Homeschool Laws in Washington
Note: Compulsory attendance begins at age 8. However, if a child is enrolled in public school before age 8, they must attend unless a Declaration of Intent is filed or they are formally withdrawn.
Washington state offers a clear legal framework for families choosing to educate their children at home. While the state is considered ‘moderate’ in its regulatory oversight, the laws are designed to ensure children receive a comprehensive education while protecting parental rights. In Washington, homeschooling is legally referred to as ‘Home-Based Instruction’ (HBI).
Compulsory Attendance and the ‘Age 8’ Rule
In Washington, compulsory attendance begins at age 8 and continues until the student’s 18th birthday (RCW 28A.225.010). This is higher than in many other states. However, if you enroll your child in a public school before age 8, they are subject to compulsory attendance laws unless you formally withdraw them and file a Declaration of Intent.
The Two Primary Pathways
1. Home-Based Instruction (HBI)
This is the most common route. Under RCW 28A.200.011, parents take full responsibility for their child’s education. To qualify for this pathway, the parent must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have earned 45 college-level quarter credit hours (or 30 semester hours).
- Attend a parent-training course in home-based instruction at a postsecondary institution or vocational-technical institute.
- Be supervised by a Washington state certificated teacher (who meets with the child for an average of one hour per week).
- Be deemed ‘sufficiently qualified’ by the local school district superintendent.
2. Private School Extension (Umbrella Schools)
Families can enroll in a ‘private school extension program’ (RCW 28A.195.010). In this scenario, the child is technically a student of a private school that allows the student to receive instruction at home. The private school handles the oversight, and the parent acts as an instructor under the school’s supervision. Families using this option do not file a Declaration of Intent with the local school district.
Compliance Checklist for HBI
1. File the Declaration of Intent
Each year by September 15th (or within 30 days of beginning home-based instruction), you must file a ‘Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction’ with your local superintendent’s office. This form typically asks for the names and ages of your children and whether you are using a certified teacher for supervision.
2. Teach the Required Subjects
Your curriculum must include:
- Occupational education
- Science
- Mathematics
- Language
- Social studies
- History
- Health
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- Art and music appreciation
3. Annual Assessments
Once a year, students must be assessed using one of two methods:
- Standardized Testing: A standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education, administered by a qualified person.
- Non-test Assessment: An annual evaluation by a Washington state certificated person who is currently working in the field of education.
4. Record Keeping
Parents are required to keep permanent records of their child’s annual test scores or evaluation reports, as well as immunization records. While these records do not need to be submitted to the state, they should be maintained if the child ever returns to a public or private school.
Home-Based Instruction vs. ALE Programs
It is vital to distinguish between HBI and Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs. ALEs are public school programs (often called ‘Parent-Partnered’ programs) where students remain public school students. While these allow for learning at home, they are governed by public school rules, including state testing (Smarter Balanced Assessments) and specific teacher-contact requirements. If you enroll in an ALE, you are not legally ‘homeschooling’ under the HBI statute.
ESA and School Choice
Washington currently does not have an Education Savings Account (ESA) or voucher program. Public funding is generally not available for families choosing the independent HBI pathway. Families seeking state funding usually utilize ALE programs, but this requires shifting from HBI legal status to public school enrollment status.
Legal References
- RCW 28A.200: Home-Based Instruction
- RCW 28A.225.010: Compulsory Attendance
- RCW 28A.195: Private Schools
Homeschool Pathways
Home-Based Instruction (HBI)
Parent-led instruction where the parent is the primary educator and meets state qualification requirements.
- Notification:
- File an annual Declaration of Intent (DOI) with the local school district by Sept 15 or within 30 days of starting.
- Teacher qualifications:
- Must meet ONE: 45 college quarter credits, attend a parent training course, be supervised by a certified teacher, or receive superintendent approval.
- Required subjects:
- Occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and art/music appreciation.
- Assessment:
- Annual standardized achievement test (approved by State Board) OR an annual evaluation by a certified person.
- Record keeping:
- Maintain permanent records of annual test scores or evaluation reports and immunization records.
- Instruction days:
- 180 days/year
- Instruction hours:
- 1000 hours/year
- Special conditions:
- Parents must ensure that the test or evaluation is done yearly, though results are not submitted to the district.
- Legal citation:
- RCW 28A.200.010; RCW 28A.225.010(4)
Private School Extension (Umbrella)
The student enrolls in an approved private school but receives instruction primarily at home under the school's supervision.
- Notification:
- Enrollment in the private school; the school handles reporting and compliance. No DOI required for the local district.
- Teacher qualifications:
- Subject to the requirements and oversight of the private school.
- Required subjects:
- Determined by the private school, but must align with general state private school requirements.
- Assessment:
- Determined by the private school's policies.
- Record keeping:
- The private school maintains official records.
- Instruction days:
- 180 days/year
- Instruction hours:
- 1000 hours/year
- Special conditions:
- The parent is technically an employee or volunteer instructor for the private school.
- Legal citation:
- RCW 28A.195.010(4)
Official Resources
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Last verified: February 08, 2026