Navigating Washington State Homeschooling Laws: A Guide for Walla Walla Families
You’ve made a brave and intentional choice to homeschool—and that’s something to celebrate.
Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or already deep into the rhythm of your own learning lifestyle, navigating the legal side of things can feel a little overwhelming. You want to make sure you're doing it right, but you’d rather spend your time focused on your kids—not lost in state paperwork.
That’s where we come in. At Homeschooling Walla Walla, we’re here to help you simplify the process so you can move forward with confidence. This guide walks you through the legal essentials of homeschooling in Washington State, with clarity and local insight tailored just for families like yours.
You’ve Got the Vision. Here’s the Plan.
Washington State fully supports your right to homeschool. To stay compliant, there are just a few things you need to do each year. For complete legal regulations, please visit the Homeschool Legal Defence Association.
Who Needs to File?
If your child is between the ages of 8 and 18, the state requires that they either be enrolled in a school or registered as homeschooled. (RCW can be found here)
Who Can Homeschool?
Washington gives you several pathways to qualify as a homeschool parent. You only need to meet one of the following:
Hold 45 college quarter credits (or 30-semester credits)
Complete a parent-qualifying course (many are offered online)
Work with a certified teacher who supervises your homeschooling
Most parents find that meeting one of these criteria is simple and straightforward.
What Are My Yearly Responsibilities?
There are two basic things you’ll need to do each school year:
File a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool
Complete an annual assessment for each homeschooled child
That’s the foundation. Everything else—your curriculum, your daily rhythm, your values—is yours to shape.
Filing the Declaration of Intent
This is a quick form you submit to your local school district. It includes your child’s name, age, and grade level. If you're starting at the beginning of the school year, it’s due by September 15. If you begin homeschooling mid-year, just submit it within two weeks of starting.
If you're homeschooling in Walla Walla, we've made this step even easier for you. We’ve gathered links to all the local district forms so you can find what you need without hunting it down; you can find them in this blog post.
Quick Tip
Set a recurring reminder in your phone or planner for late August each year. Filing on time keeps you covered and stress-free.
What You’re Expected to Teach
Washington outlines several subject areas to include in your homeschool:
Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies
Health
Occupational Education
Art and Music Appreciation
What You Teach Is Up to You
How you bring these subjects to life is completely up to you. Maybe you follow a traditional curriculum. Maybe your learning looks more like baking, building, and visiting the library. That freedom is one of the gifts of homeschooling—and you’re the best person to decide what works for your child.
Tracking Progress with Annual Assessments
The state asks you to check in on your child’s academic growth every year. There are two ways to do this:
Give a nationally normed standardized test, or
Have your child’s progress evaluated by a certified teacher
Whichever you choose, the results stay with you. You don’t need to send them in—just keep them on file.
A Helpful Resource
If testing feels intimidating, don’t worry. FamilyLearning.org/testing offers easy, homeschool-friendly testing options and support. They make the process smooth for both kids and parents.
Homeschooling in Walla Walla: Why It’s Special
Homeschooling in Walla Walla is about more than legal checklists—it’s about community, connection, and shared growth.
You’re not just following rules—you’re building a lifestyle. From co-op classes and group field trips to nature meetups and casual park days, our valley is full of opportunities to learn together.
We know the local landscape. We understand the districts. And we’ve built strong relationships with other homeschooling families who are ready to welcome you in.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
Even experienced homeschoolers can miss a detail now and then. The most common slip-ups are:
Forgetting to file your Declaration of Intent
Skipping the annual assessment
Not keeping documentation in case it’s ever requested
These are easy to avoid when you’re organized. A few calendar reminders and a folder (physical or digital) can keep everything in order.
You’re Not Alone
Choosing to homeschool takes courage. But you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
Whether you’re figuring out how to get started, navigating high school requirements, or somewhere in between—you’re part of a larger story. A story where families take the lead, children thrive, and community makes all the difference.
At Homeschooling Walla Walla, we’re here to help. We’ll walk beside you with resources, local knowledge, and encouragement every step of the way.
Let’s Keep It Simple
You’ve already made a bold choice. Now, here’s your next step:
Mark your calendar for the Declaration of Intent deadline in early September
Visit FamilyLearning.org/testing for annual assessments
Connect with other families through our Homeschooling Walla Walla community
You don’t have to have it all figured out today. You just have to take the next step. And we’ll be right here when you do.