Free Tool · Washington
Moderate regulationHow to withdraw your child from public school in Washington.
Yes — homeschooling is legal in Washington. File a Declaration of Intent with your district before starting (and annually by September 15 thereafter). Parent must meet one of three qualifications. Annual testing or assessment required, kept by parent.
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Washington's parent-qualification requirement is a one-time hurdle. The simplest path is a 1-credit "qualifying course for homeschooling parents" offered by community colleges; complete it before filing the Declaration.
We don't store your child's information. PDFs are generated in memory and discarded. We are not your attorney; for edge cases call HSLDA or a local attorney.
Yes — homeschooling is legal in Washington. File a Declaration of Intent with your district before starting (and annually by September 15 thereafter). Parent must meet one of three qualifications. Annual testing or assessment required, kept by parent.
Who are you withdrawing in Washington?
Add every child you're pulling from school. We'll list them on the letter and produce one packet for the whole family. Use the legal name on school records.
Child 1
What happens after you withdraw in Washington
Washington requires a Declaration of Intent filed with your local district annually by September 15. Parent must qualify (45 college credits, complete a parent-qualifying course, work with a certified teacher, or be deemed sufficiently qualified by the superintendent). Annual testing or assessment is required but stays in your records.
By day 1
Deliver this withdrawal letter to your principal in person, by certified mail, or by email with read receipt. Save the confirmation.
By day 7
File Washington's required notice of intent with the appropriate state or district office. Verify the official form on Washington's Department of Education website.
By day 14
Set up a daily attendance log and start tracking from day one. Use the printable log we generated, or HomeschoolOS does this automatically.
By day 30
Confirm in writing that the school has removed your child from the roll and that Washington has acknowledged your notice (where applicable).
By day 60
Pick a curriculum spine for each required subject and create a simple weekly rhythm. Resist the urge to over-buy in the first month.
By day 90
Build a portfolio shelf — even if Washington doesn't legally require one. Save 3–5 work samples per subject per quarter; you will be glad you did at year-end.
Frequently asked questions about Washington withdrawals
Is homeschooling legal in Washington?
Yes — homeschooling is legal in Washington. File a Declaration of Intent with your district before starting (and annually by September 15 thereafter). Parent must meet one of three qualifications. Annual testing or assessment required, kept by parent.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent in Washington?
Washington requires a Declaration of Intent filed with your local district annually by September 15. Parent must qualify (45 college credits, complete a parent-qualifying course, work with a certified teacher, or be deemed sufficiently qualified by the superintendent). Annual testing or assessment is required but stays in your records.
What does Washington require beyond the withdrawal letter?
In Washington, beyond the withdrawal letter you'll need to file a notice of intent (or equivalent declaration) with the state or your district. Periodic standardized testing is also required. Verify the current procedure on the Washington Department of Education website before filing.
What records do I need to keep in Washington?
Washington expects 180 days of instruction and 1,000 hours of instruction per year. The attendance log we generate is sized to that requirement; keep it filled in by hand or use Homeschool OS to track automatically.
Can I generate one letter for multiple kids in Washington?
Yes. The wizard supports up to 10 children per family. The letter lists each child by name, grade, and date of birth; one packet covers the entire withdrawal.
Official sources
Want this all tracked automatically going forward?
Homeschool OS handles the Washington attendance log, compliance deadlines, and portfolio for you — pre-configured for your state. Free for 21 days, no card.
Start your free trialWe’re not your attorney. Always verify Washington-specific requirements with your Department of Education before filing. For edge cases — religious exemption, IEP/504 disputes, custody contests — call HSLDA or a local attorney.