homeschooling in washington state

[fairydust020409]

is anyone here from washington state? we don't live there yet, but we are thinking about moving there within the next couple of years. i was wondering how easy it is to homeschool there, what kind of resources there are etc. we would be in the tacoma area. thanks!

[To-Fu]

Hi! I'm living in Washington now, and in Seattle there is a great homeschooling group/co-op. Not only that, but our local API group has yearly workshops on educational choices, including one whole big session on homeschooling in town.

Have you thought of posting in the WA/OR/ID tribal area? Might get you more responses.

[fivepointedstar]

I'm in Washington, too. I don't have experience with any other states, but it seems pretty HS friendly. I get a stipend from a local school district that covers most of my homeschooling expenses.

[chaos_pie]

I think Wa State is considered a "medium" regulation state.

You are required by law:
1-To submit a Declaration of Intent once the child is 8yo to the superintendent of your school district
2-Have a copy of all immunization (that you need to do nothing with, just need to have the records)
3-Yearly, you are required to have the child assessed either by a certificated teacher or by one of the State approved standardized tests. You do not have to submit the test results anywhere. Just keep a copy. You are expected in good faith to re-mediate any areas of weakness.

In Washington state, public schools offer an ALE (alternative learning experiences). Many districts offer resources, upon enrolling within the public system, either cash stipends or classes. Likewise there are two large Virtual Academies in the state (one offering a K12 curriculum and another that you can choose your own). The regulations for this are different and are administered through the ALE.

Alternatively, you can stay an independent homeschooler (legal requirements, I listed above).

There are many resources and I personally believe that Wa state is homeschool friendly. I do not know the Tacoma area personally, however, my guess is that there is probably a strong homeschool group there. Perhaps check that out in the Find your Tribe section.

[fairydust020409]

thank you all for the responses!

i read that there is a homeschool qualifying course that parents can take, has anyone here taken one of those? what does this course cover, how long is it and does it cost anything?

i so appreciate all your help!

[chaos_pie]

Right! That is another part of the law I forgot one I forgot. There is a certain education that the homeschooling parent needs, or a qualifying course. I believe the if you search the WHO website you can find info. But I remember hearing they are maybe a single day-long class? Or maybe 2 days? They are regularly offered.