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.
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
Sports & Activities
**Allowed** (WIAA). Generally requires part-time enrollment or good standing.
Track Washington compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Washington's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · WA homeschool law guide