Want to teach your children at home in Washington? You’re joining over 40,000 families who’ve made this choice. The Evergreen State has parent qualification rules, but it also offers strong protections for home education. This balanced approach gives families both freedom and structure.
This guide covers everything you need to know about homeschooling in Washington state. We’ll explain how to meet the requirements, file your paperwork, and start teaching your children at home. Let’s walk through it step by step.
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
Washington is unique among states. It requires parents to qualify before teaching at home. You must meet one of these four options. Once you qualify, no district can refuse your Declaration of Intent.
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. Community college credits work too. This is the most common path for parents with some higher education.
Option 2: Work with a Certified Teacher
Meet with a certified teacher for one hour per week on average. The teacher oversees your child’s education. Many families find this option easy and affordable through local co-ops. The teacher doesn’t need to be present for lessons. They just need to review progress and provide guidance.
Option 3: Get Superintendent Approval
Ask your local school district superintendent to approve you. They decide based on your education and experience. This option is less common but available. It works well for parents with teaching experience but no formal credentials.
Option 4: Take a Qualifying Course
Complete a parent qualifying course. Community colleges and some school districts offer these courses. The classes cover teaching methods and legal rules. Most courses take just a few hours. This is a quick path for parents who need to qualify fast.
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. If you need to take a course, do that first. You cannot legally homeschool until you qualify.
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. You can start any time during the year. The first DOI is due on your child’s 8th birthday.
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. You set your own schedule. Most families teach four to five hours per day.
Step 5: Complete Yearly Assessment
By the end of each school year, assess your child using one of the approved methods below. Keep the results in your files. You don’t send them to the state.
Required Subjects
Washington requires instruction in 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 to Washington. It covers career exploration and practical life skills. Many families meet this through chores, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Cooking, budgeting, and car maintenance all count.
Popular Curriculum Choices
Washington families use many different curricula. Here are popular options that work well:
All-in-One Programs
- Sonlight – Literature-based, great for multiple ages
- Time4Learning – Online, self-paced lessons
- BJU Press – Traditional textbook approach
By Subject
- Math: Saxon, Math-U-See, or Singapore Math
- Language Arts: All About Reading, Institute for Excellence in Writing
- Science: Apologia, Real Science 4 Kids
You can also use free resources from libraries and online. Washington’s public libraries have great homeschool collections.
Testing and Assessment
You must assess your child every year. Choose one of two methods:
Option A: Standardized Testing
Give an approved test from the State Board of Education’s list. Popular choices include:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test
- Woodcock-Johnson
A certified teacher, the school district, or a testing service can give the test. Some co-ops organize group testing days for convenience.
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. It also shows progress that tests might miss.
Keep your results! You don’t send them to the state, but you must show them if asked.
Record Keeping
Keep these records safe:
- Immunization records – Shot records or exemption forms
- Yearly test results – Test scores or evaluation reports
- Progress records – Attendance logs, work samples, and curriculum lists
- Declaration of Intent copies – Keep filed copies each year
No law says how long to keep them. But save everything through high school graduation. You’ll need them for college and jobs. Consider keeping digital backups too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New homeschool families often make these errors:
- Missing the September 15 deadline – File early to avoid stress
- Not keeping assessment records – You need proof if asked
- Forgetting the occupational education requirement – Track life skills too
- Assuming transcripts aren’t needed – Start making them in high school
- Skipping the qualification step – You must qualify before you start
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. This gives you maximum flexibility.
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. Some programs offer classes, field trips, and graduation ceremonies.
Public School Access
Washington 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. This includes academic eligibility and behavior standards.
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. Availability varies by district.
Running Start
Juniors and seniors can take community college classes for free. Credits count for both high school and college. This program is fully open to homeschoolers. Many students earn an associate degree by high school graduation.
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 and “The Pink Book”
Local Groups
Active groups exist across the state:
- Puget Sound: Many co-ops near Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia
- Eastern Washington: Growing groups in Spokane and Tri-Cities
- Coast: Smaller groups in Olympic Peninsula towns
- Central Washington: Groups in Yakima and Wenatchee
Special Situations
Leaving Public School
To pull your child out of public school:
- Check your qualifications first
- File your Declaration of Intent
- Tell the school in writing that you’re homeschooling
- Request copies of your child’s records
You can leave any time. Just file your DOI within two weeks of starting. The school cannot refuse your withdrawal.
High School and Graduation
Parents issue 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 and transcripts
- Look into dual enrollment options
Special Needs Students
Kids with special needs can get help from public schools through a Service Agreement. You keep homeschooling while getting speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other services. Call your district’s special education office to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Washington?
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. Once qualified, you can teach all subjects yourself.
Can my homeschooled 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. Contact the school’s athletic director to enroll.
What standardized tests are approved in Washington?
The State Board of Education maintains an approved list. Popular choices include the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, and California Achievement Test. Any nationally normed test usually qualifies.
How do I give my child a diploma?
You issue it yourself. Make a nice document with your child’s name, graduation date, and your signature. You set your own graduation requirements. Keep detailed transcripts for college applications.
Can I homeschool if I didn’t finish college?
Yes! You have three other options. Work with a certified teacher, get superintendent approval, or take a qualifying course. Many parents without college credits homeschool successfully.
Do I have to teach every day?
You must provide 180 days or 1,000 hours of instruction per year. How you schedule that time is up to you. Some families school four days a week. Others take summers off. Year-round schooling is also an option.
What if my district refuses my Declaration of Intent?
Once you meet one of the four qualifications, no district can legally refuse your DOI. If you have trouble, contact HSLDA or the Washington Homeschool Organization for help.
Getting Started Today
Washington balances freedom with accountability. While you must qualify and test yearly, you choose your own curriculum and schedule. The state respects your right to educate your children at home.
Start now: check your qualifications, prepare your Declaration of Intent, and find local support groups. Thousands of Washington families have done this successfully. You can do it too!
For more legal details, visit HSLDA’s Washington page or the state education website. The Washington Homeschool Organization at washhomeschool.org also offers great resources and community support.
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 available
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