Welcome to High School of Washington, the leading Homeschooling Online program in the state! At High School of America, we are committed to providing a top-notch homeschooling experience tailored to the unique needs of each student. Our flexible and customizable curriculum ensures that every learner can thrive and succeed.
Our team of experienced and dedicated teachers is passionate about helping students unlock their full potential. We empower students to achieve academic excellence and personal growth through personalized instruction and unwavering support.
High School of America offers an accredited curriculum aligned with the state’s education standards, preparing students for success in the 21st century. Our online learning platform is designed to be interactive, engaging, and user-friendly, enabling students to access their education anytime, anywhere.
We are committed to making homeschooling accessible and affordable for families throughout Washington. Our program provides unbeatable value, allowing families to provide an exceptional education for their children at their own pace and convenience.
Join us today to discover the freedom and benefits of homeschooling online with Washington Homeschooling Online! Experience a program that empowers students, embraces individuality, and fosters a love for learning.
Homeschooling Laws in Washington
There are two options under which you can homeschool in Washington. They are:
- Homeschooling under the homeschool statute
- Homeschooling with a private or denominational school
a) Homeschooling Under the Homeschool Statute
The following are the requirement that must be followed when homeschooling under the homeschool statute in Washington:
Teacher Qualifications
To run a homeschooling Washington, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- You can instruct your child at home under the supervision of a certified person. This means that both you and the certified person work together to plan educational objectives for your child. The certified person must spend at least one hour per week with your child and evaluate their progress.
- You can instruct your child at home if you have completed 45 college quarter credits or the equivalent in semester credits. This equals 30 semester credits since one-quarter of credit equals two-thirds of a semester credit.
- You can also choose to instruct your child at home if you have completed a course in home-based education at a postsecondary institution or a vocational-technical institute. These courses typically don’t require a significant time commitment.
- Lastly, you can instruct your child at home if the local school district superintendent determines that you are sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction.
Notice of Intent
Every year, by September 15 or within two weeks of the start of a public school quarter, trimester, or semester, you are required to submit a signed declaration stating your intention to homeschool.
This declaration should be filed with the local superintendent or, if applicable, with the superintendent of a different school district that accepts homeschooled students as transfer students.
The declaration must include your child’s name and age, indicate whether a certified person will oversee the instruction, and be written according to the format provided by the superintendent of public education.
Mandatory Instruction Days
The homeschooling law mandates that you instruct your children for 180 days per annum, or around 1,000 hours every school year.
Required Courses
The homeschooling law stipulates that you include spelling, writing, reading, health, history, social studies, language, math, science, occupational education, and the development of an appreciation of music and art.
Grade 9-12
Grade 9-12 students in Washington are required to complete a total of 24 credits before they graduate. These course credits are distributed as follows:
- Arts (2 credits)
- Health and physical education (2 credits)
- Language arts (credits)
- Social studies (3 credits)
- Math (3 credits)
- Science (3 credits)
- World languages (2 credits)
- Career and technical ed. (1 credit)
- Electives (4 credits)
Annual Assessment
There are two options to annually assess your homeschooled children. The results of the test do not need to be shared with public schools but must be retained as part of your student’s permanent school record.
The evaluation options are:
- Standardized Test Administration: Under this option, your child will be required to take a standardized test that has been approved by the state board. The test will be administered annually by a person deemed qualified by the test publisher.
- Evaluation by a Certified Professional: This individual will assess your child’s academic progress and provide an evaluation based on their expertise.
b) Homeschooling with a Denominational or Private School
Register your homeschool as an extension program with an approved private school.
Approved private schools have the option to permit families to establish their homeschools as extension programs under the school’s umbrella. To pursue this route, you must find an approved private school that allows extension programs and enroll your child in that school. In order to determine if a particular school accepts extension students, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact the school directly for more information.
Adhere to the private school’s guidelines and regulations for its extension programs.
Once you have enrolled your homeschool as an extension program with the approved private school, it is important to follow and fulfill the specific requirements outlined by the school for their extension programs. These requirements may encompass various aspects such as curriculum guidelines, reporting procedures, assessments, or other obligations that must be met to maintain compliance with the private school’s policies.
Other homeschool requirements:
Record Keeping
Homeschooling families must maintain specific paperwork to comply with Washington State education laws. These records are important for potential re-entry into the public school system or when preparing for college entrance. Here are the key documents that should be kept on file:
- Annual declaration of intent to homeschool submitted to the local school superintendent’s office.
- Student’s yearly test scores or assessment report.
- Immunization records.
- Other records related to the instructional and educational activities provided.
To effectively manage and organize these records, it is recommended to maintain a homeschool portfolio. This portfolio ensures compliance with legal requirements and serves as a valuable keepsake documenting your child’s growth and progress over time.
Graduation Requirements
For parents who choose to homeschool their children, the topic of graduation and diplomas often arises. Unlike students in traditional schools, homeschoolers are not bound by the same requirements for obtaining a diploma. Instead, the parents determine the qualifications for graduation and issue their own diplomas.
In Washington, the only essential graduation requirement is to cover the prescribed subjects mentioned earlier. However, parents can still establish additional criteria for their child’s graduation.
If a homeschooler plans to attend college, for example, parents should research the entrance requirements of the colleges their child is interested in and align their curriculum accordingly.
Many colleges have specific credit hour expectations for applicants, so it is important to understand how to assign credits for homeschool coursework. By doing so, parents can ensure that their child meets the necessary prerequisites for college admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Homeschooling Online
What is the compulsory school attendance requirement in Washington?
In Washington, children between the ages of eight and eighteen must attend school, either a public school in their residential area or an approved private school, unless they receive home-based instruction.
How does a parent qualify for homeschooling in Washington?
To provide home-based instruction in Washington, a parent must be the one instructing their own children. In addition, they must meet one of four requirements: either have 45 college quarter credits, hire a certified educator to oversee homeschooling, complete a Parent Qualifying Course, or obtain approval from the superintendent.
Are there specific subject areas that need to be covered in homeschooling in Washington?
According to the law in Washington, homeschooling instruction should include planned and supervised activities covering a curriculum and instruction in various subjects such as spelling, writing, reading, health, history, social studies, language, mathematics, science, and occupational education.
Are there any record-keeping requirements for homeschooling in Washington?
In Washington, parents are required to keep copies of their children’s annual test scores, written assessments, and immunization records. They have the discretion to decide which additional records related to the instruction and educational activities they provide to keep.
If a homeschooled student enrolls in a public or private school, the parent may be asked to provide copies of their annual test results.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Washington
Vermont is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents to choose online homeschooling for their children. According to the Washington Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI), the number of students who were homeschooled in the state almost double to approximately 39,000 in October 2020.
In addition, the number of homeschooled students increased by 11,212 between the 2019-2022 and 2021-2022 academic years according to the OSPI. This was an increase of 54% from the levels that were experienced before the Covid-19 pandemic.
How to Do it: Online Homeschooling in Washington
Washington State offers several online resources for homeschooling families. In order to begin homeschooling, parents must first file a form with the local superintendent.
After approval, they can choose from many virtual education programs that provide online curricula, such as High School of America.
Parents should also check with their local school district to see if they offer virtual programs or courses. Families can also find tutors and other online classes through private organizations like Washington Homeschool Association.
Finally, it is important to be aware of state-mandated regulations on homeschooling and stay in contact with the local superintendent throughout the year.
With these resources, parents can provide a quality education for their children that meets all educational expectations.
Benefits of Washington Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online, particularly in Washington, can offer several advantages for students and their families. Here are some key benefits:
- Personalized Learning: Students can receive personalized attention and instruction with online homeschooling. The curriculum can be adjusted to meet the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This individualized approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of subjects and promotes academic growth.
- Self-Directed Learning: Online homeschooling encourages students to become self-directed learners. They develop essential skills such as time management, organization, and independent study habits. These skills are valuable for future academic pursuits and can foster lifelong learning.
- Customized Curriculum: Homeschooling online offers the flexibility to choose or design a curriculum that aligns with the student’s interests, values, and educational goals. Families can select specific resources, materials, and teaching methods to create a curriculum that suits their child’s unique needs and learning style.
- Enhanced Parental Involvement: Online homeschooling promotes strong parental involvement in a child’s education. Parents can actively participate in their child’s learning journey, providing one-on-one instruction, guidance, and support. This involvement can strengthen the parent-child relationship and foster a deep family connection.
- Increased Autonomy and Responsibility: Online homeschooling empowers students to take responsibility for their education. They learn to manage their time effectively, set goals, and take ownership of their learning journey. This autonomy fosters independence, self-discipline, and a sense of personal accountability.
Conclusion
With the rising number of homeschoolers in Washington, there is no doubt that this educational form offers multiple benefits to its students and their families. Now that you understand more about Washington’s laws governing homeschooling, you can decide if it is right for your family.
We know it’s not an easy decision, but we have faith that you can reach positive educational outcomes for your children with proper guidance and support. When the time is right, consider High School of America as a source of assistance in your homeschooling endeavors.
Our experienced staff will be able to walk you through online schooling from start to finish. Contact us today to get started!