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Washington · Some paperwork
Washington asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Washington's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Washington asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Annual Declaration of Intent filed with local school district by September 15 (or within 2 weeks of school year start). Required only if child was previously enrolled in public school and is age 8+. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility.
Cover the subjects the state names
Washington names 11 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Washington does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the yearly assessment early
Washington asks for an assessment each year. You can choose from: Annual standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education (administered by a qualified person); Annual written assessment of academic progress by a Washington State certificated teacher currently working in the field of education. Deciding in the autumn which route you will take saves a scramble in the spring.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Washington education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Washington?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Washington. Washington has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can track your compliance automatically.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Annual Declaration of Intent filed with local school district by September 15 (or within 2 weeks of school year start). Required only if child was previously enrolled in public school and is age 8+.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in Washington?
Washington requires 1,000 hours a year.
What subjects are required by law in Washington?
Washington requires instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, History, Health, Occupational Education, Art and Music Appreciation.
Does Washington require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. Washington requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Annual standardized achievement test approved by the State Board of Education (administered by a qualified person), Annual written assessment of academic progress by a Washington State certificated teacher currently working in the field of education.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Washington?
Washington has teacher qualification requirements: Parent/instructor must meet one of four qualifications: (1) earned at least 45 quarter college credits (or semester equivalent); (2) meet with a Washington State certificated teacher for at least 1 hour per week (supervised instruction); (3) receive approval from the local school superintendent; or (4) complete a Washington State-approved homeschool parent qualifying course. (RCW 28A.200.010)
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Washington?
Yes. Washington has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Rule 18.6.3 deems homeschoolers to be 'regular members' of their local public school for extracurricular purposes. Homeschool students must meet all WIAA eligibility requirements and file an annual WIAA Rule 18.6.3 form with the principal's office. Annual Declaration of Intent filing with the district establishes eligibility.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Washington has one of the more detailed homeschool frameworks in the West. Key requirements: (1) annual Declaration of Intent by September 15 (for children previously enrolled in public school, age 8+); (2) 1,000 instruction hours/year covering 11 mandated subjects; (3) annual assessment by approved test or certificated evaluator; (4) instructor must meet one of four qualification criteria (45 college credits, weekly certified teacher supervision, superintendent approval, or qualifying course). Running Start dual enrollment program is a major benefit for high schoolers.
Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility — washhomeschool.org. Checked March 2026.
Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Washington's requirements and ignore the rest.
This page was written from Washington's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); local school district for Declaration of Intent and eligibility. This is information for families, not legal advice.