File the declaration each school year
Washington OSPI says a parent providing home-based instruction must file a signed declaration of intent annually. It is due by September 15 or within two weeks of the beginning of a public-school quarter, trimester, or semester, and is filed with the appropriate district superintendent.
Keep the annual test or assessment
State law requires either an approved standardized achievement test administered by a qualified person or a written annual academic-progress assessment from a certificated person currently working in education. The result must be placed in the child’s permanent records.
Build one permanent family file
- A copy of each annual declaration of intent
- Annual test results or written progress assessments
- Immunization records
- A dated attendance or learning log
- Course and curriculum lists
- Representative work samples, grades, and progress notes
- A running transcript and credit record for high school
Records matter when a student transfers
RCW 28A.200.010 says test or assessment results, immunization records, and other kept instructional records must be forwarded when the child transfers to another public or private school. The receiving public school may review those records and require testing when deciding placement.
Source date and scope
This summary was checked against Washington OSPI and the Revised Code of Washington on September 17, 2026. It is educational information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with OSPI and your district before acting.