Homeschooling in Washington: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Washington provides a structured but manageable homeschool environment. You'll file an annual Declaration of Intent, teach 11 specified subjects, and conduct annual assessments—but the flexibility in how you meet these requirements gives families significant freedom.

The state's parent qualification requirement surprises some families. Unlike many states with no teaching prerequisites, Washington requires parents to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a qualifying course, or work under a certified teacher. Most families meet the first criterion without difficulty. This guide covers both pathways to legal homeschooling, the specific subject requirements, and how annual assessments work in practice.

Washington Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Your Homeschool Options in Washington

Washington law provides two pathways for home education. The option you choose determines your notification process and the degree of autonomy you maintain.

Home-Based Instruction (RCW 28A.200): This is the pathway most Washington homeschool families use^[1]. Parents teach at home, file a Declaration of Intent annually, and conduct required assessments. You maintain full control over curriculum and schedule while meeting subject requirements and parent qualifications.

Approved Private School Extension Program: Some private schools offer extension programs for homeschool families. Your child enrolls in the private school, which provides oversight, curriculum guidance, and handles compliance documentation. You teach at home, but under the school's umbrella.

The fundamental tradeoff: home-based instruction offers maximum flexibility but requires you to handle all compliance yourself. Extension programs provide administrative support and may simplify record-keeping, but cost money and may limit curriculum choices.

Most families choose home-based instruction for the flexibility and cost savings. Extension programs appeal to families wanting more structure or those who don't meet the parent qualification requirements independently.

Comparing Your Options

Parent Qualification Requirements

Washington is one of the few states requiring parents to meet specific qualifications before homeschooling. You must satisfy one of these three options:

Option 1: High school diploma or equivalent. This is how most parents qualify^[2]. If you graduated from high school or earned a GED, you're eligible to homeschool independently. No transcript or diploma copy is required for filing—this is a self-declaration.

Option 2: Qualifying course completion. Complete a "qualifying course in home-based instruction" from a post-secondary institution or school district^[1]. These courses cover homeschool methods, legal requirements, and curriculum planning. They're typically available through community colleges or homeschool organizations.

Option 3: Certified teacher oversight. Work under the supervision of a certified teacher who meets with you weekly^[1]. This option suits parents without a diploma who prefer not to take a course. The supervising teacher reviews progress and provides guidance but doesn't teach your child directly.

If you lack a diploma and don't want to complete a course or find a supervising teacher, some extension programs provide the certified oversight as part of enrollment. This satisfies the qualification requirement through the program structure.

How to Start Homeschooling in Washington

The 11 Required Subjects

• Reading — Including comprehension and literature
• Writing — Composition, grammar, and written expression
• Spelling — Word study and spelling skills
• Language — Grammar, vocabulary, and language arts
• Mathematics — Appropriate to grade level
• Science — Physical, life, and earth sciences
• Social Studies — Civics, sociology, economics
• History — United States and world history
• Health — Personal health, safety, wellness
• Occupational Education — Career awareness, practical skills
• Art and/or Music Appreciation — Visual arts and/or music exposure

Annual Assessment Requirements

Washington requires annual assessment of your child's educational progress. You have multiple options for satisfying this requirement—choose the approach that fits your teaching style and your child's strengths.

Option 1: Standardized testing. Have your child take any standardized test approved by the state Board of Education. Tests must be administered by a qualified person (not necessarily the parent). Common options include the Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement Test, and CAT. No minimum scores are required—the test simply documents progress.

Option 2: Certified teacher evaluation. A Washington state-certified teacher evaluates your child's progress. The teacher may review work samples, observe your child, or conduct their own assessment. This option works well for families who prefer non-test evaluation methods.

Option 3: Assessment by a qualified person. A person selected by the parent who is qualified in your judgment to assess your child's progress. This creates flexibility for portfolio reviews, narrative assessments, or other evaluation approaches.

Documentation requirements: Keep assessment results on file but don't submit them to the school district. These records protect you if questions arise and support future educational needs. Maintain assessment documentation for at least one year.

When to assess: Complete your annual assessment and have results by the start of the following school year. There's no specific deadline during the year—families typically assess in spring or early summer.

Instructional Hour Requirements

Washington specifies average annual instructional hours rather than specific daily minimums. This provides significant scheduling flexibility while establishing expectations.

Elementary grades (K-5): Average of 1,000 hours per school year, equivalent to roughly 180 days at 5.5 hours per day—though you can structure this however you choose.

Secondary grades (6-12): Average of 1,080 hours per school year, equivalent to roughly 180 days at 6 hours per day.

Calculating hours: These are averages, not minimums for each year. Concentrated learning periods balanced by lighter periods are acceptable. Field trips, hands-on projects, and educational activities beyond "desk work" count toward instructional hours.

What counts as instruction: Any planned educational activity counts. Reading, math practice, science experiments, art projects, music lessons, physical education, field trips, and hands-on learning all contribute to your hours. The key is intentional educational activity, not incidental learning.

Documentation approach: A simple attendance log showing school days and approximate hours works. You don't need minute-by-minute tracking—reasonable documentation demonstrating you're meeting the average suffices.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Record-Keeping Recommendations

Washington requires you to maintain certain records but doesn't mandate submission to the state. Keep documentation that protects your compliance and supports your child's future needs.

What's required: Assessment results must be kept on file. Washington specifies retention but not duration—keeping at least the most recent year's results is prudent.

Attendance/hour logs: Track instructional hours to demonstrate you're meeting the average requirement. Format isn't specified—a simple log or calendar notation works.

Subject documentation: Note which subjects you're addressing through your curriculum. This doesn't need to be elaborate—a scope and sequence document or curriculum list mapping to the 11 subjects suffices.

Work samples: Keep periodic samples showing progress across subjects. These support assessments, transcript creation, and any future questions about your program.

Declaration copies: Retain copies of your filed Declaration of Intent. This proves your notification compliance if questions arise.

Why thorough records matter: Beyond compliance, good documentation supports high school transcripts, college applications, and potential transfer to institutional school. Washington homeschoolers who maintain organized records find these transitions smoother.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Washington homeschool families issue their own diplomas. There are no state-mandated graduation requirements for homeschoolers—you determine what constitutes a complete high school education.

Graduation requirements: You set your own. Many families reference public school requirements as a baseline: 4 years English, 3 years math, 3 years science, 3 years social studies, 2 years world language, plus electives. Adjust based on your educational philosophy and your student's goals.

Transcript creation: Document courses, credits, and grades throughout high school. Include course descriptions for unusual or advanced courses. Washington colleges are familiar with homeschool transcripts—consistency and clarity matter more than official appearance.

College preparation: Washington colleges actively recruit homeschool students. Public universities like University of Washington, Washington State, and Western Washington have established homeschool admission processes. You'll typically need SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, and course descriptions or a portfolio.

Running Start: Washington's Running Start program allows 11th and 12th graders (including homeschoolers) to take college courses tuition-free at community colleges. Credits count toward both high school and college. Contact your local community college for homeschool enrollment procedures.

Diploma vs. GED: Your home-issued diploma is a legitimate credential. Homeschool graduates don't need a GED. Colleges and employers recognize home education diplomas, though some may request additional documentation (test scores, portfolio, etc.).

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Washington provides homeschool students access to public school extracurricular activities through RCW 28A.225.220. This is broader access than many states provide.

What's covered: Homeschool students can participate in interscholastic athletics and other extracurricular activities at their resident school district. This includes sports, music programs, drama, clubs, and other activities.

Eligibility requirements: Your child must meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students, including academic standards. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) governs athletic eligibility—homeschoolers must meet WIAA rules for the activities they join.

Enrollment requirements: Some districts require partial enrollment in academic courses to participate in activities. Policies vary—check with your local district for specific requirements.

How to access: Contact your resident school district's activities director or main office. Express interest in participation and ask about procedures for homeschool students. Some districts have established processes; others may need to develop them.

Alternative options: Washington also has active homeschool athletic leagues and organizations. If public school access doesn't work for your situation, homeschool teams, community leagues, and club sports provide alternatives.

Funding Situation

Washington offers no state funding programs for homeschool families. No ESA, tax credits, or vouchers apply to home education in the state.

What's available: Running Start provides free college courses for 11th-12th graders, including homeschoolers. This represents significant value—two years of community college courses at no tuition cost.

What you cover: Curriculum costs (highly variable), assessment costs if using standardized testing ($30-100) or paid evaluators, extracurricular activity fees, and any other educational expenses.

Tax considerations: Washington has no state income tax, so no state education tax deductions exist. Federal Coverdell ESA accounts can cover some K-12 expenses.

Budget reality: Many Washington homeschool families operate on modest budgets using library resources, free online curriculum, and used materials. The active homeschool community includes curriculum swaps and sales throughout the year.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any point during the school year. File your Declaration of Intent within two weeks of starting. If withdrawing from public school, notify the school and file your declaration promptly.

Moving to Washington: If relocating from another state, file your Declaration of Intent with your new district within two weeks of beginning instruction. Bring records from your previous homeschool to support continuity.

Part-time public school enrollment: Washington allows homeschool students to enroll part-time in public school courses. Contact your local district about "ancillary services"—access to specific classes while maintaining home-based instruction status.

Special needs students: Homeschooled students with disabilities may access some services through local school districts. The specifics vary—contact your district's special education department. Full IEP services typically require regular enrollment.

Multiple children: Your Declaration of Intent covers all children you're homeschooling. Requirements apply individually—each child needs assessment, though you may use the same subjects and approach appropriate to their level.

Moving between options: You can switch between home-based instruction and extension programs. File appropriate documentation for your new pathway and inform any previous program of the change.

The Bottom Line

Washington's homeschool framework balances accountability with flexibility. The annual Declaration of Intent, 11 subject requirements, and assessment mandate provide structure, while the flexibility in curriculum, scheduling, and evaluation methods preserves educational freedom.

Start by confirming your parent qualifications—most families meet the high school diploma requirement without issue. File your Declaration of Intent by September 15, map your curriculum to the 11 required subjects, and choose an assessment method that fits your teaching approach.

The strongest preparation is consistent record-keeping. Track hours, document subjects covered, and maintain work samples throughout the year. This makes assessment straightforward and builds the documentation you'll need for transcripts and future transitions.

Your first step: file your Declaration of Intent with your local superintendent. Washington's homeschool community is well-established—connect with local groups for curriculum recommendations, assessment resources, and community support.