Is a letter or notice required?
Yes. Families using home-based instruction file a Declaration of Intent every year.
WA
Medium regulationWashington homeschool letter of intent
Some states require a notice, affidavit, private-school enrollment step, or other paperwork before or soon after homeschooling begins. This page explains the current Washington notice picture in plain English and gives a safe template framework without pretending every family needs the same form.
Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.
Who receives it?
The superintendent of the local public school district where the child lives.
When is it due?
By September 15 each year, or within two weeks of the start of the public school quarter, trimester, or semester if you begin later.
What to include if notice is required
- 1Parent or guardian name and contact information.
- 2Student name and age or birth date, if the state or district form asks for it.
- 3A clear statement that you are beginning or continuing a homeschool program in Washington.
- 4Any required subjects, attendance, or instruction assurances specifically requested by Washington or your local district.
- 5Your signature and the date sent. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
Parent-safe template wording
Template starter: “I am notifying you that I intend to homeschool my child in accordance with Washington homeschool requirements. I will provide home instruction and maintain any records required by state law.” Customize this to match the official form or local instruction before sending.
Free printables
Download the homeschool starter kit
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I send a Washington homeschool letter of intent?
The superintendent of the local public school district where the child lives.
What is the Washington homeschool notification deadline?
By September 15 each year, or within two weeks of the start of the public school quarter, trimester, or semester if you begin later.
Should I keep a copy?
Yes. Even when Washington paperwork is light, keep a dated copy of anything you send plus proof of delivery or school withdrawal confirmation.
Check the full requirement list before sending anything
Notice is only one part of starting homeschool. Review subjects, records, testing, and age requirements for Washington.
Washington homeschool requirementsSources for Washington
- https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/homeschooling
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.200.010
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.200.020
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.225.010
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.