Homeschooling in Washington: Requirements & Getting Started Guide

Understand Washington homeschool laws, parent qualification requirements, enrollment pathways, and record-keeping expectations so you can begin homeschooling with clarity and confidence.

Quick Answer Box

Is homeschooling legal in Washington?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Washington.

Do you have to notify the state or district?
Yes. Families must file an annual Declaration of Intent with their local school district.

Is testing required?
Yes. Students must complete annual standardized testing or be evaluated by a certified teacher.

Are attendance records required?
Washington requires families to provide instruction for a certain number of hours annually and maintain appropriate records.

HOMESCHOOL OPTIONS IN WASHINGTON

Home-Based Instruction (Most Common Option)
Parents homeschool independently after filing a Declaration of Intent. Parent qualifications must meet state requirements.

Public School Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
Families enroll in a public school program that supports home-based learning under district oversight.

Certified Tutor Option
A parent who holds a valid Virginia teaching license may homeschool under the certified tutor provision.

Private School Enrollment
Families may enroll in a private school that provides instruction in compliance with state law.

What You Must Do

• File a Declaration of Intent annually with your local school district

• Meet parent qualification requirements (such as college credits, coursework, or working with a certified teacher)

• Provide instruction in required subject areas:

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Spelling

  • Language

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social studies

  • History

  • Health

  • Occupational education

  • Art and music appreciation

• Provide at least 1,000 instructional hours per year

• Complete annual standardized testing or certified teacher evaluation
  
  
  

What Records Washington Homeschool Families Keep?

Washington homeschool families are responsible for maintaining organized documentation.

Recommended records include:

• Copy of Declaration of Intent

• Attendance log or instructional hour tracking

• Curriculum outline

• Work samples and portfolio

• Annual test results or evaluation report

• High school transcripts (if applicable)
  
  

Need help organizing your homeschool records?

Getting Started in Washington

1. Review Washington parent qualification requirements.

2. File your Declaration of Intent with your local school district.

3. Choose curriculum that covers required subjects.

4. Create a system to track instructional hours and progress.

5. Plan for annual testing or evaluation.

Homeschooling does not have to feel overwhelming — clarity and structure make all the difference.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Homeschool Glow provides general educational guidance and organizational tools. Families are responsible for confirming requirements with their state and local authorities.