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.
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.