Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Washington - from filing your Declaration of Intent to meeting parent qualifications and choosing an annual assessment. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Washington is a homeschool-friendly state with a clear legal framework and some unique features that set it apart. The compulsory education age starts at 8 - one of the latest in the country - meaning you do not need to file any paperwork for children under 8.
Washington homeschool law is governed by RCW 28A.200.010 (Home-Based Instruction) and RCW 28A.225.010 (Compulsory Attendance). The state offers two legal pathways: Home-Based Instruction (the most common) and Private School Extension Programs. The law explicitly states that home-based instruction requirements should be "construed liberally," recognizing that home education is "less structured and more experiential" than classroom instruction.
Washington is also one of the only states that requires parent qualifications to homeschool - but the requirements are very achievable. If you have 45 college credits in any field, you automatically qualify. If not, a short online course (often just 2-3 hours) qualifies you for life.
Children under 8 are not subject to compulsory education law in Washington. You can teach them at home without filing any paperwork, regardless of whether they were previously enrolled in preschool or kindergarten.
Washington offers two legal ways to homeschool your children. Each has different requirements and trade-offs.
| Requirement | Home-Based Instruction | Private School Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | RCW 28A.200.010 | RCW 28A.195 |
| Notification | Annual Declaration of Intent | Enroll in approved private school |
| Attendance | 1,000 hours/year OR 180 days | Set by school |
| Teacher Qualification | Must meet 1 of 4 options | Set by school |
| Required Subjects | 11 subjects | Set by school |
| Assessment | Annual (test or evaluation) | Per school policy |
| Test Results | Private (not reported) | Per school policy |
| Best For | Most families | Families wanting umbrella support |
Under RCW 28A.200.010, the parent files an annual Declaration of Intent, meets one of four parent qualification options, teaches 11 required subjects, provides 1,000 hours or 180 days of instruction, and completes an annual assessment. Test results are private and are not reported to the state or district.
You can enroll your child in an approved private school that offers an extension program for homeschoolers. Your child operates under the school's umbrella and follows the school's requirements instead of the homeschool law. This is a good option for families who do not want to meet the parent qualification requirements on their own.
If you have 45 college credits (in any field) or are willing to take a short Parent Qualifying Course, Home-Based Instruction is the most straightforward option. It gives you full control over curriculum, schedule, and teaching methods.
To begin homeschooling under Home-Based Instruction, you must file an annual Declaration of Intent with your local school district superintendent. Unlike many states, this filing is required every year.
Many district forms ask for more information than the law requires. The official OSPI format only requires the child's name, age, parent's name and address, and whether you use a certified teacher. You can use the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) form if your district's form requests too much.
Keep a copy of your filed Declaration and any confirmation from the district. Blue Folder can generate your Declaration of Intent letter and remind you of the September 15 deadline each year. Try it free →
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Under Home-Based Instruction, Washington requires 1,000 hours per year of planned instruction, which works out to an average of about 180 days at roughly 5.5 hours per day.
The law explicitly recognizes that home-based instruction is "less structured and more experiential" than traditional classroom instruction. Requirements are to be "construed liberally," meaning you have significant flexibility in how you count instructional time.
Instructional hours include far more than desk work. Field trips, educational games, library visits, nature walks, cooking (math and science), music lessons, art projects, physical education, and hands-on learning all count toward your 1,000 hours. The key is that the activity is planned and educational.
There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar. You can school year-round, take breaks whenever you choose, or adjust your schedule to fit your family's needs.
Washington law requires you to keep annual test scores or evaluation reports and immunization records. Beyond that, the state does not mandate specific recordkeeping - but maintaining thorough records is strongly recommended.
Your records are private. Assessment results are not reported to the state or school district. Keep them in your homeschool files permanently, especially for high school years - colleges, the military, and employers may request them.
Use Blue Folder to track attendance, upload work samples, and generate your compliance binder. Even though Washington does not require a formal portfolio, having organized records makes annual assessments easier and protects you if questions arise. Try it free →
HSLDA recommends keeping high school records for at least 5 years after graduation. Keep annual assessment results permanently. These records cannot be reconstructed later and may be needed for college admissions, employment, or military service.
Washington requires an annual assessment to demonstrate educational progress. You must choose one of two options each year.
Your child takes a nationally normed standardized test approved by the State Board of Education (Buros Institute list). The test must be administered by a qualified individual. Popular options include:
A Washington State certified teacher who is currently working in education provides a written assessment of your child's educational progress. This can include reviewing work samples, conducting interviews, or observing instruction.
You keep the results. Assessment results are your private records and are NOT reported to the state or school district. Simply file them with your homeschool records.
Unlike some states, Washington does not require a minimum percentile score on standardized tests. There is no probation period for low scores. The assessment simply serves as a record of educational progress that you maintain privately.
Many families prefer the certified teacher evaluation because it is more holistic and does not carry the stress of standardized testing. Blue Folder tracks your assessment deadline and reminds you to schedule it before the end of your school year. Try it free →
Under RCW 28A.200.010, Washington requires instruction in 11 subject areas. This is more subjects than many states require, but the law gives you complete freedom in how you teach them.
Subjects do not need to be taught separately. A single unit study or project can cover multiple subjects at once. For example, a unit on local history could incorporate reading, writing, spelling, social studies, history, and art - all in one project. The law's "liberal construction" clause supports this integrated approach.
Occupational Education simply means career awareness and life skills. Cooking, budgeting, woodworking, gardening, and career exploration all count. Art & Music Appreciation can include museum visits, listening to music, attending concerts, drawing, painting, or playing an instrument.
Washington is one of the only states that requires parent qualifications to homeschool. You must meet one of four options. Only one parent needs to qualify.
Have earned 45 quarter credits (approximately 30 semester credits) from a college or university, in any field. The credits do not need to be in education. This is the most common qualification method for parents who attended college.
Complete a home-based education course at a post-secondary or vocational-technical institution. Many courses are only 2-3 hours long and available online. The Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) offers one. The course is good for life - you only need to take it once. Cost is typically $25-50.
Work with a Washington State certified teacher who is currently employed in education. The teacher must have at least 1 hour per week of contact with your student and helps plan objectives and evaluate progress. You indicate this option on your Declaration of Intent.
Request approval from your local superintendent, who must deem you "sufficiently qualified." This option is less common but useful if you have documented homeschool experience from another state.
If you do not have 45 college credits, the Parent Qualifying Course is the fastest and cheapest option. It is typically a one-time, 2-3 hour online course costing $25-50, and it qualifies you for life. There is no ongoing renewal.
Washington homeschool deadlines center around the annual Declaration of Intent filing. Here are the dates you need to know.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| September 15 (annually) | File Declaration of Intent | Submit to local school district superintendent. Required every year for each child age 8+. |
| Child's 8th birthday | First Declaration due | File Declaration of Intent when your child turns 8. No filing required before this age. |
| Within 2 weeks of starting mid-year | Mid-year Declaration | If beginning homeschool mid-year, file within 2 weeks at a quarter/trimester/semester boundary. |
| End of school year | Annual assessment | Complete standardized test or certified teacher evaluation. Results are private - keep in your files. |
The Declaration of Intent must be filed by September 15 each year. Unlike some states where notification is one-time, Washington requires annual filing. Mark this date on your calendar and file early to avoid any issues. Blue Folder sends you automatic reminders.
Washington does not currently offer state-funded scholarship, voucher, or ESA programs for homeschool families. However, there are some financial resources available.
Washington has no ESA program, no vouchers, no state tax credits, and no direct state funding for homeschoolers. HB 1615 proposed an ESA program but has not passed.
Washington is one of the best states for public school access. Under RCW 28A.150.350, districts are required to allow part-time enrollment and provide services. The state reimburses districts for these students, so there is no cost to your family.
Washington has excellent public school access for homeschoolers - guaranteed by state law. This is one of the strongest public school access provisions in the country.
Under RCW 28A.150.350, school districts must permit part-time enrollment and provide services for homeschooled students. Your child can take individual classes, use school facilities, and access school resources. The state reimburses districts for part-time students.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) considers homeschoolers "regular members" for interscholastic athletics. Your child must file a WIAA Rule 18.6.3 form annually and meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students.
Homeschooled students can request evaluation from the public school district under RCW 28A.150.350. If eligible, the district must provide ancillary services (unless the family declines). Part-time enrolled students have clear eligibility for special education services.
Under RCW 28A.320.092, school districts are prohibited from sending unsolicited marketing materials to families who have filed a Declaration of Intent. This protects homeschool families from pressure to return to public school.
Taking advantage of part-time enrollment is an excellent way to access resources like lab sciences, advanced math, music programs, or foreign language classes - all at no cost to your family.
Washington's homeschool laws are manageable, but new families sometimes run into avoidable problems. Here are the most common ones.
If you withdraw your child from public school to homeschool, file your Declaration of Intent before or within 2 weeks of the withdrawal. The district may consider your child truant during any gap between withdrawal and filing.
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Track Washington ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with your local school district superintendent's office or consult a qualified attorney. For the full text of the law, see RCW 28A.200.010. Last updated February 2026.