In Washington state,
parents are the ones who determine
when, where, and how their children
between the ages of 8-18
are to be educated.
They can choose public school, private school or to home school.
Home-based education is legal in Washington.
parents are the ones who determine
when, where, and how their children
between the ages of 8-18
are to be educated.
They can choose public school, private school or to home school.
Home-based education is legal in Washington.
There are three main provisions concerning home schooling:
1. A parent must be instructing his or her child only and be qualified to home school in one of these ways:
a. By earning 45 college credits or the equivalent in semester credits.
b. By taking a course in home-based instruction through a post-secondary institution or technical institute (commonly called a parent qualifying course).
c. By being supervised by a certificated teacher. They plan objectives with the parents, meet at least an annual average of one hour per week with the student, and evaluate the student's progress.
d. By being deemed sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction by the superintendent of the local school district in which the child resides.
2. File annually a signed declaration of intent to home school. It should be filed with the superintendent's office of the local school where they reside. The Declaration of Intent is to inform the school that the parent is planning to provide home-based instruction. Forms are available at the Superintendent's office. In some districts it can be filed online. Fill out the form and turn it in by September 15, or within two weeks of the beginning of any quarter, semester, or trimester. Keep a copy for your own records.
3. Ensure that students are given a standardized test or individual assessment of academic progress. These records are kept on file by the parent. In Washington, parents have the option of a standardized achievement test or a non-test assessment.
For a more detailed explanation and additional information, you can find Washington State's Laws Regulating Home-based Instruction here: