Skip To Main Content

Home-Based Instruction

Requirements for Home-Based Instruction

Instructional & Hours Requirements

Under RCW 28A.225.010(4), home-based instruction shall include planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities, including a curriculum and instruction, in the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and the development of an appreciation of art and music.

The number of hours shall be equivalent to the number of hours established for approved private schools under RCW 28A.195.010(1), which is 1,000 hours for students enrolled in grades 1-12 and at least 450 hours for students enrolled in kindergarten.

The legislature recognizes that home-based instruction is less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom setting.

Parent/Guardian Qualifications

Home-based instruction shall be provided, consistent with RCW 28A.225.010(4), as follows:

  • Supervised by a certificated teacher: Provided by a parent/guardian who is instructing his or her child only and is supervised by a Washington State certificated teacher with an average of one contact hour per week with the child and evaluates such child’s progress; the number of children supervised by the certified person shall not exceed thirty;
  • College credits: Provided by a parent/guardian who is instructing his or her child only and has earned 45 college-level quarter credit hours (or equivalent);
  • Completed a course: Provided by a parent/guardian who is instructing his or her child only and has completed a course in home-based instruction at a post-secondary institution; or
  • District approval: Provided by a parent/guardian who is deemed sufficiently qualified by the superintendent of the local school district.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

In compliance with RCW 28A.200.010(1), parents/guardians providing home-based instruction have the following duties:

1. File Declaration of Intent

A parent/guardian who intends for their child or children to receive home-based instruction shall file an annual Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction, per RCW 28A.200.010(1)(a).

Filing Deadline: By September 15 or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester.

Return to: homeschool@lkstevens.wednet.edu or Department of School Improvement, 12309 22nd St NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Required Information: Child's name and age, whether a certificated person will be supervising the instruction, and be written in a format prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction.

Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction

2. Record-keeping Requirements

In case of transfer to a public or private school, parents/guardians shall maintain educational records in accordance with RCW 28A.200.010(1)(b), including:

  • Annual test scores or academic progress assessments;
  • Immunization records;
  • Any other records relating to the instructional and educational activities provided.

3. Annual Assessment Requirement

Under RCW 28A.200.010(1)(c), parents/guardians shall ensure that their child receives one of the following:

  • Standardized Achievement Test: An annual standardized achievement test (approved by the State Board of Education) administered by a qualified individual, OR
  • Academic Progress Assessment: An annual academic progress assessment written by a Washington State certificated teacher currently working in the field of education.

Important Notes:

  • Assessment or test results are the property of the parent only. These records shall be kept and provided to the public or private school upon request should re-entry be desired.
  • If you would like your child to complete the annual assessment requirement through the district, please email homeschool@lkstevens.wednet.edu.