Homeschooling in Washington: A Detailed Guide for Parents
- Charles Albanese
- Oct 10
- 12 min read
Homeschooling in Washington is becoming more and more popular! According to the Washington Post, homeschooled children have increased by almost 200% in the last six years.
That is because it's a great way to give your child a unique and personalized education. It also allows you to create a learning environment that fits your family's values and lifestyle.
However, homeschooling also comes with its own set of responsibilities. It's important to stay organized and make sure you're following the state's rules and regulations.
This blog post is your guide to homeschooling organization and legal requirements in Washington state. We'll explore the homeschooling laws, discuss how to stay organized and provide you with helpful resources and tips to make your homeschooling journey a success.
To start your homeschooling journey in Washington, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements.
Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in Washington
Homeschooling in Washington is a great way to give your child a unique and personalized education. But it's important to make sure you're following the state's rules and regulations. Here's what you need to know:
1. Parent Qualifications
Showing You're Ready: Washington wants to make sure that homeschooling parents are prepared to teach their children. This is to make sure that children are getting a good education, even if they're not in a traditional school. You'll need to meet one of these requirements:
Have some college credits (about 45 quarter college credits)
Completing a Washington state homeschool parent qualifying course.
Have a certified teacher supervise your homeschooling
Get approval from the local school district
2. What to Teach
Important Subjects: You'll need to teach your child certain subjects, like math, science, reading, writing, and art. These are the basic subjects that all children need to learn, no matter where they go to school.
3. Telling the School
Declaration of Intent: You'll need to let your local school district know that you're homeschooling by filing a "Declaration of Intent." This is a simple form that tells the school district your child's name, age, and that you'll be homeschooling them.
You'll need to do this every year by September 15th or within two weeks of starting your homeschool.
4. Getting Help and Staying Informed
Resources and Support: There are many resources available to help you with homeschooling in Washington. You can find information and support from the Washington State Board of Education, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), and the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO).
These organizations can help you understand the homeschooling laws, find curriculum and materials, and connect with other homeschooling families.
Dual Enrollment: You can also choose to homeschool your child part-time and enroll them in public school for certain subjects or activities. This is called dual enrollment. It can be a good option if you want your child to have some of the benefits of both homeschooling and public school.
By understanding and following these requirements, you can homeschool your child in Washington with confidence!
If you're considering homeschooling in Washington or any other state, it's helpful to know how it compares to other areas. For a broader view of the best states for homeschooling, check out our comprehensive guide on the top states for homeschooling across the US.
Now that you’re familiar with the legal framework, let’s dive into the key subjects and teaching methods for homeschooling in Washington.
Curriculum and Teaching Standards for Homeschooling in Washington
One of the great things about homeschooling in Washington is that you have a lot of flexibility in what you teach and how you teach it! You get to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child and your family.
1. Subjects to Cover
Important Subjects: Washington wants to make sure that homeschoolers are learning important things. Therefore, there are some subjects that you need to include in your homeschooling. That includes reading, writing, math, science, history, health, art, and music.
But you get to decide how to teach those subjects and how much time to spend on each one.
Want a homeschool curriculum that's as unique as your child?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a refreshing approach to education with its American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). It's designed to spark curiosity, develop creativity, and help children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Here's what makes the AEC special:
Child-centered learning: The AEC follows your child's lead, adapting to their interests and needs. This means you can create a learning experience that is truly personalized for your child, focusing on the things they love and are curious about.
Hands-on exploration: The AEC is packed with activities and projects that let your child learn by doing things, not just by reading or listening. They'll get to build things, create art, do experiments, and explore the world around them in a fun and exciting way.
Interconnected learning: The AEC combines different subjects, like math and science, into one big learning adventure. This helps children see how everything is connected and makes learning more interesting and meaningful.
Real-world connections: The AEC brings learning to life by connecting it to things your child already knows and experiences. This might involve cooking a recipe to learn about fractions or building a birdhouse to learn about measurement.
Ready to give your child a learning experience they'll love?
2. Homeschooling Hours
How Much to Teach: You'll need to homeschool for at least 1,000 hours each year. This might seem like a lot, but it includes all the time you spend teaching, doing activities, and even going on field trips.
You don't have to follow the same schedule as the public schools, so you can homeschool on weekends or in the evenings.
3. Teaching Styles
Finding What Works for You: You can choose a teaching style that works best for your child and your family. Some families like to follow a structured curriculum with textbooks and worksheets.
Others prefer a more relaxed approach where children learn through play and exploration. You can even combine different approaches to create a homeschooling experience that's just right for your child.
4. Creative Learning
Connecting the Dots: You can find fun and creative ways to teach different subjects together. For example, if your child is learning about the American Revolution in history, they could write a story about it.
They could also draw pictures of the events and even create a timeline or map to show where it all happened.
5. Getting Extra Help
Learning with Others: If you want some extra help teaching certain subjects, you can join a homeschool co-op or enroll your child in some classes at the public school. This can give your child a chance to learn from other teachers and interact with other students.
Homeschooling in Washington gives you the freedom to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child!
Monitoring progress is a vital part of homeschooling. We’re going to talk about it next.
Record-Keeping and Assessments to Homeschool in Washington
Keeping track of your child's progress is an important part of homeschooling. Here's what you need to know about record-keeping and assessments in Washington:
1. Keeping Records
Creating a Portfolio: You'll want to keep a collection of your child's work, like writing samples, artwork, and projects. This is called a portfolio, and it's a great way to show what your child has learned and how they've grown.
Tracking Activities: You should also keep track of other learning activities, like field trips, volunteer work, and any clubs or sports your child participates in.
High School Records: If your child is in middle school or high school, you'll want to keep more detailed records, like course descriptions and grades. This will help you create a transcript for them when they graduate.
Want to keep track of your child's learning in a fun and easy way?
Transparent Classroom, a tool by The School House Anywhere (TSHA), can help! It's a simple and intuitive online platform that lets you record assignments, track grades, and create beautiful portfolios of your child's work. You can even upload photos and videos to capture special moments and milestones!
2. Annual Assessments
Checking Progress: Washington wants to make sure that homeschoolers are making progress in their learning. You have two options for assessing your child's progress each year:
Standardized Tests: These are tests that are given to many children across the state. You can have your child take one of these tests at home or through a homeschooling group.
Portfolio Review: You can also have a certified teacher review your child's portfolio and give you feedback on their progress.
3. Making Adjustments
Helping Your Child Succeed: If your child's assessments show that they're struggling in a certain area, you'll want to find ways to help them catch up. This might mean spending more time on that subject, finding different learning materials, or even getting help from a tutor.
By keeping good records and doing annual assessments, you can ensure your child is getting a great education and that you're meeting Washington's homeschooling requirements.
With your systems in place, finding support through communities and tools can make all the difference.
Support and Resources for Homeschooling in Washington
Homeschooling can be an amazing adventure, but it's even better when you have a supportive community and helpful resources to guide you along the way. Here in Washington, homeschooling families have access to a wealth of support and resources, both online and in person.
1. Co-ops and Community Programs
Learning Together: Co-ops are groups of homeschooling families who come together to share teaching responsibilities, resources, and ideas. They might organize field trips, classes, or even just regular park days where kids can socialize and learn together. This can be a great way to connect with other homeschooling families and get support with curriculum or teaching challenges.
It also gives your child a chance to learn and socialize with other kids. Some co-ops even offer classes taught by parents or expert instructors, providing specialized instruction in subjects like science, art, or music.
2. Online Resources
Information at Your Fingertips: There are tons of helpful websites and online communities for homeschoolers in Washington. You can find up-to-date information about homeschooling laws, curriculum options, and local events.
You can also connect with other homeschooling families online to share ideas, ask questions, and get support.
3. Virtual Learning and Educational Software
Learning Beyond the Books: Online learning platforms and educational software have become really important for homeschooling, especially with all the changes that happened during the pandemic.
These tools give you and your child access to a huge variety of learning resources, from interactive lessons and videos to educational games and simulations. This can make learning more fun and engaging for your child, and it can also give you more flexibility in your homeschooling.
4. Local Libraries
More Than Just Books: Your local library is a treasure trove of resources for homeschoolers! Many libraries offer special programs for homeschooling families, like book clubs, workshops, and even classes.
They also have a huge selection of books, movies, and other materials that you can use in your homeschooling. And don't forget about the quiet study spaces and helpful librarians!
Want to connect with a supportive community of homeschoolers?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) has a vibrant online community where you can connect with other homeschooling families, share ideas, and find support and encouragement. It's like having a whole team of homeschooling experts and friends cheering you on!
Here's how the TSHA community can support you:
Connect with other homeschoolers: Share your experiences, ask questions, and get advice from other parents who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling.
Learn from experts: Participate in online discussions and Q&A sessions with experienced educators and homeschooling parents.
Find resources and support: Discover helpful resources, get recommendations for curriculum and materials, and find support for your homeschooling journey.
Ready to join a community of caring and supportive homeschoolers?
By taking advantage of these resources and connecting with other homeschooling families, you can create a rich and supportive learning environment for your child.
The Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) can be a key resource to support your homeschooling path.
Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO): Your Homeschooling Partner
It's important to have support and resources to help you in homeschooling your kid. The Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) is a great resource for homeschooling families in Washington state.
Here are some of the ways WHO can help:
1. Support Network
WHO has a big network of homeschooling families across the state. They organize events, like the Washington State Homeschool Convention, where you can meet other homeschoolers, share ideas, and learn new things.
They also have online forums and social media groups where you can connect with other families and get advice and support whenever you need it.
2. Curriculum Guidance
Choosing the right curriculum can be tough! There are so many different options out there. It can be hard to know which one is right for your child. WHO can help you find the right materials for your child's age and learning style. They offer advice and resources to help you make the best choices for your child's education.
3. Legal Help
WHO keeps homeschoolers up-to-date on any changes to homeschooling laws in Washington. Laws can sometimes be confusing, and it's important to make sure you're following all the rules. They also help protect your right to homeschool and make sure you understand the rules and regulations.
4. Making Homeschooling Affordable
Homeschooling can sometimes be expensive, especially if you're buying a lot of curriculum and materials. WHO members get discounts on homeschooling resources, events, and services. This can help you save money and make homeschooling more affordable for your family.
5. Learning New Things
WHO offers workshops and webinars throughout the year on different homeschooling topics, like teaching methods and record-keeping. These can help you improve your teaching skills and learn new ways to help your child succeed.
They also organize fun events and field trips for homeschooling families. This can be a great way for your child to learn and socialize with other homeschoolers.
If you're homeschooling in Washington, WHO is a great resource to have in your corner!
While homeschooling offers many rewards, it does come with its challenges.
Homeschooling in Washington: Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Homeschooling in Washington can be a wonderful experience, but it's also important to be aware of some of the challenges you might face. But don't worry, there are ways to overcome those challenges and make homeschooling a success for your family.
1. Socialization
Finding Friends: One of the challenges of homeschooling is making sure your child has enough opportunities to make friends and socialize with other kids. Since they're not in a traditional school setting, they might not see as many other children on a regular basis.
But there are lots of ways to help your child connect with others! You can join homeschooling groups, participate in community activities, or even just arrange playdates with other families.
2. Scheduling
Finding the Time: It can be tricky to fit homeschooling into your busy schedule, especially if you work or have other commitments. You might need to be creative with your time management and find ways to make homeschooling work for your family.
This might involve homeschooling on weekends, in the evenings, or even during the summer.
3. Different Learning Needs
Meeting Your Child's Needs: Every child learns differently, and it's important to make sure your homeschooling approach is meeting your child's individual needs. This might involve finding different ways to teach certain subjects, using different materials, or even adjusting the pace of learning.
If your child has special needs, you might need to find extra resources or support to help them succeed.
4. Homeschooling Multiple Children
Finding the Balance: If you're homeschooling more than one child, it can be challenging to meet everyone's needs at the same time. You might need to get creative with your scheduling and find ways to teach different children at different levels. It's also important to be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as needed.
To help you manage your homeschooling schedule effectively, it’s important to understand how many hours are typically needed for each grade level. If you’re unsure about how much time to allocate for your child’s studies, you can check out this helpful guide on Homeschool Hours by Grade: A Guide for Parents to get a clearer picture.
Homeschooling in Washington gives you the flexibility to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child. However, it's important to be prepared for the challenges that might come along.
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling in Washington can be an amazing adventure for you and your child! It’s a chance to customize learning for your child’s needs and interests. It also gives you the freedom to explore and learn as a family.
But homeschooling also comes with responsibilities. It's important to stay organized, keep good records, and make sure you're following Washington's homeschooling laws. This might seem a bit daunting at first, but there are many resources and support systems available to help you.
By staying organized and informed, you can create a homeschooling experience that is both rewarding and fulfilling for your child.
Want to homeschool in Washington with confidence and joy?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a variety of resources and support to help you create a fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Here's how TSHA can help:
Understanding the law: We provide resources and guidance on homeschooling laws and regulations in different states, including Washington, so you can be sure you're meeting all the requirements.
Curriculum and lesson plans: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your child's needs and interests.
Expert support: Our team of experienced educators is here to provide answers to your questions and offer support as you go through your homeschooling journey.
Supportive community: Become a part of our vibrant online community where you can connect with other homeschooling families. Exchange experiences, seek advice, and get support from like-minded individuals.
Affordable and accessible: We believe every child deserves access to a quality education. That’s why we provide flexible payment options and scholarships to make it more affordable.
Ready to embark on your homeschooling adventure with confidence?
Comments