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Washington State Laws Regarding Homeschooling
The information on this site is just that - information. While believed correct, it is not guaranteed so. Always check with the primary source.
Click HERE for Washington State's Laws Regulating Home-Based Instruction. The "Pink Book".
That's the official version :-). If you'd like to read some summaries that put the law into plain English, try these.
Home School Legal Defense - WA Law Summary
WA Homeschool Organization
Washington state law requires that one homeschooling parent have at least 45 credit hours of college education OR complete a parent-qualifying course to homeschool. Here is a sampling of courses available. Please check with the instructor first, as philosophies and world-view vary widely.
These are offered for information only. No recommendation for or against any individual is intended. All information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but you should always check with the respective parties to confirm to your satisfaction first.
Able to Teach, Diana McAlister, Port Orchard Church of Christ. Contact Carolyn Starr.
Great Expectations - A Framework for Homeschooling. Classes offered throughout the state. Alice Wescott, Ph. D., Beth Rosenzweig, M.Ed., and Bev Hawley, B.A. They also offer standardized testing. Contact: Dynamic_Discoveries@hotmail.com or (206) 546-2671 for a schedule of class locations near you.
OPTions for Parent Teachers, Paula Harper-Christiansen, 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd. PMB 578, Sammamish, WA 98075, 425-391-6498 or 425- 432-9805. Video and live courses available.
"Season of Re-education & Renewing of the Mind" Qualifying course via correspondence, written by Barb Shelton.
Another option is to work through a certified teacher who must meet with each child in the family for one-hour per week. Here are some local private schools in Washington (and others in WA that offer distance learning) that offer this option to homeschoolers. Remember, if you are schooling with the assistance of a government school, you are NOT homeschooling under the law. Your child is a public school student under an Alternative Education Plan, not a homeschooler. Click here to read why "semantics" such as this ARE important.
Alger Learning Center / Independence High School "We welcome students K-12 who learn independently and would like the opportunity to design their own curriculum, work at their own rate, and develop their own learning style. Our Distance Education Program allows students from other states, or countries, and/or those traveling globally to earn high school credits. We provide home school assistance, custom curricula, and annual assessments."
TESTING
Washington law also requires that children be tested annually or receive an evaluation form a certified teacher currently working in the field of education. Here are some of the organizations providing the required tests:
Bob Jones University Press
2001 Stanford Achievement Testing
Contact Pauline Salo, PO Box 1716, Silverdale, WA 98383-1716
360-792-0085
Family Learning Organization
"The Family Learning Organization offers standardized tests for homeschooling families. Through our Educational Assessment & Testing Service, tests may be obtained by parents to administer to their homeschooled children." Also offers parent qualifying course via video. 1-800-405-8378
Lord's Heritage Christian School Testing Supplier of the California Achievement Test. Parental certification not necessary. Grading and
diagnostic services. From $20 for one test to $12.50 for seven or more. 5813 Papaya Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Phone: 407-465-1685
Mason County Christian
April test dates. For more information contact Randy Endicott at 877-9602.
Thurber's Educational Assessments Testing Supplier of California Achievement Test Parental certification not necessary. Grading and diagnostic services. From $22 for one test to group rates $16. 400 Clayton Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Phone: 919-967-5282
CERTIFIED TEACHERS PROVIDING ASSESSMENTS
Tamara Henry, Poulsbo. 779-4708
Pauline Salo, Bremerton - $45.00 per child; $100.00 for 3 or more in a family. Barter accepted. Phone: 792-0085
Diane Thompson - Standardized testing and assessments - individual or group. Phone: 697-3982
Interested in what a sample assessment looks like? Here is one version.
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