So You Wanna Ditch Public School and Rock the Homeschool Life in Washington?
Public school just not cutting the mustard for your little scholar? Maybe they’re a whiz at astrophysics but struggle with the Dewey Decimal System (who even uses that anymore?). Whatever the reason, homeschooling might be the maverick educational path you’ve been craving. But hold on to your textbooks, partner, because homeschooling in Washington State has a few hoops to jump through – metaphorical hoops, of course, because who homeschools in a circus?
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| How To Home School In Washington State |
Step 1: You Got the Smarts? (Qualifying to Homeschool)
Washington doesn't ask you to be Einstein, but they do want to make sure your child is getting a solid education. Here's how you can prove you're up to the challenge:
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
- Diploma Dandy: Have at least 45 college quarter credits (that's like a year of college, folks).
- Course Conqueror: Complete a parent qualification course specifically designed for homeschooling parents.
- Teacher Time: Work with a certified teacher for at least one hour a week. They'll be your homeschooling Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- Impress the Principal: Convince your local school district superintendent that you're "sufficiently qualified" to teach your child. Basically, wow them with your awesomeness.
Bold Text Bonus: You only need one of these qualifications, so choose the path that tickles your fancy (and fits your schedule).
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Step 2: Paper Cuts or Paper Trail? (Filing the Declaration of Intent)
Alright, you've proven you're not a complete educational slouch. Now it's time for some paperwork. Don't worry, it's not like applying for a passport (although that can be a bureaucratic nightmare too). Here's the skinny:
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
- The Formidable Form: Fill out a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool. It's basically a permission slip from the school district, but way more official sounding.
- Due Date Doom: Get it filed by September 15th of each year, or within two weeks of starting homeschooling mid-year. Don't be that parent who gets detention (okay, there's no detention, but you get the idea).
- Where to Submit: Send it to the superintendent of your local school district. Pro Tip: Find the form and submission info on their website – most districts are pretty tech-savvy these days.
Step 3: Subject Smorgasbord (What Your Kid Actually Needs to Learn)
Washington state wants well-rounded citizens, so you'll need to cover a range of subjects. Don't panic, you're not expected to turn your house into Hogwarts (although that would be pretty cool). Here's the list:
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
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- The Classics: Reading, writing, spelling, language (like English, Spanish, or Klingon… your choice).
- Math whiz: Get ready for some equations and problem-solving.
- Science Sleuth: Time to explore the wonders of the universe (or at least your backyard).
- Social Studies Savvy: Buckle up for a journey through history, geography, and government. Don't forget about those pesky current events!
- The Arts: Let your child unleash their inner Picasso or Beethoven. Art and music appreciation are a must.
- Bonus Round: Washington also requires health and occupational education (think career planning).
Don't Forget: You have flexibility in how you teach these subjects. Textbooks are great, but so are hands-on activities, field trips, and educational games (think Minecraft for history… maybe?).
Step 4: Annual Assessment Adventure (Making Sure Your Child Isn't Totally Lost)
Every year, you'll need to assess your child's progress. This isn't about creating high-pressure standardized testing nightmares. There are many ways to do this, so pick what works for you:
- Standardized Testing: If that's your jam, go for it. There are tests specifically designed for homeschoolers.
- Portfolio Power: Collect samples of your child's work throughout the year to show their progress.
- Alternative Assessments: Work with a certified teacher to create a custom assessment plan.
Remember: The goal is to show that your child is learning and meeting the state standards.
Step 5: Recordkeeping Rodeo (Keeping Track of the Awesome)
You're basically a one-person school district now, so keeping records is important. Here's what you need to track:
- Attendance: Show how many days your child was homeschooled each year (180 days minimum).
- Subjects Covered: Document what
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