Guide to Homeschooling in Washington

Resources

Homeschool Laws and Requirements in

Washington

Home educators must also consider the legal paperwork, required subjects, annual assessments, and minimum days of instruction, among other items. For detailed information about the homeschool requirements in Washington, the Home School Defense Association and Washington State Board of Education both provide thorough guidelines. We also suggest consulting a homeschool association for legal advice if you have any questions or concerns.

RECORD KEEPING

Maintaining detailed records is an important part of homeschooling. In Washington, home educators must keep their students’ annual test scores or assessment reports, immunization records, and other records that relate to their child’s education.

Power Homeschool makes it easy for parents to keep thorough records of each child’s homeschool education. The online program allows homeschoolers to access report cards, track progress, create transcripts, and download coursework samples all through an app.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN WASHINGTON

Every homeschool student must participate in an annual assessment. Standardized tests administered by a qualified person is one method to fulfill this requirement. The Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program is a new standardized test that uses short, computer-based tests. The test assesses reading, math, writing, and science. Homeschoolers can also take nationally normed standardized tests to fulfill the annual assessment requirement.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN WASHINGTON

In Washington, it is up to the homeschool parents to set the qualifications for graduation and issue their own diploma to students. Many home educators will set requirements based on what the students want to do after high school, whether its attend college or explore career opportunities. It is a good idea to research the admissions eligibility requirements for the college that the student want to pursue.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Washington

Having a support system will greatly enhance the homeschool process, and Washington offers plenty of opportunities to meet other homeschoolers in your area. 

Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperatives all exist to enhance home education. Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) is a statewide, membership organization that provide information and support to homeschool families. Membership benefits include free admission to a curriculum event, scholarships, graduation ceremony, and early registration to WHO-sponsored events.

In addition to joining WHO, homeschoolers in Washington have many homeschool support groups and cooperatives to choose from for additional support and ways to meet other families. Homeschool support groups either meet regularly in person or operate solely in an online forum, such as Facebook. Students can also meet other homeschoolers through these support groups. There are many homeschool support groups available in Washington, but a few examples of these homeschool groups include:

• Clark County Home Educators
• Seattle Homeschoolers
• Washington State Secular Homeschoolers
• Tacoma Area Homeschoolers

Homeschool cooperatives, or co-ops, are volunteer-based groups that give homeschoolers opportunities to learn in a group setting alongside peers. Some co-ops are general while other focus on a particular subject, such as STEM. These groups may also be secular or base instruction around religious beliefs. Most of these groups have Facebook pages, so you can find a co-op that fits your family’s needs with a simple Facebook search. WHO also offers a long list of homeschool support groups and co-ops in Washington separated by counties.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

• Olympic Hot Springs in Port Angeles: Found within Olympic National Park, learning about these hot springs will be a great way to see geology lessons come to life.
• Space Needle in Seattle: This field trip is a must for all Washington homeschools. The landmark is over 600 feet tall and features a revolving glass floor and views of downtown and Mount Rainier.
• Pacific Science Center in Seattle: With a planetarium, laser dome, and plenty of interactive exhibits, this science center is sure to be fun for the whole family. Educational programs and special events are also available for more learning fun.
• Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale: Home to a range of rotating and permanent exhibitions, this museum is a perfect way for homeschoolers to explore their creative side and learn about world-renowned artists.
• Yakima Valley Museum in Yakima: Explore the region’s culture and history with various exhibits, hands-on activities, guided tours, and summer camps. Exhibits hold collections of artifacts, such as art, agricultural equipment, costumes, geology, and much, much more!
• Northwest Museum in Spokane: Homeschoolers can explore the art, history, and culture or the region through galleries and group tours. Day camps are also available for students of various ages.
• Washington State Capitol in Olympia: Learn about Washington’s government, history, and culture by touring the campus grounds, monuments, and Governor’s Mansion.