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.

Meet one of Washington’s parent-qualification paths

RCW 28A.225.010 allows home-based instruction when the parent uses qualifying certificated-person supervision, has at least 45 college-level quarter credits or the semester-hour equivalent, has completed an approved home-based-instruction course through a postsecondary or vocational-technical institution, or is deemed sufficiently qualified by the local district superintendent. Keep the record that supports the path you use, such as a transcript, course certificate, supervision agreement, or district approval.

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
  • Proof of the parent-qualification path being used
  • 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 18, 2026. It is educational information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with OSPI and your district before acting.