Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in Washington: Requirements, Records & How to Get Started
Everything Washington families need to homeschool with confidence — the annual declaration and yearly assessment in plain English, plus the records to keep it easy.
Washington homeschool law, summarized
Washington asks for an annual declaration and a yearly assessment
What Washington actually requires
Washington requires an annual declaration of intent to homeschool, filed with your local district by September 15 or within two weeks of starting a program. The teaching parent meets one qualification standard — completing 45 college quarter credits, finishing a course for parents, working under a certified teacher’s supervision, or being deemed qualified by the superintendent.
Each year your child takes a nationally normed standardized test, or receives a written assessment from a Washington-certified teacher. You keep those results and your academic records rather than submitting them. You also teach eleven required subject areas — reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, and art and music appreciation.
Official Washington resources
Always confirm current rules directly with the state. These are the authoritative sources:
OSPI — Home-Based Instruction ospi.k12.wa.us ↗HSLDA — Washington Homeschool Laws hslda.org ↗
The records smart Washington families keep
Washington’s yearly assessment is easiest when your records are already organized. Homeschool Reports keeps report cards and results ready.
Washington homeschool requirements, explained
The full walkthrough – what you file, what Washington doesn’t require, and the records worth keeping.
Generate Washington-ready records without the busywork
Enter your students once and produce report cards, attendance logs, and transcripts whenever Washington asks — no spreadsheets, no formatting headaches.
Choosing a Washington homeschool curriculum
Washington names eleven subject areas but lets you choose the curriculum. Keeping a simple record of what you cover makes your annual assessment and report cards easy to produce.
Common questions about homeschooling in Washington
How do I start homeschooling in Washington?
File a declaration of intent with your local district by September 15 (or within two weeks of starting). You also meet one parent-qualification standard.
Does Washington require testing?
Yes — each year your child takes a nationally normed standardized test or receives a written assessment from a Washington-certified teacher. You keep the results; they are not submitted.
Who can homeschool in Washington?
A parent qualifies by earning 45 college quarter credits, completing a course for parents, being supervised by a certified teacher, or being deemed qualified by the superintendent.
Can my homeschooled student get a diploma in Washington?
Yes. As the parent you can issue report cards, a transcript, and a diploma. Homeschool Reports generates professional versions of each.
Start homeschooling Washington with confidence
Keep assessment-ready report cards and records without the busywork — starting free, no credit card required.