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Thinking about homeschooling in Washington? You’re not alone—and good news: Washington is a great place to homeschool! While there are a few things to keep track of, the Washington homeschool laws are pretty straightforward once you get the hang of them. Whether you’re just starting or pulling your child from public school, here’s your easy guide on how to homeschool in Washington State.

How to Start Homeschooling in Washington

To get started, you must file a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool with your local school district. It’s a short form informing the school authorities that your child won’t return to school. You’ll need to submit it once your child is 8 years old or older, and it’s due every year by September 15, or within two weeks if you’re starting mid-year.

Washington State Requirements for Homeschooling

Here are the Washington homeschool requirements so you know exactly what to expect:

Who Can Homeschool?

Washington homeschool regulations require the parent to meet one of these:

• Complete a parent qualifying course. The Washington Homeschool Organization offers one, but there are many options you can find online.
• Have 45 college-level credit hours (roughly 30 semester hours of college)
• Hire a certified teacher to supervise your instruction
• Get approval from your local school district

What Do I Have to Teach to Homeschool in Washington?

The state doesn’t require a specific Washington homeschool curriculum, but it does require that you teach these 11 subjects:

• Reading
• Writing
• Math
• Science
• Social studies
• History
• Health
• Art
• Music
• Occupational education (practical life skills)
• A language (English grammar or a foreign language)

You can teach these however you want—using books, videos, hands-on projects, or online courses.

How Many Hours a Day Are Required to Homeschool in Washington State?

You’ll need to provide 1,000 hours of instruction per year. It’s not as much as you think. If you homeschool 180 days per year, a typical September–June school year, you’ll hit the required number of hours with just 5.5 hours a day.

Washington State Age Requirements for Attendance.

In Washington, your child must be in school from ages 8 to 18. If your child is under eight and you wish to begin homeschooling, even if they were previously enrolled in a pre-k public school, you do not need to file a Declaration of Intent. You must file the Declaration of Intent for children aged eight and older.

Annual Testing or Evaluation

Under Washington homeschool statutory requirement RCW 28A.200.010, you’re required to either:

• Give your child a standardized test every year (like the CAT or Iowa), or
• Have them evaluated by a certified teacher

You don’t have to turn these in, but you should keep the results in your homeschool records, just in case.

Switching from Public School to Homeschool in Washington

Here’s how to switch smoothly:

1. Let your child’s school know you’re withdrawing.
2. File the Declaration of Intent with your local district.
3. Pick your curriculum and make a flexible plan.
4. Ease into it, especially if your child needs time to adjust from public school. (This transition time is often called de-schooling.)

Homeschooling in Seattle and Other Washington Cities

No matter where you live, homeschooling in Seattle, Spokane, Olympia, or anywhere in between, Washington homeschool regulations are the same statewide. Just make sure you file your paperwork and follow the general guidelines.

Homeschooling Laws in Washington

Here’s a quick checklist for easy compliance with Washington homeschool laws:

• File the Declaration of Intent annually (once your child is 8+)
• Teach the 11 required subjects
• Provide 1,000 hours of learning each year
• Complete yearly testing or evaluations
• Keep records (test results, work samples, etc.)

What You Need to Homeschool in Washington

You don’t need a classroom or even desks to homeschool in Washington State. Here’s what helps:

• Curriculum or learning plan: You can buy a boxed curriculum, use free resources, or mix and match.
• A space to learn: Kitchen table? Couch? Experiment and discover what works best for your unique child.
• Basic records: Keep a folder or binder with test results, work samples, and a list of what you’ve covered.
• Routine (optional but helpful): A loose daily plan helps keep things on track.

Washington Homeschool Curriculum Options

Neither the state of Washington nor the school district will provide or require specific curriculum materials. You’re free to pick any homeschool curriculum that works for your family. Here are a few common choices:

• Boxed sets. You will really like the All About Learning Press materials for spelling, reading, and math. Each subject only takes 20 minutes a day with minimal parental prep work, and kids love the fun, engaging lessons.
• Online programs are popular and provide lesson plans, grading, and testing, and some programs monitor the most often missed questions and customize review questions to reinforce difficult concepts.
• Eclectic mix of books, projects, and field trips.

Don’t stress about picking the “perfect” one. Consider what learning style is best for your child and start with a curriculum that seems to fit. It’s okay if you find it doesn’t work and you have to try something new. It’s a learning experience for parents, too.

Washington Homeschool Co-Ops & Support Groups

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be lonely! There are tons of homeschool support groups in Washington where you can find community, share ideas, and join in on group activities.

Look for Washington homeschool co-ops in your area. Families come together in these groups to offer classes, field trips, or fun days for the kids. You might find everything from science labs to nature hikes to LEGO clubs.

Start your search with:

• Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO)
• Homeschool World: Comprehensive list of Washington support groups
• Local Facebook homeschool groups (search for homeschool groups in your city or county)

FAQs

Do you get paid to homeschool in Washington?

Right now, Washington State does not pay parents to homeschool. However, some school districts offer Parent Partnership Programs (PPPs) that give you free access to curriculum and classes, or even reimbursement for materials. Check with your local school district to see what’s available.

Do parents need qualifications to homeschool in Washington State?

Not necessarily. There are four options under which you can homeschool:

• Complete a parent qualifying course.
• Have 45 college-level credit hours.
• Hire a certified teacher to supervise your instruction.
• Get approval from your local school district.

Suppose you don’t want to take the parent course and do not have the necessary level of college credits. In that case, you can arrange for a certified teacher to oversee your homeschool, or get special exemption from the school district to bypass the other three qualifications. To find a certified teacher, check the Washington Homeschool Organization’s webpage for a local support group where you can find recommendations.

Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Washington State?

The state of Washington defines homeschooling as education: “provided by a parent, educating his or her child only,” so you would need to form a state-approved private school to homeschool other children.

Tips for a Great Homeschooling Experience

• Make a routine that fits your lifestyle.
• Let your kids’ interests guide learning sometimes—it keeps things fun!
• Join a co-op or support group so you don’t feel alone.
• Stay organized with a simple folder or planner.
• Remember: learning doesn’t have to look like school.

Homeschooling in Washington State takes some paperwork and planning, but it’s very doable. Once you get your system in place, you’ll find that this flexible, personalized learning journey can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re just starting or figuring out how to adjust, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Resources

• Washington State Legislature Home-Based Instruction Laws
• Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO)
• Washington OSPI (State Education Dept)
• Homeschool World: Comprehensive list of Washington support groups

Disclaimers

All About Learning Press cannot offer legal advice. We recommend that parents educate themselves on local and state regulations from government websites or by contacting a local homeschool advocacy group.

All info is current as of May 2025.