WAModerate Regulation

Homeschooling in Washington

Washington requires an annual declaration of intent, instruction by qualified parent, required subjects, and annual assessment.

Washington Homeschool Laws & Regulations

Washington has moderate homeschool regulations that strike a balance between accountability and parental freedom. Families need to stay on top of certain administrative requirements, but with the right curriculum platform these are straightforward to manage.

To begin homeschooling in Washington, you must file a notice of intent with the Local school district superintendent by september 15 or within two weeks of starting mid-year. File a declaration of intent with the superintendent by September 15 annually. Include child's name, age, address, and whether you meet qualification requirements.

The state requires instruction in specific subjects including Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History and 4 more. Our 100% online Montessori Homeschool platform covers all of these through 8,100+ structured daily lessons that integrate practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, science, geography, and cultural studies — the hallmarks of an authentic Montessori education.

Attendance tracking is required in Washington: 180 days per year. With Montessori Homeschool, every lesson is timestamped and logged automatically, making it simple to demonstrate compliance at year-end or during any review.

Washington requires an annual assessment: Annual assessment: standardized test, evaluation by certified teacher, or other approved method. Students must meet the following standard: demonstrate reasonable progress — no specific percentile. Our structured curriculum and progress tracking help ensure your child is well-prepared when assessment time arrives.

Washington requires parents to meet specific qualifications before homeschooling: Parent must have 45 college quarter credits, complete a parent qualifying course, or meet superintendent approval. The fastest path is to complete a parent qualifying course. Montessori Homeschool provides step-by-step guidance for meeting your state's parent qualification requirements.

The Montessori approach is a natural fit for homeschooling in Washington. Rather than rigid textbook learning, children work with hands-on materials at their own pace — developing concentration, independence, and a genuine love of learning. Montessori Homeschool brings this approach into your home with a 100% online platform featuring daily lesson plans, printable materials, parent guides, and built-in compliance tools designed specifically for Washington families.

Washington Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

📋Required

Notice of Intent

Declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction. Due: By September 15 or within two weeks of starting mid-year

📅Required

Attendance Tracking

180 days with approximately 1,000 total hours per year

📚Required

Required Subjects

Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, History, Health, Occupational education, Art, Music appreciation

📝Not Required

Quarterly Reports

No quarterly reports required

📊Required

Annual Assessment

Annual assessment: standardized test, evaluation by certified teacher, or other approved method

📁Not Required

Portfolio

No portfolio required

🎓Required

Parent Qualification

Parent must have 45 college quarter credits, complete a parent qualifying course, or meet superintendent approval

How to Start Homeschooling in Washington

  1. 1

    File annual declaration of intent by September 15

  2. 2

    Parent must be instructed by a certified teacher, have taken a home education course, or be deemed qualified by the superintendent

  3. 3

    Alternatively, parent can have 45 college credits or use a curriculum approved by the superintendent

  4. 4

    Teach all required subjects

  5. 5

    Provide an annual assessment of progress

  6. 6

    Retain assessment results (not automatically submitted)

Important Deadlines

  • File declaration of intent: By September 15 each year
  • Annual assessment: By end of school year

How to Qualify as a Homeschool Parent in Washington

Parent must have 45 college quarter credits, complete a parent qualifying course, or meet superintendent approval. Choose the pathway that works best for you:

Recommended

Complete a Parent Qualifying Course

2-hour online course covering WA home-based instruction requirements

Cost: $90Duration: 2 hoursFormat: Online, self-paced

Provider: Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO)

Learn More

45 college quarter credits

Any 45 quarter credits (30 semester) from an accredited institution — check existing transcripts

Cost: Free if already completedFormat: Transcript review

Family Academy Online Course

20-hour course covering teaching fundamentals and WA homeschool law

Cost: $140Duration: 20 hoursFormat: Online, self-paced

Provider: Family Academy

Learn More

How Montessori Homeschool Helps Washington Families

Stay Compliant Without the Stress

  • All required subjects mapped to daily lessons automatically
  • Progress reports you can export for quarterly or annual reviews
  • Attendance hours tracked and logged per subject area
  • Portfolio-ready: every completed lesson is timestamped and recorded
  • Step-by-step compliance guidance for your specific state

Homeschool Guides for Nearby States

Ready to Homeschool in Washington?

8,100+ daily Montessori lessons. State compliance tools. Parent guides. Printable materials. Everything you need to homeschool with confidence.