four options |
| Subjects Required | 11 subjects including occupational education |
| Testing | Yearly standardized test OR teacher evaluation |
| Record Keeping | Keep immunization and progress records |
| Compulsory Ages | 8 to 18 years old |
Parent Qualification Rules
The Evergreen State is unique. It requires parents to qualify before teaching at home. You must meet one of these four options:
Option 1: College Credits
Have 45 quarter credits or 30 semester credits from college. These don’t need to be in education. Any college coursework counts.
Option 2: Work with a Certified Teacher
Meet with a certified teacher for one hour per week on average. Many families find this option easy and cheap through local co-ops.
Option 3: Get Superintendent Approval
Ask your local school district superintendent to approve you. They decide based on your education and experience.
Option 4: Take a Qualifying Course
Complete a home-based instruction course. The local school district or a community college can offer these. The courses cover teaching methods and legal rules.
Step-by-Step: Starting Home Education
Step 1: Check Your Qualifications
First, confirm which path you’ll use. Gather your proof. This might be college transcripts, certificates, or course records.
Step 2: File Your Declaration of Intent
Send a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to your local school district by September 15. Include:
- Your name and address
- Names and ages of your children
- Proof of your qualifications
- A statement that you plan to teach at home
Starting mid-year? File within two weeks of when you begin.
Step 3: Choose Your Curriculum
Pick materials that cover all 11 required subjects. You have full freedom in what you use and how you teach. Many families mix purchased curricula with library books and hands-on projects.
Step 4: Start Teaching
Begin your lessons! Teach for at least 180 days or about 1,000 hours per year. Keep track of your time and progress.
Step 5: Complete Yearly Assessment
By the end of each school year, assess your child using one of the approved methods below.
Required Subjects
You must teach these 11 subjects:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- Language
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- History
- Health
- Occupational Education (career skills)
- Art and Music Appreciation
The occupational education rule is unique. It covers career exploration and practical life skills. Many families meet this through chores, volunteer work, or part-time jobs.
Testing and Assessment
You must assess your child every year. Choose one of two methods:
Option A: Standardized Testing
Give an approved test like the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, or California Achievement Test. A certified teacher, the school district, or a testing service can give the test.
Option B: Teacher Evaluation
Have a certified teacher review your child’s work. They can use portfolios, work samples, or other methods. This works well for kids who don’t test well.
Keep your results! You don’t send them to the state, but you must show them if asked.
Record Keeping
Keep these records:
- Immunization records – Shot records or exemption forms
- Yearly test results – Test scores or evaluation reports
- Progress records – Attendance logs, work samples, and curriculum lists
No law says how long to keep them. But save everything through high school graduation. You’ll need them for college and jobs.
Homeschool Options
Option 1: Traditional Home-Based Instruction
The most common choice. You qualify, file your DOI, teach the required subjects, and test yearly. You pick your own schedule and materials.
Option 2: Private School Extension Program
Enroll in a private school that offers home instruction support. The school handles oversight and compliance. This suits families who want more structure.
Public School Access
The Evergreen State gives homeschoolers great access to public school programs:
Sports and Activities
State law (RCW 28A.225.220) says homeschoolers can join public school sports and clubs. Your child must meet the same rules as enrolled students.
Part-Time Classes
Your child can take some classes at the public school. This helps with subjects like chemistry labs or foreign languages. Call your local district for details.
Running Start
Juniors and seniors can take community college classes for free. Credits count for both high school and college. This program is open to homeschoolers.
State Resources
Helpful Organizations
- HSLDA Washington Page – Legal help and support
- Washington Homeschool Organization – Statewide support group
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Official state rules
Local Groups
Active groups exist across the state:
- Puget Sound: Many co-ops near Seattle and Tacoma
- Eastern side: Growing groups in Spokane and Tri-Cities
- Coast: Smaller groups in Olympic Peninsula towns
Special Situations
Leaving Public School
To pull your child out of public school:
- Check your qualifications
- File your Declaration of Intent
- Tell the school in writing that you’re homeschooling
- Get copies of your child’s records
You can leave any time. Just file your DOI within two weeks of starting.
High School and Graduation
Parents give diplomas, not the state. For college-bound students:
- Make detailed transcripts with courses and grades
- Keep a portfolio of your child’s best work
- Have your child take the SAT or ACT
- Try Running Start for college credits
Special Needs Students
Kids with special needs can get help from public schools through a Service Agreement. Call your district’s special education office to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool?
No. But you must meet one of four requirements: have 45 college credits, work with a certified teacher, get superintendent approval, or take a qualifying course.
Can my child play public school sports?
Yes! State law protects this right. Your child must meet the same rules as other students for grades and behavior.
What tests can I use?
Any nationally normed test works. Popular choices include the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, and California Achievement Test. Or you can skip testing and use a teacher evaluation.
How do I give a diploma?
You issue it yourself. Make a nice document with your child’s name, graduation date, and your signature.
Getting Started Today
The Evergreen State balances freedom with accountability. While you must qualify and test yearly, you choose your own curriculum and schedule.
Start now: check your qualifications, prepare your Declaration of Intent, and find local support groups. Thousands of families have done this. You can too.
For more legal details, visit HSLDA’s Washington page or the state education website. ]]>
Related State Guides
Exploring homeschooling options in other states? Check out our comprehensive guides:
- How to Homeschool in Texas – Minimal requirements, maximum freedom
- How to Homeschool in Florida – Simple notice and annual evaluation
- How to Homeschool in New York – Higher oversight with quarterly reports
- How to Homeschool in Arizona – Low regulation with ESA funding
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