Washington Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Washington State, homeschooling is recognized as a legal alternative to public or private schooling, governed primarily by the Home-Based Instruction (HBI) law.

1. Parent Qualifications

Parents must meet at least one of the following criteria to provide home-based instruction:

  • Have earned 45 quarter units of college-level credit.
  • Complete a Parent Qualifying Course.
  • Work with a certified teacher who meets with the student on average one hour per week.
  • Be deemed sufficiently qualified by the superintendent of the local school district.

2. Declaration of Intent

Annually, by September 15 or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester, parents must file a signed Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction with their local school district superintendent. This declaration should include the child's name and age and specify which qualification the parent meets.

3. Instructional Requirements

Parents are required to provide instruction in the following subjects:

  • Occupational education
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Language
  • Mathematics
  • Social studies
  • History
  • Science
  • Health
  • Art and music appreciation

Instruction must be provided for a minimum of 180 days per year or an average of 1,000 hours.

4. Annual Assessment

Each year, homeschooled students must undergo an assessment to evaluate academic progress.

  • A standardized test approved by the state board, administered by a qualified individual.
  • An evaluation of the student's academic progress by a Washington State certified teacher.

The results of these assessments should be kept as part of the student's permanent records.

5. Recordkeeping

Parents are advised to maintain detailed records of their homeschooling program, including:

  • Instructional materials used.
  • Attendance records.
  • Assessment results.
  • Immunization records.

These records are essential for future educational transitions or if questions arise regarding the home-based instruction program.

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