Homeschool Owl

Washington Homeschool Requirements

Moderate Regulation

Washington requires annual notification and an annual assessment (RCW 28A.225.010, 28A.200.010, 28A.195.010). Instructional time is set at 1,000 hours/year for grades 1–12 (450 for kindergarten), about 167 days at 6 hours/day, shown here, not the 180-day figure that circulates informally; the statutory unit is hours.

167

days/year

Required

notification

Required

testing

Public schools in Washington typically start school on Sep 2, 2026. Each district sets its own date, so yours may differ.

Ready to start? See the step-by-step guide to withdrawing your child and homeschooling in Washington.Get started →

Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: September 15 annually, or within 2 weeks of the start of a public-school quarter/trimester/semester if starting mid-year

Testing

Required

Frequency: annual — a state-approved standardized test, or an annual assessment by a certificated person (parent's choice)

Required Subjects

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Language
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • History
  • Health
  • Occupational Education
  • Art and Music Appreciation

Instructional Days Required

167days per year

Report Frequency

annual (declaration refiled every year); assessment results are kept in the permanent record and submitted only if requested

Submission Method

local resident district superintendent (or an accepting nonresident district) — district-specific

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

September 15 annually, or within 2 weeks of the start of a public-school quarter/trimester/semester if starting mid-year

Testing Requirement

annual — a state-approved standardized test, or an annual assessment by a certificated person (parent's choice)

Report Due

annual (declaration refiled every year); assessment results are kept in the permanent record and submitted only if requested

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in Washington?+
Washington requires annual notification and an annual assessment (RCW 28A.225.010, 28A.200.010, 28A.195.010). Instructional time is set at 1,000 hours/year for grades 1–12 (450 for kindergarten), about 167 days at 6 hours/day, shown here, not the 180-day figure that circulates informally; the statutory unit is hours.
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in Washington?+
Washington requires 167 instructional days per year for homeschooling families.
Does Washington require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, Washington requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is September 15 annually, or within 2 weeks of the start of a public-school quarter/trimester/semester if starting mid-year.
Does Washington require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
Yes, Washington requires testing for homeschool students. Testing frequency: annual — a state-approved standardized test, or an annual assessment by a certificated person (parent's choice).
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Washington?+
Washington requires the following subjects to be taught: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, History, Health, Occupational Education, Art and Music Appreciation.
How to start homeschooling in Washington →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

Track Washington compliance automatically

Log instructional days, monitor your progress toward 167 days, and generate Washington compliance reports with Homeschool Owl.

Get started free

Embed this badge

Writing about Washington's homeschool laws? Embed this badge to link readers to the current, dated requirement, it updates automatically if anything changes.

Washington homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
<a href="https://homeschoolowl.com/states/wa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://homeschool-owl-api.daverupe.workers.dev/api/embed/badge/wa.svg" width="320" height="100" alt="Washington homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl" /></a>