The Homeschool Law

Currently, all states have passed homeschooling laws. Some states have more regulations than others.  Where does Washington State rank?  Due to the many requirements in our law such as parental qualifications, annual registration with the school district, mandatory testing/assessment, and record keeping,  Washington State ranks in the top twelve for most regulated states (source Home School Legal Defense Association).  This may come as a surprise to some.  Nine states require no reporting at all.

There is no evidence that homeschooling success or freedom is linked to government regulations.  However, to the benefit of homeschoolers state laws make it is clear what is homeschooling and what is not.

We encourage home educators to become familiar with our state law and to know their rights. 

This information is not meant to be used for legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer or Home School Legal Defense Association at www.HSLDA.org or you can call them at 540-338-5600.

Option I: Independent Homeschooling

Option II: Homeschooling under Private School Extension Programs

Overview of the Homwschool Laws


NOTE: Children enrolled in  public school programs such as on-line programs, virtual schools, independent study programs, alternative learning programs, or parent partnership programs are considered full time public school students and do not come under the home-based instruction law. Enrollment in these secular programs is enrollment in public school. This allows the public school to have authority over the student to impose state assessments (WASL), district/state approved curriculum, and supervision of the student-learning plan by a state employee or school district. CHN supports families whose education is primarily administered and controlled by parents privately.