Washington Homeschool Law
State Law Requirements for Homeschooling in Washington
Qualifying to Homeschool in Washington State
According to the Washington State Homeschooling Law, RCW 28A.225.010, the homeschool parent must meet one of the following requirements:
- 45 quarter units of college level credit.
- Complete a parent qualifying course.
- Meet with a certified teacher for an average of an hour a week.
- Be deemed qualified to provide home-based instruction by the superintendent of your local school district.
As long as you meet one of those requirements, you are legally allowed to homeschool in the state of Washington.
Washington State "Intent to Homeschool" Form
Every year, it is necessary to file a “declaration of intent.” This document can be obtained from the office of any Washington State school district and returned to any district. The law does not state that it needs to be turned in to your local district and some districts handle this form differently. The state has a sample of the form available online, and there have been reports of some districts adding questions to the form that you aren’t legally required to answer. Check with the Washington Homeschool Organization if you’re unsure about your district’s application of this law.
Washington State Homeschool Curriculum
Legally homeschooling in Washington means complying with RCW 28A.225.010(4) which requires parents to include the 11 required subjects in their curriculum. The 11 required subjects are reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, and art and music appreciation.
The state recognizes that one assignment can spill over into several of these 11 subjects. For example, writing a research paper on a historical topic using the computer would meet the requirement of reading, writing, spelling, language, social studies, history and occupational education. It isn’t necessary to duplicate a classroom environment to meet this requirement. It also isn’t mandated that parents turn in lesson plans to meet this requirement, or report how they’ve met this requirement in order to homeschool in Washington.
Annual Testing for Washington Homeschool Students
The state requires that students be tested annually. The results of these tests do not need to be turned in to the state, but must be preserved as part of a student’s permanent record. Parents can choose between a standardized assessment and a one-on-one assessment with a certified teacher. Families who choose this method might want to keep or create a portfolio of work samples, to present for evaluation.
Washington Home School Records
Parents are required to keep a file of Washington homeschool student records. Each file must contain immunization records, annual assessment reports and other documents related to instructional and educational activities.
The Washington Homeschool Organization
The Washington Homeschool Organization is dedicated to preserving the Washington State Homeschool Law and serving the interests of homeschooling families in Washington State. Their website has the entire text of the Washington Homeschool law, as well as other resources for Homeschooling in Washington.
Washington Homeschool Law
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