Homeschool Laws in Washington
Parents who choose to homeschool in Washington are required to file an annual notice of intent with the superintendent of their local school district. This notice must be submitted each school year, and it applies to parents who are removing a child from public school enrollment or who are beginning home-based instruction for the first time. The filing obligation rests with the parent or guardian responsible for the child's education, and it is directed to the district in which the family resides.
Washington law requires that home-based instruction consist of planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities, including a curriculum and instruction in the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and related development areas. Assessment of student progress is required, and parents may choose from several approved options to satisfy this requirement. Regarding parent qualifications, Washington law does impose requirements on the supervising parent or guardian, meaning not every adult may legally provide home-based instruction without meeting certain conditions established under state education law.
Homeschool statutes are subject to amendment by state legislatures, with most changes taking effect on July 1 of a given year. Accordingly, families should confirm the current requirements directly with the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction or their local school district to ensure they are relying on the most up-to-date version of the law. This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Requirement details
| Required subjects | Instruction must consist of “planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities, including a curriculum and instruction in the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and the development |
|---|---|
| Parent qualifications | required_see_detail |
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Not legal advice. This page summarizes Washington law in plain English, verified as of June 2026 against the cited statutes. Legislatures amend homeschool law (most changes take effect July 1) — confirm current requirements with the state department of education or a licensed attorney before acting. How we verify this.