Washington Homeschool High School Guide

Parent-issued diploma or certificate of completion recognized. No state homeschool diploma.

Parent-created. No state template. Public universities (UW, WSU) have specific homeschool applicant policies.

UW requires SAT/ACT scores for homeschool applicants (waived with 1+ year of college coursework). UW asks applicants to describe coursework in the application rather than submit transcripts initially. WSU requires homeschool academic resume with subjects and textbooks documented. All applicants must meet College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) set by Washington Student Achievement Council.

Program

Part-time public school enrollment; Running Start

Eligibility

Part-time enrollment is mandatory under RCW 28A.150.350. Running Start explicitly includes home-based instruction students (RCW 28A.600.310); available to 11th/12th graders.

How to enroll

Part-time: contact local school district. Running Start: contact local high school counselor or community college.

Cost

Free (public school courses). Running Start: tuition-free at community/technical colleges with fee waivers available for low-income students.

RCW 28A.150.350; RCW 28A.600.310

RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-134

What's covered

Sports and Other activities

Eligibility

Must file Declaration of Intent with local school district; WIAA requires academic plan contract signed by student, parents, principal, and athletic director

RCW 28A.150.350; WAC 392-134-005

Washington offers 5 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

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  Standard Home-Based Instruction (45 College Credits) : You file a Declaration of Intent with your local superintendent by September 15 and teach at home. You must have at least 45 college-level quarter credits (about 30 semester credits) from any field. Required subjects include reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and several others. Your child must be tested or evaluated annually (no minimum score), and you must log 1,000 instructional hours per year. The most common Washington pathway.
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  Home-Based Instruction (Approved Course) : You complete a course in home-based instruction at a postsecondary institution or vocational-technical institute, then file a Declaration of Intent by September 15. Same subject, instructional hour, and assessment requirements as the standard pathway. This pathway exists for parents who do not have 45 college credits but can complete a qualifying course.
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  Home-Based Instruction (Certified Teacher Supervision) : You teach at home under the supervision of a certificated person (certified under chapter 28A.410 RCW), and file a Declaration of Intent by September 15. The statute requires a minimum average of one contact hour per week with your child and planning of objectives. The supervising teacher may oversee up to 30 children. Same subject, instructional hour, and assessment requirements as the standard pathway. Good for parents who lack college credits but know a certificated teacher willing to supervise.
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  Home-Based Instruction (Deemed Qualified by Superintendent) : You request that your local superintendent deem you qualified to provide home-based instruction, then file a Declaration of Intent by September 15. The superintendent makes a case-by-case determination based on your education, experience, and instructional plans. Same subject, instructional hour, and assessment requirements as the standard pathway. A fallback option for parents who do not meet the other three qualification pathways.
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  Private School Extension Program : You enroll in a private school extension program that handles administrative filings, recordkeeping, and compliance on your behalf. No separate Declaration of Intent or parent credential is required. The private school provides oversight and coordinates assessment. You teach at home under the school's guidance. Best for families who want hands-off compliance management or who do not meet the instructor qualifications for the standard pathways.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for Washington