Washington homeschool families file an annual declaration of intent with the local school district, follow the home-based-instruction statute's subject and qualification requirements, and complete an annual standardized test or assessment.
Legal framework
Home-based instruction is governed by RCW 28A.225.010 and RCW 28A.200. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction publishes current guidance and forms.
Notification & registration
Parents file an annual Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction with the local school district by September 15 (or within two weeks of starting if beginning mid-year).
Recordkeeping
Washington requires the parent to be qualified under one of the statute's options (45 college quarter credits, completion of a parent qualifying course, meeting with a certified teacher, or being deemed sufficiently qualified by the superintendent), to teach the required subjects, and to administer either a standardized test or an annual assessment by a certified person. Records are kept by the parent.
Graduation requirements
Washington does not prescribe specific high school graduation requirements for home-based instruction. The parent determines completion. Aligning the transcript with Washington public high school graduation requirements is a useful reference.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home-based instruction program issues the diploma in the name of the family's program.
College & military recognition
University of Washington, Washington State, the Washington regional comprehensive universities, and the Washington community and technical colleges admit home-based instruction graduates routinely. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.