Homeschooling in Washington? We’ll walk you through it.
detailed requirementsThousands of Washington families homeschool successfully. The process has more steps than some states, but every one is manageable, and we'll walk you through it.
Washington has more detailed requirements than most states, but the framework under RCW 28A.200.010 is clear and well-structured. You file an annual declaration of intent, meet an instructor qualification, teach eleven subjects, log your hours, and complete an annual assessment. The instructor qualification is the piece that surprises most families — but Washington provides four different ways to meet it, so most parents qualify through at least one.
Every requirement on this page is sourced directly from Washington state law. See how we verify.
Homeschooling is legal in Washington. Washington is a high-regulation state. To homeschool, you need to submit a simple notice to 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 11 subjects, Standardized test or Teacher evaluation, and 1000 hours/year (180 days/year) of instruction. Children ages 8–18 are subject to compulsory education.
Source: RCW 28A.200.010. Verified March 2026.
- Regulation level
- High
- Compulsory ages
- 8–18
- Notification required
- Yes — simple notice to 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
- Assessment required
- Yes — Standardized test or Teacher evaluation, annually
- Required subjects
- 11 (reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, ...)
- Primary statute
- RCW 28A.200.010
The essentials under the Standard Home-Based Instruction (45 College Credits)
- 1Send a simple notice to 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
- 2Teach 11 required subjects
- 3Submit assessment results annually
- 4Meet the 1000 hours/year minimum
Washington offers 5 options. See all below.
What to know about homeschooling in Washington
Washington's homeschool law (RCW 28A.200.010) requires a declaration of intent filed by September 15 each year (or within two weeks of starting in any quarter). The declaration goes to the superintendent of the district where you reside or to a local approved private school that supervises your instruction.
The instructor qualification is the most distinctive feature of Washington's law. You must meet one of four criteria: 45 or more college quarter credits, completion of an approved home-based instruction course, supervised instruction by a certified teacher, or approval from the local superintendent on a case-by-case basis. Most parents with any college experience meet the 45-credit threshold. If you completed two years of college, you likely qualify.
Instructional time requirements are substantial: 1,000 hours per year for all grades 1 through 12, spread over at least 180 days (RCW 28A.195.010). You track hours and maintain records. Annual assessment is required — either a standardized test (no minimum score) or an evaluation by a certificated teacher confirming reasonable progress.
Eleven subjects are required: reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, health, occupational education, art, and music appreciation. This is one of the longest subject lists in the country, but many of these overlap naturally in a well-rounded homeschool program.
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Start Your Washington Plan →How we know this is right
Each sourced from RCW 28A.200.010 and backed by 46 linked sources.
46
sources linked
Cross-referenced against 3 independent sources including the state DOE and HSLDA.
Kept current
Last verified March 2026. State DOE pages monitored for changes.
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How homeschooling works in Washington
Washington offers 5 options to homeschool. The most common is highlighted.
The four instructor qualification pathways give different families different routes to compliance. The 45 college credits pathway is the most common. The approved course pathway involves completing a home-based instruction course — several are available online. The certified teacher supervision pathway pairs you with a credentialed teacher who reviews your program. The superintendent approval pathway is a case-by-case option for parents who do not meet the other criteria.
| 45 College CreditsMost common | Approved Course | Certified Teacher Supervision | Deemed Qualified by Superintendent | Private School Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filing | Annual (September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) | Annual (September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) | Annual (September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) | Annual (September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) | None |
| Credential | See details | See details | See details | See details | None |
| Records | Attendance | Attendance | Attendance | Attendance | Attendance, Grades |
Standard Home-Based Instruction (45 College Credits)
RCW 28A.225.010(4)(b); RCW 28A.200.010
Notification
simple notice to 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
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a) (declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction) ·
Required subjects
reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (curriculum and instruction in basic skills) ·
Testing / assessment
Standardized test or Teacher evaluation — annually
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(c) (annual standardized test or assessment by certificated person) ·
Instructional time
180 days/year, 1000 hours/year
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (hours equivalent to approved private schools per RCW 28A.195.010); RCW 28A.195.010 (1,000 hours grades 1-12, 450 hours kindergarten, 180 days) ·
Verified against RCW 28A.225.010(4)(b); RCW 28A.200.010, March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Home-Based Instruction (Approved Course)
RCW 28A.225.010(4)(b); RCW 28A.200.010
Notification
simple notice to 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
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a) (declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction) ·
Required subjects
reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (curriculum and instruction in basic skills) ·
Testing / assessment
Standardized test or Teacher evaluation — annually
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(c) (annual standardized test or assessment by certificated person) ·
Instructional time
180 days/year, 1000 hours/year
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (hours equivalent to approved private schools per RCW 28A.195.010); RCW 28A.195.010 (1,000 hours grades 1-12, 450 hours kindergarten, 180 days) ·
Verified against RCW 28A.225.010(4)(b); RCW 28A.200.010, March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Home-Based Instruction (Certified Teacher Supervision)
RCW 28A.225.010(4)(a); RCW 28A.200.010
Notification
simple notice to 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
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a) (declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction) ·
Required subjects
reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (curriculum and instruction in basic skills) ·
Testing / assessment
Standardized test or Teacher evaluation — annually
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(c) (annual standardized test or assessment by certificated person) ·
Instructional time
180 days/year, 1000 hours/year
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (hours equivalent to approved private schools per RCW 28A.195.010); RCW 28A.195.010 (1,000 hours grades 1-12, 450 hours kindergarten, 180 days) ·
Verified against RCW 28A.225.010(4)(a); RCW 28A.200.010, March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Home-Based Instruction (Deemed Qualified by Superintendent)
RCW 28A.225.010(4)(c); RCW 28A.200.010
Notification
simple notice to 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
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a) (declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction) ·
Required subjects
reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (curriculum and instruction in basic skills) ·
Testing / assessment
Standardized test or Teacher evaluation — annually
RCW 28A.200.010(1)(c) (annual standardized test or assessment by certificated person) ·
Instructional time
180 days/year, 1000 hours/year
RCW 28A.225.010(4) (hours equivalent to approved private schools per RCW 28A.195.010); RCW 28A.195.010 (1,000 hours grades 1-12, 450 hours kindergarten, 180 days) ·
Verified against RCW 28A.225.010(4)(c); RCW 28A.200.010, March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Private School Extension Program
Notification
None required
Required subjects
reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation
RCW 28A.195.010 (private school subject requirements) ·
Testing / assessment
Standardized test or Teacher evaluation — annually
RCW 28A.195.010 (private school assessment and evaluation requirements) ·
Instructional time
180 days/year, 1000 hours/year
RCW 28A.195.010 (private school instructional hour requirements; 1,000 hours grades 1-12, 450 hours kindergarten, 180 days) ·
Verified against RCW 28A.195, March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Forms and filings
Standard Home-Based Instruction Notice of Intent
Issued by: superintendent of the local school district
When due: September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year
Home-Based Instruction Notice of Intent
Issued by: superintendent of the local school district
When due: September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year
Home-Based Instruction Notice of Intent
Issued by: superintendent of the local school district
When due: September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year
Home-Based Instruction Notice of Intent
Issued by: superintendent of the local school district
When due: September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year
Washington-specific tips
Practical guidancePart-time public school. Washington allows homeschool students to enroll part-time in public school courses. Running Start, the state's dual enrollment program, lets high school students take college courses tuition-free at community and technical colleges. This is a significant benefit, especially for high school families.
Assessment flexibility. The annual assessment has no minimum score for standardized tests. If standardized testing is not a good fit for your child, a certificated teacher evaluation confirming "reasonable progress" is a full alternative. Many families alternate between the two approaches year to year.
Hour tracking. With 1,000 hours required for grades 1 through 12, a simple spreadsheet or daily log is essential. Field trips, library time, music lessons, and sports practice can all count toward your hours. Keep it straightforward — total hours per day by subject area.
IEP and special needs. IEP services end when you withdraw from public school. However, Washington mandates that part-time enrolled homeschool students receive ancillary services (RCW 28A.150.350). If your child enrolls in one or two public school courses through part-time enrollment, they may access speech, OT, or other support services.
Immunization. Washington eliminated the philosophical exemption for MMR vaccination in 2019. Medical and religious exemptions are still available. Other vaccines retain the philosophical exemption.
Explore Washington homeschool guides
How to Start
Step-by-step guide to getting started in Washington
Compliance Checklist
Every requirement in one checklist
Documents & Templates
Forms, letters, and what to file
Deadlines & Calendar
Filing dates and assessment deadlines
Assessment Requirements
Testing rules and what scores mean
High School
Transcripts, diplomas, and college prep
Special Needs
IEP services, therapy access, and rights
Compare with Another State
Side-by-side law comparison for relocating families
Frequently asked questions
How do I start homeschooling in Washington?
To begin homeschooling in Washington, you need to file a simple notice with 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, and submit a withdrawal letter to superintendent of the local school district and the child's current school. Compulsory education applies to ages 8 through 18. The legal basis is RCW 28A.225.010(4)(b); RCW 28A.200.010.
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a simple notice submitted to superintendent of the local school district. The deadline is September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires Standardized test or Teacher evaluation annually.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Washington?
Washington requires instruction in: reading, writing, spelling, language, mathematics, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, art and music appreciation.
Your independent resources
These are the same primary sources we use. You can always read the originals.
State Law
RCW 28A.200.010State DOE
Washington Department of EducationVerified against state statute, March 2026 · What changed · How we verify