Please note, this is not intended as legal advice. This is for informational purposes only and should you choose to Homeschool in Washington then you need to double check the Washington Department of Education website for current regulations.
There are two options for families looking to homeschool in Washington state.
- Option 1: Homeschooling under the Home-Based Instruction Law
- Meet qualifications to homeschool (4 ways to do this)
- Have earned 45 quarter units of college level credit
- Be willing to meet with a state certified teacher for at least one hour weekly
- Receive approval as an eligible home-based instructor from the local school superintendent
- Complete a Washington State homeschool parent qualifying course
- File notice of intent
- Must be submitted annually with your district’s superintendent by September 15 or within 2 weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester.
- Must include the name and age of your child and specify which qualification to homeschool is met.
- Teach all the required subjects
- Must teach occupational education, reading, writing, spelling, language, math, social studies, history, science, health and art and music appreciation.
- Teach a minimum of 180 days per year (or average of 1,000 hours)
- Student must participate in one of the following types of annual assessments
- Standardized test approved by the state board administered by a qualified person
- Washington state certified teacher evaluation of child’s academic progress
- Keep proper records
- Meet qualifications to homeschool (4 ways to do this)
- Option 2: Homeschooling under a private school extension program
- Enroll in an approved private school that offers an extension program
- Comply with requirements of that school’s extension program.
The best way to stay on top of changes in homeschool regulations is to connect with other local homeschoolers in Washington.
Washington (State) Secular Homeschool Groups
Awesome Vancouver WA Secular Homeschoolers
“An inclusive, secular group of homeschooling friends in the Vancouver, WA/Clark County metro area who get together for field trips and other fun events.”
Burien and Beyond, Secular Homeschool and Unschool
A group for local-ish adventures.
K.A.S.H. of Clark County WA (Kick Ass Secular Homeschoolers)
“Many if not most of are Atheist/Agnostic, however we welcome all. However, being that we are secular, that means we view all religion as myths, not as fact. We are science based, so please no religious posts unless it relates to the study/comparison of religions, not as worship.”
“An *all-inclusive group of SECULAR Homeschoolers in Kitsap County, WA.”
Lewis-Clark Valley Secular Homeschoolers
“Lewis-Clark Valley Secular Homeschoolers is a group for local homeschoolers in and around the Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho region.”
North Kitsap Homeschool Community
“North Kitsap Homeschool Co-op is a secular group that meets weekly in Kitsap County.”
“This group a secular (non-religious), but totally inclusive, homeschooling group.”
“SHG is an inclusive community of Seattle-area homeschooling families supporting each other through resources, events, and online discussion.”
Sequim Secular Homeschool Co-op
“A Secular Homeschooling Co-op for families to play, learn and grow together. Grades k-12 (ages 5 to 18). We will do projects, and field trips.”
“ A comfortable and safe place for secular homeschoolers to discuss ideas and curriculum.”
Washington State Secular Homeschoolers
“This group is for residents of Washington State who are homeschooling or unschooling without a religious focus in their homeschool. “
