California vs Washington: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | California | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Required — California Department of Education (CDE), Superintendent of Public Instruction Between October 1 and October 15 (filing window) | Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year |
| Testing | Not required | Required |
| Required subjects | 10 subjects (by grade) | 11 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | specific qualifications (see details) |
| Recordkeeping | attendance | attendance |
| Annual renewal | Required by October 1-15 | Required by September 15 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from California to Washington
Grace period: By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
What changes:
- ~Notification: California (Required — California Department of Education (CDE), Superintendent of Public Instruction Between October 1 and October 15 (filing window)) → Washington (Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year)
- +Washington requires testing (Required). California does not
- +Washington requires instructor qualification (specific qualifications (see details)). California does not
- ~Required subjects: California (10 subjects (by grade)) → Washington (11 subjects)
- +Washington requires instructional time (180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr). California does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave California:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in California
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Washington requires: immunization records
When you arrive in Washington:
- ▢File Declaration of Intent with local superintendent by Sept 15 or within 2 weeks of any quarter/trimester/semester start.
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (specific qualifications (see details))
Calendar deadlines:
- ▢By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
- ▢No separate new-resident provision. If arriving mid-quarter, file within 2 weeks of next quarter start.
Moving from Washington to California
Grace period: No explicit grace period — PSA system open Aug 1–Jun 30 (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
What changes:
- ~Notification: Washington (Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) → California (Required — California Department of Education (CDE), Superintendent of Public Instruction Between October 1 and October 15 (filing window))
- -Good news: California has no testing requirement
- -Good news: California has no instructor qualification requirement
- ~Required subjects: Washington (11 subjects) → California (10 subjects (by grade))
- -Good news: California has no instructional time requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave Washington:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Washington
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in California:
- ▢File Private School Affidavit (PSA) via CDE online system as soon as possible. System open Aug 1–Jun 30.
Before you start teaching:
- ▢File BEFORE you start teaching (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
- ▢Statutory window is Oct 1–15 but CDE accepts filings year-round for new schools. File immediately upon withdrawal from prior school.
Military families
Neither California nor Washington has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in California and Washington?
California and Washington have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from California to Washington?
When moving from California to Washington, you must comply with Washington's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify