Higher regulationWA

Homeschool Requirements in Washington

Complete compliance guide — updated May 2026

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At a Glance

Notification Required

Yes

Testing Required

Yes

Portfolio Required

Notification & Registration

Parents must file an annual Declaration of Intent with their local school district superintendent. The supervising parent must be a certified teacher, or work with a certified teacher, or have a college degree (45 credits), or be deemed qualified by the school board.

Required Subjects

Occupational EducationScienceMathematicsLanguage ArtsSocial StudiesHistoryHealthPhysical EducationArt and Music

Key Steps to Get Started

1File a Declaration of Intent with your local school district by September 15 each year
2Meet the supervisor qualification: hold a teaching certificate, OR have 45 college quarter credits, OR be deemed qualified by the school board
3Teach required subjects planned for 180 days per year
4Annually assess your child using a standardized test, portfolio review by a certified teacher, or other approved assessment
5Keep assessment records on file

Official Resources

Washington Department of Education →HSLDA Washington Guide →

Washington Compliance Checklist

Last verified May 24, 2026

0 of 6 done

File Declaration of Intent with local school district
Each year by September 15, submit a Declaration of Intent to your local school district superintendent notifying them that you will be homeschooling your child.
View official source (State DOE) →
Confirm supervisor qualification
Make sure the supervising parent meets at least one of these qualifications: holds a valid teaching certificate, has completed 45 college quarter credits, or has been deemed qualified by the local school board.
View official source (HSLDA) →
Plan curriculum covering all required subjects
Prepare a course of study that includes all required subjects: Occupational Education, Science, Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, History, Health, Physical Education, and Art and Music.
View official source (State DOE) →
Provide instruction for 180 days per year
Deliver instruction in the required subjects across a planned 180-day school year, similar to the schedule followed by public schools.
View official source (HSLDA) →
Conduct annual assessment of your child
Each year, assess your child's progress using an approved method: a standardized test, a portfolio review conducted by a certified teacher, or another approved assessment option.
View official source (State DOE) →
Keep assessment records on file
Retain the results or documentation from your child's annual assessment in your records so they are available if requested.
View official source (HSLDA) →

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