Do you have to register or file a notice of intent to homeschool in Washington?

Yes. Families in Washington need to send a notice of intent (or an equivalent form) before or shortly after they start homeschooling. File a declaration of intent with your local school superintendent by September 15. 1,000 hours — or 180 days — per year for grades 1–12. Annual assessment.

Does Washington require standardized testing for homeschoolers?

Yes. Washington requires periodic standardized testing or an approved annual assessment for homeschooled students.

How many days or hours of instruction does Washington require?

Washington sets a minimum of 1,000 instructional hours per year.

What records should you keep to homeschool in Washington?

For Washington, Romeschool tracks hour tracking, assessment reminders, filing reminders. so your records stay current and audit-ready.

Homeschooling in Washington

Q: Is homeschooling legal in Washington?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Washington and in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. File a declaration of intent with your local school superintendent by September 15. 1,000 hours — or 180 days — per year for grades 1–12. Annual assessment.

File a declaration of intent with your local school superintendent by September 15. 1,000 hours — or 180 days — per year for grades 1–12. Annual assessment.

Moderate regulationNotice of Intent requiredHour trackingAnnual testing

What Washington requires

File declaration of intent

File by September 15 (or within 2 weeks of a quarter start for mid-year starts). Re-file annually.

Official resource →

Provide 1,000 hours (or 180 days)

Provide instruction equal to the public-school annual program — 1,000 hours OR 180 days per year for grades 1–12 (450 hours for kindergarten) under RCW 28A.200.010. You choose whichever you track; you're not required to report hours to anyone — keep your own records. The '2,700 hours' figure sometimes cited is not in Washington law.

Annual assessment

State Board-approved standardized test administered by a qualified individual, or a written annual assessment by a Washington-certified teacher. Keep results on file.

What Romeschool tracks for you: Hour tracking, assessment reminders, filing reminders.

Generate your Washington Notice of Intent →Washington funding & ESAs Find field trips in Washington