How to start homeschooling in Washington

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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Washington homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Washington is completely legal, but parents need to adhere to specific state laws and requirements. Compulsory education laws apply to children between the ages of 8 and 18, so if you’re homeschooling, you’ll need to comply with these rules.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know to homeschool legally in Washington:

Notification required: Parents must file an annual "Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction" with their local school district by September 15th, or within two weeks of starting homeschooling.
Parent education requirements: Parents must either have a high school diploma, complete a course in home-based instruction, or get supervised by a certified teacher.
Required subjects: Washington requires instruction in subjects like reading, writing, math, science, history, and health to meet educational requirements.
Required records: Parents must maintain annual testing or assessment records, immunization records, and instructional hours documentation. These records should be available for review if requested by the local school district.

Families in Washington typically choose between these two options:

Home-based instruction (traditional homeschooling): Parents take full responsibility for their child's education.
Alternative learning experiences (ALEs) through public school programs that support independent learners.

For complete details, check Washington's homeschooling law at OSPI Home-Based Instruction Guide.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Washington

Getting started with homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are six simple steps to help you on your way, and how Time4Learning can support you.

Research Washington homeschooling laws to understand notification procedures and requirements for parents.
Submit your Declaration of Intent form as required by the state. You can find the Washington Declaration of Intent form on your local school district's website.
Choose Time4Learning to meet your family’s educational philosophy and Washington state requirements. Time4Learning provides comprehensive, customizable lessons covering all subjects required by Washington's homeschool laws.
Organize a schedule and learning space where your child can comfortably learn.
Stay compliant with Washington’s standardized testing requirements, which Time4Learning’s structured curriculum can help you prepare for.

Time4Learning makes homeschooling simple by providing everything you need in one place—from lesson planning to automated grading, and even tools to track academic progress for easy record-keeping.

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Washington’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in Washington have flexibility when it comes to graduation, as the state does not provide a state-recognized high school diploma for homeschoolers. Instead, homeschooling parents are responsible for setting their own graduation requirements and issuing a diploma once their student has met those expectations.

If you’re looking to align your child’s education with Washington's public school graduation standards, you can find details about credit requirements and subjects from the Washington Public Instruction page.

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Standardized test requirements for Washington homeschoolers

Washington requires homeschoolers to complete one of the following annually to measure academic progress:

Take a standardized test approved by the state (such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or CAT)
Submit an evaluation conducted by a certified teacher, which reviews the student’s academic performance

These test results or evaluations are kept as part of your homeschooling records but are not submitted to the school district.

Time4Learning can help by providing test prep resources and practice tools built directly into its online curriculum.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Washington

Homeschoolers in Washington, like their traditionally schooled peers, can qualify for college admission with the right preparation. Colleges appreciate the unique perspectives and self-discipline that homeschoolers bring. Here’s how to boost your application as a homeschooler:

Keep detailed records of your coursework, such as grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, to create a high-quality transcript.
Take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, as many colleges use them to evaluate homeschooled students.
Write a strong personal essay to highlight your homeschooling experience and how it shaped your ambitions and strengths.

By carefully documenting achievements and ensuring academic rigor, homeschoolers can stand out in the college admissions process.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Washington

Washington does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program to provide financial assistance for homeschoolers.

However, homeschooling can still be made affordable for families. Consider Time4Learning’s flexible and budget-friendly monthly plans, which require no contracts or long-term commitments.

To stay informed about potential financial aid opportunities, be sure to check updates from Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).