Homeschool Requirements in Washington

Meet One of Four Qualification Requirements

Before filing your declaration of intent, ensure you meet at least one of Washington's four ways to qualify as a homeschooling parent. This is a prerequisite to filing.

• Option A: Have earned at least 45 college credits (quarter or semester equivalent)
• Option B: Meet weekly (minimum 1 hour) with a state-certified teacher for supervision
• Option C: Receive approval from your local school superintendent to teach your children
• Option D: Complete an approved Washington state homeschool parent qualifying course

File Declaration of Intent by September 15

By September 15 of each school year (or within two weeks of the start of a quarter/trimester if schools operate on those schedules), file a declaration of intent with your school district superintendent.

• Get the declaration form from your school district
• Include your child's name and age
• Include your name and address
• Indicate which qualification you meet (45 credits, certified teacher, superintendent approval, or parent course)
• Sign and date the form
• Mail or deliver to the superintendent's office
• Request written confirmation of receipt

Teach All Required Subjects

Washington requires instruction in nine core subjects: occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and music/art appreciation. You have complete freedom in curriculum choice.

• Occupational education: career exploration and workforce readiness
• Science: life, earth, and physical science
• Mathematics: computation and problem-solving
• Language: listening, speaking, oral communication
• Social studies: geography, civics, economics
• History: local, state, national, and world history
• Health: wellness, nutrition, disease prevention
• Reading and writing: literacy across subjects
• Spelling: as part of language arts
• Arts appreciation: music and visual arts

Meet Annual Assessment Requirement

Homeschooled students must be assessed annually using one of two methods: a standardized academic test or an evaluation by a qualified evaluator. This is a key requirement of Washington's home-based instruction.

• Option 1: Administer a nationally recognized standardized test (SAT, ACT, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, etc.)
• Option 2: Have your child evaluated by a qualified evaluator (certified teacher, licensed therapist with education credentials, or approved evaluator)
• Testing typically happens in spring of the school year
• Results are kept on file at home, not submitted to the state
• Assessment documents your child's progress and identifies any learning gaps

Design Your Educational Program

Choose curriculum and teaching methods that align with your educational philosophy and your child's learning needs. Washington places no restrictions on curriculum—use any approach that covers the required subjects.

• Select textbooks, online programs, or create your own curriculum
• Use traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, or other approaches
• Integrate subjects through projects or unit studies
• Tailor pacing and methods to your child's learning style

Maintain Records and Learning Documentation

Keep records showing your child's progress, attendance, assessment results, and learning activities. While these aren't submitted to the state, they document that your program is operating properly.

• Track attendance showing regular instructional days
• Save assessment results from annual testing or evaluation
• Keep work samples and completed assignments from each subject
• Document field trips, classes, and enrichment activities attended
• Maintain receipts for curriculum and materials purchased

Renew Your Declaration Annually

Each school year by September 15, submit a new declaration of intent to continue your home-based instruction program. This annual renewal is quick if your information hasn't changed.