(The following is not legal advice.)
What do Washington state laws require as qualifications for home schooling?
It requires that instruction and educational activities be:
a: Provided by a parent who is instructing his or her child only and is supervised by a
person certificated. The supervision consists of planning of objectives by the certificated
person and parent, a minimum of one hour contact per week with child being supervised by the
certificated person, and evaluation of such child's progress by the certificated person.
b: Provided by a parent who has earned 45 college-level credits or who has completed a
course in home-base instruction.
c: Provided by a parent who is deemed sufficiently qualified to provide home-base instruction
by the superintendent of the local school district in which the child resides.
How do I get a copy of the laws?
Click Here for a complete text of the Washington home-based law.
The official publication of the Washington State home schooling law is available from the Office
of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).Do Not rely on interpretations of the Law.
The W.H.O. Web site has some interesting information called "Knowledge is Power: Know your
Homeschool Law" worth reading.
What is the law for other states?
Homeschool law for all 50 states
How can I learn about Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)?
As homeschool families it is wise to put in place as much protection as possible. Home School
Legal Defense Association is one of the best ways to protect your family.
Visit http://www.hslda.org/about/default.asp
Where can I find a course in home-base instruction?
A list of qualifying courses
What subjects do you need to teach your children?
There are 11 subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Health, Occupational
Education, Language, Social Studies, Appreciation of music and art, Spelling, and History.
(comment: I heard of a wonderful idea, tried it and loved it. Get a notebook, sit down with your
kids and ask them what they are interested in knowing, and learning. The page will fill up with
wonderful ideas that can set you on a course to do all these subjects and have fun doing it!)
How many hours are required a day? How many days a year?
There is no specific hour a day or days a year requirement.
RCW 28A.200.020 states that parents who are causing their children to receive home-based
instruction shall be subject only to those minimum state laws and regulations which are
necessary in ensuring that a sufficient basic educational opportunity is provided to the children
receiving such instruction. Therefore, all decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection
of books, teaching materials and curriculum, and methods, timing and place in the provision or
evaluation of home-based instruction shall be the responsibility of the parent except for matters
specifically referred to in Chapter 28A.225 RCW.
The homeschool law also states that the legislature recognizes that home-based instruction is
less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom.
Therefore, the provisions relating to the nature and quantity of instructional and related
educational activities shall be liberally construed.
Although there is no specific hours a day or days a year there is a guide see
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=WA
Are Homeschoolers in Washington required to keep records?
Yes, you must keep records. RCW 28A.200.010 (2)
Your homeschool records should include the student's annual test scores or assessment
report (see V) and immunization records, together with any other records that are kept relating
to instructional and educational activities.
The law is not specific on how or in what form these records are to be kept.
These are your private records and do not need to be shared with any state agency.
These records can, and probably will be, requested by school administration if your child is
later enrolled in a traditional school setting.
Just sharing:
I have created a three ring binder for each child. The kids each get to decorate the cover. One
year I traced their profile and they decorated it. I keep a weekly record of what they have done
and place worksheets, art work, and anything for that week behind the weekly schedule. I also
keep a list of books read, field trips, achievements (swim lessons, piano recital, tests, etc.). We
make new ones every year and keep the old ones as a record. This is not a requirement. I do
it for organization, records and a memory keepsake.
How do I get organized?
Here are a some links to help you get organized.
DonnaYoung.org
(Wonderful site! Full of planners, weekly, one subject, portfolio, journals, also household
planners that you can print.)
Highland Heritage Forms
Titus2.com has a book "Managers of Their Homes".
Flylady.com is a site that helps you organize your home. I have found that having an
organized home helps to have organized homeschool: )
What do I need to know about filing a Declaration of Intent?
If you intend to home school a child who is eight years or older, you will need to complete a
Declaration of Intent form and submit it to your school district. By completing the declaration of
intent you are informing the school district that your child will be educated at home. This
protects YOU from being in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law and potential fine.
If you haven't filed you declaration of intent with the school district this year, do it now. They
are due by September 15 or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school district
within which the parents resides but are accepted at any time.
State home schooling laws require that the name and age (NOT birth date) of the child. If you
are having a certificated teacher supervise their work, indicate that on the form. Write your
address, then sign the form.
This is all that State law requires. State law does not require you to check how you are
qualified.
(Sample Declaration of Intent form)
Remember to make a copy for your files!
List of local School District addresses.
Where do I get a copy of the Opt Out Notice? Click here
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives guidelines under which school
districts must operate concerning the release of personal student information contained in the
Declaration of Intent form. Submitting this notice "opts your family out" of any directories or
releases of personal information by the school district.
What do I need to know about testing?
Parents of children eight and above receiving home-based education must ensure that testing
(or annual assessment) is done and that the results are a part of the student's permanent
record.
You do not have to show or submit these records to anyone.
Where can I get a test? Who does testing? Click Here
How do I know if my child is at the level they should be at?
The answer to this question is not cut and dry. Every child is different. Some children have
special needs. We all have learning styles, strengths and weaknesses.
God created each and everyone of us unique for His purpose. So to put our kids in a box or
label them by comparing them to others is not a good standard.
We have our children tested by law. The test is a tool to let you know any areas you may want
to work on. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE FAILED OR SUCCEEDED.
There are scope sequences that you can use. To view one click here(Disclaimer: I do not
agree with everything on this scope and sequence web page.) Remember this is a tool to help
you not rule you.
You know best what talents, and struggles your child has and if they are were they should be.
Pray that God helps you not pressure your child or you to fit a man made standard.
What are some of the approaches/styles to home schooling?
Some examples of home school approaches are Acceleration, Charlotte Mason, Delayed
Schooling, Hybrid, Lifestyle Education, Montessori, Unschooling, Unit Study,and there are
many more!
Please remember, everyone will take their own approach according to their need. Your home
school does not need to look like anyone else's, it just needs to work for you as the Lord leads
you.
Here is a small list of seven different home school approaches put together by April Morris of
Homeschooling on a Shoestring. It provides links to go with each approach listed. Click here to
view.
To see a catalog of home school approaches with a total of 27 different approaches (all of the
above seven are included in this list) click here.
How do I find curriculum?
There is an abundance of curricular resources available. You can search the Internet, talk to
other homeschoolers, and attend the annual homeschool conventions. At the conventions you
can browse the exhibit hall and attend vendor workshops to learn more about their products.
Talk to other homeschoolers - Talk to parents who have been homeschooling awhile. Talk to
parents who have children similar to yours. Ask them what works well for them and why. Ask
them what they have tried that they didn't like and why.
Be willing to try different things - It is important to understand that there may be some "trial and
error" involved in choosing curriculum that will work well for your individual children and your
family.
There are many different homeschool learning styles, not all take curriculum. Every
homeschool family will look different. Do what is best for your family.
Click here for a page full of links to curriculum, books, worksheets and more.
What are learning styles?
Learning styles are the different ways that we process information. Examples would be a visual,
auditor and kinesthetic learner.
Knowing your child's learning style can help to provide a wonderful learning environment.
There are many books and articles on this subject.
One of the best books to read about this is "The Way They Learn" by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias.
If you want to know more please visit Home Hearts web page.
What about socialization?
This is the number one question homeschoolers are often asked. If you look in the dictionary,
the definition of "socialize" is To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
Many homeschoolers have discovered healthy socialization takes place when children are
exposed to people of all ages in various settings, not limited to the confines of a classroom and
a group of students all about the same age. Children can learn to socialize in every day
activities such as a trip to the grocery store or library, play dates with friends, visits with
grandparents, support group activities, park days, etc. Most importantly, children often receive
their most valuable socialization in the nurturing environment of home and family.
One of the biggest challenges many homeschoolers encounter is dealing with the
overabundance of activities available to us. One job we have as homeschooling parents is to
look for activities that enhance our homeschool journey without leading to the distraction of too
many outside activities. Learning to say "no" to the "good" and the "better" things, we leave
room in our schedules for the "best".
How do I get a diploma?
The following link will give you printouts for creating your own diploma. Diplomas
What do Washington state laws require as qualifications for home schooling?
It requires that instruction and educational activities be:
a: Provided by a parent who is instructing his or her child only and is supervised by a
person certificated. The supervision consists of planning of objectives by the certificated
person and parent, a minimum of one hour contact per week with child being supervised by the
certificated person, and evaluation of such child's progress by the certificated person.
b: Provided by a parent who has earned 45 college-level credits or who has completed a
course in home-base instruction.
c: Provided by a parent who is deemed sufficiently qualified to provide home-base instruction
by the superintendent of the local school district in which the child resides.
How do I get a copy of the laws?
Click Here for a complete text of the Washington home-based law.
The official publication of the Washington State home schooling law is available from the Office
of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).Do Not rely on interpretations of the Law.
The W.H.O. Web site has some interesting information called "Knowledge is Power: Know your
Homeschool Law" worth reading.
What is the law for other states?
Homeschool law for all 50 states
How can I learn about Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)?
As homeschool families it is wise to put in place as much protection as possible. Home School
Legal Defense Association is one of the best ways to protect your family.
Visit http://www.hslda.org/about/default.asp
Where can I find a course in home-base instruction?
A list of qualifying courses
What subjects do you need to teach your children?
There are 11 subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Health, Occupational
Education, Language, Social Studies, Appreciation of music and art, Spelling, and History.
(comment: I heard of a wonderful idea, tried it and loved it. Get a notebook, sit down with your
kids and ask them what they are interested in knowing, and learning. The page will fill up with
wonderful ideas that can set you on a course to do all these subjects and have fun doing it!)
How many hours are required a day? How many days a year?
There is no specific hour a day or days a year requirement.
RCW 28A.200.020 states that parents who are causing their children to receive home-based
instruction shall be subject only to those minimum state laws and regulations which are
necessary in ensuring that a sufficient basic educational opportunity is provided to the children
receiving such instruction. Therefore, all decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection
of books, teaching materials and curriculum, and methods, timing and place in the provision or
evaluation of home-based instruction shall be the responsibility of the parent except for matters
specifically referred to in Chapter 28A.225 RCW.
The homeschool law also states that the legislature recognizes that home-based instruction is
less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom.
Therefore, the provisions relating to the nature and quantity of instructional and related
educational activities shall be liberally construed.
Although there is no specific hours a day or days a year there is a guide see
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=WA
Are Homeschoolers in Washington required to keep records?
Yes, you must keep records. RCW 28A.200.010 (2)
Your homeschool records should include the student's annual test scores or assessment
report (see V) and immunization records, together with any other records that are kept relating
to instructional and educational activities.
The law is not specific on how or in what form these records are to be kept.
These are your private records and do not need to be shared with any state agency.
These records can, and probably will be, requested by school administration if your child is
later enrolled in a traditional school setting.
Just sharing:
I have created a three ring binder for each child. The kids each get to decorate the cover. One
year I traced their profile and they decorated it. I keep a weekly record of what they have done
and place worksheets, art work, and anything for that week behind the weekly schedule. I also
keep a list of books read, field trips, achievements (swim lessons, piano recital, tests, etc.). We
make new ones every year and keep the old ones as a record. This is not a requirement. I do
it for organization, records and a memory keepsake.
How do I get organized?
Here are a some links to help you get organized.
DonnaYoung.org
(Wonderful site! Full of planners, weekly, one subject, portfolio, journals, also household
planners that you can print.)
Highland Heritage Forms
Titus2.com has a book "Managers of Their Homes".
Flylady.com is a site that helps you organize your home. I have found that having an
organized home helps to have organized homeschool: )
What do I need to know about filing a Declaration of Intent?
If you intend to home school a child who is eight years or older, you will need to complete a
Declaration of Intent form and submit it to your school district. By completing the declaration of
intent you are informing the school district that your child will be educated at home. This
protects YOU from being in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law and potential fine.
If you haven't filed you declaration of intent with the school district this year, do it now. They
are due by September 15 or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school district
within which the parents resides but are accepted at any time.
State home schooling laws require that the name and age (NOT birth date) of the child. If you
are having a certificated teacher supervise their work, indicate that on the form. Write your
address, then sign the form.
This is all that State law requires. State law does not require you to check how you are
qualified.
(Sample Declaration of Intent form)
Remember to make a copy for your files!
List of local School District addresses.
Where do I get a copy of the Opt Out Notice? Click here
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives guidelines under which school
districts must operate concerning the release of personal student information contained in the
Declaration of Intent form. Submitting this notice "opts your family out" of any directories or
releases of personal information by the school district.
What do I need to know about testing?
Parents of children eight and above receiving home-based education must ensure that testing
(or annual assessment) is done and that the results are a part of the student's permanent
record.
You do not have to show or submit these records to anyone.
Where can I get a test? Who does testing? Click Here
How do I know if my child is at the level they should be at?
The answer to this question is not cut and dry. Every child is different. Some children have
special needs. We all have learning styles, strengths and weaknesses.
God created each and everyone of us unique for His purpose. So to put our kids in a box or
label them by comparing them to others is not a good standard.
We have our children tested by law. The test is a tool to let you know any areas you may want
to work on. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE FAILED OR SUCCEEDED.
There are scope sequences that you can use. To view one click here(Disclaimer: I do not
agree with everything on this scope and sequence web page.) Remember this is a tool to help
you not rule you.
You know best what talents, and struggles your child has and if they are were they should be.
Pray that God helps you not pressure your child or you to fit a man made standard.
What are some of the approaches/styles to home schooling?
Some examples of home school approaches are Acceleration, Charlotte Mason, Delayed
Schooling, Hybrid, Lifestyle Education, Montessori, Unschooling, Unit Study,and there are
many more!
Please remember, everyone will take their own approach according to their need. Your home
school does not need to look like anyone else's, it just needs to work for you as the Lord leads
you.
Here is a small list of seven different home school approaches put together by April Morris of
Homeschooling on a Shoestring. It provides links to go with each approach listed. Click here to
view.
To see a catalog of home school approaches with a total of 27 different approaches (all of the
above seven are included in this list) click here.
How do I find curriculum?
There is an abundance of curricular resources available. You can search the Internet, talk to
other homeschoolers, and attend the annual homeschool conventions. At the conventions you
can browse the exhibit hall and attend vendor workshops to learn more about their products.
Talk to other homeschoolers - Talk to parents who have been homeschooling awhile. Talk to
parents who have children similar to yours. Ask them what works well for them and why. Ask
them what they have tried that they didn't like and why.
Be willing to try different things - It is important to understand that there may be some "trial and
error" involved in choosing curriculum that will work well for your individual children and your
family.
There are many different homeschool learning styles, not all take curriculum. Every
homeschool family will look different. Do what is best for your family.
Click here for a page full of links to curriculum, books, worksheets and more.
What are learning styles?
Learning styles are the different ways that we process information. Examples would be a visual,
auditor and kinesthetic learner.
Knowing your child's learning style can help to provide a wonderful learning environment.
There are many books and articles on this subject.
One of the best books to read about this is "The Way They Learn" by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias.
If you want to know more please visit Home Hearts web page.
What about socialization?
This is the number one question homeschoolers are often asked. If you look in the dictionary,
the definition of "socialize" is To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
Many homeschoolers have discovered healthy socialization takes place when children are
exposed to people of all ages in various settings, not limited to the confines of a classroom and
a group of students all about the same age. Children can learn to socialize in every day
activities such as a trip to the grocery store or library, play dates with friends, visits with
grandparents, support group activities, park days, etc. Most importantly, children often receive
their most valuable socialization in the nurturing environment of home and family.
One of the biggest challenges many homeschoolers encounter is dealing with the
overabundance of activities available to us. One job we have as homeschooling parents is to
look for activities that enhance our homeschool journey without leading to the distraction of too
many outside activities. Learning to say "no" to the "good" and the "better" things, we leave
room in our schedules for the "best".
How do I get a diploma?
The following link will give you printouts for creating your own diploma. Diplomas
HOME SCHOOL HARMONY
Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
