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Seattle Homeschooling Lawyers
Experienced and skilled legal help for educating your child at home
Homeschooling is a growing choice for many Seattle families. Whether you're considering it for the first time or are already teaching your child at home, understanding Washington's homeschooling laws is essential. At Smith McBroom, we understand special education law and are here to guide you through the legal aspects of homeschooling.
How can we help?
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- Is homeschooling legal in Washington State?
- What are the requirements for home-based instruction in Seattle?
- What are my choices for the curriculum?
- Do you provide legal support for Seattle homeschooling families?
- Can I homeschool a child with special needs in Washington?
- What are the risks of homeschooling without legal advice?
- Do I need a lawyer to homeschool in Seattle?
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Is homeschooling legal in Washington State?
Yes, homeschooling is legal here in Washington State. Our laws provide two primary options for homeschooling:
- Home-based instruction (HBI) – This is the most common method, where parents independently educate their children at home.
- Private school extension programs – Parents enroll their children in approved private schools that offer home-based programs.
Both options feature specific requirements to ensure that children receive a quality education.
What are the requirements for home-based instruction in Seattle?
Under Washington’s Home-Based Instruction law, parents must meet several criteria:
- Children between the ages of 8 and 18 years old are subject to compulsory education laws.
- Annually file a declaration of intent with the local school district superintendent by September 15 or within two weeks of the start of the school term.
- Parents must meet one of the following:
- Have 45 college-level quarter credits.
- Complete a parent qualifying course.
- Work with a certified teacher for at least one hour a week.
- Be deemed qualified by the local superintendent.
- Teach the 11 required subjects: reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, and art and music appreciation.
- While public schools must meet a 1,000-hour instructional standard, Washington law does not require a set number of instructional hours for homeschoolers. However, instruction must be appropriate to the child’s age, ability, and level of development.
- Conduct yearly assessments through standardized testing or a certified teacher’s evaluation.
- Maintain records of assessments and immunizations.
These requirements make sure that homeschooled children will receive an education comparable to that of their peers in traditional schools.
What are my choices for the curriculum?
Washington gives homeschooling parents wide discretion when it comes to curriculum. You can choose from:
- Online platforms like Time4Learning, Khan Academy, or Outschool.
- Christian or secular boxed curriculum sets.
- Unschooling or project-based learning.
- DIY approaches using books, videos, and local resources.
- Your curriculum should reflect your child’s needs, learning style, and interests, as well as covering the 11 required subjects.
Remember: You’re not required to follow the same schedule or methods as public schools. Flexibility is one of homeschooling’s biggest benefits.
Do you provide legal support for Seattle homeschooling families?
Navigating homeschooling laws can be complex. At Smith McBroom, we offer legal assistance to ensure compliance with state regulations. Our services include:
- Consultation: Understanding homeschooling laws and requirements.
- Documentation: Assistance with filing declarations and maintaining records.
- Advocacy: Support in interactions with school districts and state agencies.
Our goal is to empower families to provide quality education at home while meeting their legal obligations.
Can I homeschool a child with special needs in Washington?
Yes, you can. In fact, many families like yours choose homeschooling specifically because their child isn’t getting the support they need in public school. However, homeschooling a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can raise some legal questions. Once you withdraw from public school, your child may no longer be entitled to all of the services listed in your IEP. But that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. At Smith McBroom, we help families:
- Understand how special education rights change when homeschooling.
- Request services through Part B of the IDEA, if available through your local district.
- Secure private evaluation or therapies.
Legal guidance is especially important if you are considering things like dual enrollment, private placements, or due process claims.
What are the risks of homeschooling without legal advice?
Most homeschooling families are successful and never face legal issues. But misunderstandings can happen. Here are a few risks that experienced legal counsel can help prevent:
- Failing to file a Declaration of Intent on time.
- Not documenting enough instructional hours.
- Choosing a curriculum that misses key required subjects.
- Problems returning to public school or applying to college due to missing records.
- Losing access to special education services without knowing your rights.
Our Seattle education lawyers can help you understand the law, protect your rights, and set up a strong legal foundation for your homeschool journey.
Do I need a lawyer to homeschool in Seattle?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to homeschool. But working with a legal team like Smith McBroom can make a big difference in your confidence and peace of mind, especially if:
- Your child has a disability or IEP.
- You’re removing your child from school due to bullying or lack of support.
- You’re being questioned or challenged by the school district.
- You want to understand dual enrollment or public-private partnerships.
- You’re facing a truancy inquiry or educational neglect investigation.
We’ve helped dozens of Seattle families successfully start homeschooling or transition from public school, and we’d be honored to help yours.
Talk to our Seattle homeschooling lawyers today for experienced legal help
At Smith McBroom, we believe families have the right to make the educational choices that work best for their children. Whether you’re exploring homeschooling, running into problems with the school district, or advocating for a child with special needs, we’re here to help. Homeschooling can be overwhelming at first, but it’s also one of the most flexible and empowering ways to educate your child. With the right support, you can make sure your homeschool is not just legal, but thriving. To set up a consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form.