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Washington Homeschool Requirements: What You Actually Need to Do
Washington’s homeschool requirements are specific but straightforward. If you’re starting homeschooling for the first time, here’s exactly what the state expects from you—and what it doesn’t.
Key Takeaways
- File Declaration of Intent annually by September 15
- Meet ONE parent qualification pathway (most families use the 45-credit option)
- Teach 11 required subjects for 1,000 hours per year
- Complete annual assessment (standardized test or certificated evaluation)
- Maintain test scores and immunization records
- No curriculum approval needed; no home visits; no state oversight
The Five Core Requirements
Requirement 1: File Declaration of Intent
When: By September 15 each year (or within 2 weeks of the public school year start if you begin mid-year)
Where: Your local school district superintendent’s office
What to Include:
– Student name, age, and current grade level
– Parent/guardian name and address
– Description of intended curriculum
– Which parent qualification pathway you’re using
Format: No state form required; a letter is sufficient. Your district may have a template.
Cost: Free
Consequence of Non-Compliance: Failure to file could result in truancy proceedings.
Requirement 2: Meet Parent Qualifications
You must meet ONE of these four standards:
Option A: Certificated Teacher Supervision (Most Common)
– A certified teacher supervises your instruction
– One hour per week minimum (in-person or virtual)
– Teacher signs off on student’s reasonable educational progress
– No additional degree or coursework needed
Option B: 45+ College Credits
– 45+ quarter-hour college credits (or semester equivalent)
– From any accredited institution (bachelor’s degree exceeds this)
– Any subject area counts
– Coursework doesn’t need to be education-related
Option C: Postsecondary Home-Based Instruction Course
– Complete a formal course in home-based instruction
– At an accredited postsecondary institution or vocational-technical school
– Online or in-person
Option D: Superintendent Approval
– Local superintendent determines you’re sufficiently qualified
– Less predictable than the other three
– Discretionary decision based on background and capability
Best Choice for Most Families: Option B (45 college credits). It requires a one-time commitment; many parents already have them from past education.
Requirement 3: Teach 11 Required Subjects
You must provide instruction in all 11 of these subjects during the year:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- History
- Health
- Occupational Education
- Art and Music Appreciation
No specific curriculum is mandated. You choose the materials, approach, and pacing. One math curriculum covers math and language; a history-based program covers history, social studies, and reading/writing. Integration across subjects is fine as long as all 11 are addressed during the year.
Requirement 4: Provide 1,000 Hours of Instruction Annually
Washington law requires 1,000 hours of instructional time per year (or 180 school days).
This includes:
– Structured academic lessons
– Lab time and hands-on projects
– Educational field trips (with clear learning purpose)
– Online courses and video lessons
– Cooperative classes
This does NOT include:
– Pure entertainment or screen time
– Extracurricular sports and clubs
– Free play (unless integrated into a lesson)
– Meals and transitions
Tracking: Keep a simple attendance log or instruction record showing the dates you schooled and approximately how much time was spent. You don’t need to report this to anyone, but it’s good evidence of compliance.
Reality Check: 1,000 hours divided by 180 school days = about 5.5 hours per day. Many families finish core academics in 3–4 hours, then add enrichment, co-op classes, or field trips.
Requirement 5: Complete Annual Assessment
By the end of each school year, your student must be assessed. Choose one:
Option A: Standardized Test
– Approved tests: Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10), CAT, CTP, or other nationally normed standardized achievement test
– Administered by a “qualified person” (can be the parent if you meet parent qualification standards)
– Results must show “reasonable educational progress”
– Cost: $25–$100 per student
– Test scores must be made available to superintendent upon request
Option B: Certificated Person Evaluation
– A certificated educator (teacher, tutor, evaluator) meets with your student and writes an evaluation
– Evaluation determines whether “reasonable educational progress” is being made
– Can be the same teacher who supervises you (if using Pathway A) or a different educator
– Cost: $50–$300 depending on evaluator
What is “Reasonable Educational Progress”?
It’s not a specific score or grade. It means:
– Age-appropriate mastery of content
– Growth compared to the previous year
– Improvement in identified weak areas
– Overall alignment with public school expectations
If assessment shows inadequate progress, you’ll work with the superintendent to develop an improvement plan. Persistent problems could trigger compulsory attendance enforcement.
Record Keeping Requirements
Must Keep:
- Copies of Declaration of Intent filings (one per year)
- Annual assessment results (test scores or evaluation letter)
- Immunization records (or valid exemption documentation)
Should Keep (Recommended):
- Curriculum used and dates
- Attendance/instruction log
- Descriptions of courses taught (especially high school)
- Work samples or project photos
- Extracurricular activities and achievements
You are not required to submit these records to anyone, but they demonstrate compliance and help if questions arise. They’re also essential for college applications and re-enrollment.
What Washington Does NOT Require
- No curriculum approval — Choose any materials you want
- No home visits — The school district doesn’t inspect your home or school space
- No state-mandated curriculum — You don’t have to follow Washington State Learning Standards
- No specific textbooks or programs — You have complete freedom
- No pre-approval of teaching plan — You describe your curriculum generally in the Declaration
- No ongoing reporting — You don’t file progress reports or submit lesson plans
- No teacher degree — You don’t need certification or a college degree to homeschool
Timeline Checklist
By September 15 (or within 2 weeks of public school year start):
– File Declaration of Intent with superintendent
– Confirm parent qualifications are met (if using teacher supervision, have that teacher lined up)
– Begin instruction
Throughout the Year:
– Keep attendance/instruction records
– Ensure all 11 subjects are addressed
– Track toward 1,000 instructional hours
By End of School Year (typically April–May):
– Complete annual assessment (standardized test or certificated evaluation)
– Retain test scores or evaluation letter
Next August/September:
– File new Declaration of Intent (it’s annual, not one-time)
Common Questions
Can I use multiple curricula?
Yes. Mixing and matching programs is standard.
Do I need to test every student every year?
Yes. Testing/assessment is required annually for each student ages 8–17.
What if I file late?
File as soon as possible. Late filing could trigger truancy inquiries, but working with your district to explain the delay usually resolves it.
Can I use online school instead of “teaching” myself?
Online school (like Khan Academy or Time4Learning) counts as curriculum. You still need to file the Declaration of Intent and complete annual assessment. If enrolled in a virtual public school (WAVA, Columbia Virtual Academy), you’re not considered an independent homeschooler under Washington law.
Does my spouse need qualifications if I’m the primary teacher?
No. The “parent” who files the Declaration of Intent is the one who must meet qualifications. One parent can hold all the responsibility.
Summary
Washington’s requirements are clear and manageable. File your paperwork, meet qualifications, teach the 11 subjects, provide 1,000 hours, and assess annually. The system gives you significant freedom in how you do these things. Thousands of Washington families successfully navigate these requirements every year.
Ready to get started? How to start homeschooling washington walks you through the first steps.