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Homeschool laws · Washington

How to homeschool in Washington

Compulsory attendance starts at 8 in Washington.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Washington. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Washington requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A declaration of intent to the local superintendent every year by September 15 (or within two weeks of the start of a term).

Minimum school time

180 days, or an average of 1,000 hours a year.

Required subjects

Occupational education, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and art and music appreciation.

Parent qualifications

One of: supervision by a certificated teacher, 45 college quarter credits, a home-based education course, or superintendent approval.

Testing or evaluation

An annual standardized test or an evaluation by a certificated person. Results stay at home in the permanent record.

Records to keep

Test or evaluation results as part of the permanent record.

Compulsory school ages

8–18

Legal ways to homeschool in Washington

  • Homeschool statute
  • Extension program of a private school

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A declaration of intent to the local superintendent every year by September 15 (or within two weeks of the start of a term).

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 180 school days

    180 days, or an average of 1,000 hours a year. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 180 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Washington asks for: test or evaluation results as part of the permanent record. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    An annual standardized test or an evaluation by a certificated person. Results stay at home in the permanent record.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Washington homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Washington?

A declaration of intent to the local superintendent every year by September 15 (or within two weeks of the start of a term).

How many days do you have to homeschool in Washington?

180 days, or an average of 1,000 hours a year.

What subjects are required in Washington?

Occupational education, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and art and music appreciation.

Does Washington require testing for homeschoolers?

An annual standardized test or an evaluation by a certificated person. Results stay at home in the permanent record.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Washington?

One of: supervision by a certificated teacher, 45 college quarter credits, a home-based education course, or superintendent approval.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Washington and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states