Homeschooling in Washington
Qualify, Notify, and Test
To homeschool in Washington, you must be a 'qualified' parent, file an annual Declaration of Intent, and assess your student annually. Records are kept at home.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
11
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Declaration of Intent by September 15
- Parent must meet 1 of 4 qualification options
- Teach 11 required subjects
- Provide 1,000 hours (approx 180 days) of instruction
- Conduct annual assessment (Test or Portfolio Review)
- Keep records on file (do not submit to district)
Legal Framework
RCW 28A.200.010.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Washington
The Waldorf Map lists 10 schools, 7 kindergartens and playgroups, and 1 class or course in Washington, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Bright Water Waldorf School, Seattle
- Madrona School, Bainbridge Island
- Mount Baker Preschool, Seattle
- Olympia Waldorf School, East Olympia
Required Subjects
11 specific subjects listed in law.
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Language
Math
Science
Social Studies
History
Health
Occupational Education
Art/Music
Filing Requirements
What to file
Declaration of Intent
When
September 15 annually (or immediately upon starting/moving)
Where
Local superintendent
How to submit
Submit form to superintendent
What to include
- • Home-based instruction checkbox
- • Proof of parent qualification
**Parent must qualify** via: (1) 45 college credits, (2) Parent Qualifying Course (easiest), (3) Certified teacher supervision (1 hr/week), or (4) Teaching cert. 1,000 hrs/year in 11 subjects (includes Occupational Ed + Art/Music). Annual testing REQUIRED (test or certified teacher eval) - keep PRIVATE. **Part-time access GUARANTEED** (RCW 28A.150.350). Running Start = FREE college. Sports: WIAA allows with part-time enrollment.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annual
Grades: All (Age 8+)
Must assess annually via a Standardized Test approved by the state OR a non-test assessment (portfolio review) by a certified person. Keep results on file.
How to Get Started
- 1
Ensure Qualification
Verify you meet one of the 4 parent qualifications.
- •45 College Credits, OR
- •Parent Qualifying Course, OR
- •Teacher Supervision, OR
- •Superintendent Approval
Tip: The Parent Qualifying Course is a popular options for those without college credits. - 2
File Declaration of Intent
Submit the form to your local superintendent.
- •Check box for 'home-based instruction'
Annually by September 15
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Flexible assessment options
- ✓No need to submit results
- ✓Access to public school classes (part-time)
Cons
- •Parent qualification hurdle
- •Annual testing/assessment cost
Help with the cost in Washington
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running StartDual EnrollmentHomeschoolers enroll through their local public school district to access Running Start. | FREE college tuition | 11th-12th grade home-schooled students who can demonstrate academic readiness. | sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/running-start |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
**Allowed** (WIAA). Generally requires part-time enrollment or good standing.
Questions about homeschooling in Washington
Does the 45 college credits have to be in education?
No. Any 45 quarter credits (or 30 semester credits) from an accredited institution will suffice.
Do I have to turn in my test scores?
No. You must keep them in your permanent records at home.
Can my child take classes at the high school?
Yes. Washington has strong 'Running Start' and part-time attendance laws allowing homeschoolers to access public school offerings.
Get Washington’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Washington page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for Washington deadline reminders and news when our Washington page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Free Washington paperwork tools
Generate your Washington notice of intent letter in two minutes, and get an email before every filing deadline. Free, no account needed, works with any curriculum.
Want the whole year handled? See Starpath Records
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · WA homeschool law guide