Homeschooling has increasingly become a popular method of education. The ability to mold a curriculum to a child’s specific educational needs on their own time has made this method quite appealing to many parents.
However, if you’re interested in teaching your child at home in the state of Washington, you’ll need to understand the rules and regulations of homeschooling in the area. In this article, we’ll answer 15 questions to help you understand what you need to make sure your child receives a quality educational experience.
1. What Is the Definition of Homeschooling in Washington State?
In the state of Washington, homeschooling is defined as a “private behavior or instruction carried out by means of parents or legal guardians for the purpose of controlling a student’s educational program. ” This implies that parents, who serve as the student’s teachers, retain control over what their children are taught and when, ensuring that it fits their educational needs. Additionally, this definition also implies that homeschooling is an individualized, private educational method, meaning that curricula isn’t standardized or regulated in any government-determined form.
2. Who Can Homeschool a Child in Washington State?
In the state of Washington, only parents and legal guardians can homeschool their children. This means that an instructor must have a legal and financial relationship to the child they’re teaching in order to homeschool them.
Due to this legal relationship, the instructor must be legally responsible for the child in order to teach them.
3. What Types of Homeschooling Are Available in Washington State?
In Washington state, there are two main types of homeschooling available. The first type is called “traditional homeschooling,” which involves parents or guardians teaching the majority of the student’s educational curriculum from the home.
These parents or guardians construct their own curriculum and may choose to hire outside tutors for specific areas or electives. The second type of homeschooling available in Washington State is called “online homeschooling. ” For this type of homeschooling, a student’s curriculum is largely based online and may be obtained through an accredited online public or private school.
This type of homeschooling may employ tutors or allow parents to specialize in specific areas or electives to supplement the online curriculum.
4. Does Washington State Recognize Homeschoolers?
In general, the state of Washington does recognize homeschooled students, provided that the parent or guardian meets all of the legal qualifications to homeschool in the state. Additionally, homeschooled students may meet the eligibility requirements for state scholarships, testing, and other educational programs if they have met the necessary criteria.
5. How Do I Register My Child for Homeschooling in Washington State?
In order to homeschool your child in Washington State, you’ll need to register your family as a “private school” with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Registration forms are available on the OSPI website, and must be submitted at least ten days prior to beginning the homeschool program.
Additionally, you’ll also be required to keep attendance records and complete the required forms each school year.
6. What Is the First Step in Developing a Homeschool Curriculum in Washington State?
The first step to developing a quality homeschool curriculum in Washington state is understanding the educational standards of the state. OSPI maintains a set of essential academic learning standards for all public school students in the state, which serves as a guide for parents and guardians to craft their own personalized instructional programs. Understanding these standards will help you determine what to teach and when to teach it.
7. Does Washington State Require Homeschoolers to Take Standardized Tests?
Washington State does not require homeschooled students to take standardized tests. However, it is recommended that you inform the OSPI of your intent to voluntarily participate in standardized tests and/or assessments, so they may be aware of your student’s progress.
This also provides an opportunity to compare your child’s academic performance with that of public school students.
8. Can I Choose the Subjects that I Teach My Child in Washington State?
Since homeschooling in Washington State is an individualized education program, you can choose the subjects that you want to teach your child. However, you’ll need to make sure you cover all of the learning standards that OSPI has set for public schooled students in the state.
Additionally, if you want to teach your student specialized or elective courses, you can choose to do that as well.
9. Does Washington State Have Laws Regarding Homeschooling Hours?
Washington State does not have specific laws regarding the number of hours a homeschooled student needs to put in. However, you should take a look at OSPI’s academic learning standards to get an idea of the kind of instruction your student should be receiving in order for them to be successful.
10. Must I Keep Records While Homeschooling in Washington State?
Yes, if you’re homeschooling your child in Washington State, you’ll need to keep records of their educational progress. This includes attendance records as well as course materials and tests. These records should be kept in an easily accessible location and must be reported to the OSPI each year.
11. Does Washington State Require Homeschoolers to Hold a High School Diploma or Equivalent?
No, Washington State does not require parents or guardians to hold a high school diploma or equivalent in order to homeschool their children. However, it is strongly recommended that parents or guardians have a minimum of a high school diploma in order to produce a quality educational program for their student.
12. Are Homeschoolers Eligible for High School Diplomas in Washington State?
Yes, homeschooled students in Washington State are eligible for a high school diploma. To earn one, the student must complete all of the requirements for the common school diploma and the board of directors of the corresponding public school district for their area must approve the student for graduation.
Additionally, homeschooled students should meet proficiency standards as set by the state.
13. Do I Need to Notify the District of My Intent to Homeschool in Washington State?
Yes, when homeschooling in Washington State, you must notify the district of your intent to homeschool. This can be done by completing the state’s notification of intent form and submitting it to the local OSPI office.
This notification allows the district to keep records of homeschool students and can help them compare their progress with their public school counterparts.
14. Does Washington State Offer Support or Resources for Homeschoolers?
Yes, Washington State does offer support and resources for homeschoolers. Organizations like the Washington Home Education Network (WHEN) and the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) are two popular hubs for homeschoolers in the state.
Their websites provide resources for homeschoolers, such as homepage listings, online communities, and local events.
15. Does Washington State Have Socialization Opportunities for Homeschoolers?
Yes, Washington State does have socialization opportunities for homeschoolers. These include field trips, co-ops, and other activities hosted by WHEN and WHO, as well as informal social groups set up by parents and guardians. Additionally, some public school districts also offer special classes and activities for homeschooled students.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Washington state has become increasingly popular as parents and guardians seek to create an individualized education for their children. If you’d like to start homeschooling in the area, understanding the laws and regulations of the state is essential.
In this article, we’ve answered 15 questions to help you better understand what you need to ensure your student receives a quality educational experience. From understanding the requirements for registration to discovering the support systems available, we hope that you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your child.