Hope Learning Center

Compulsory school attendance for children in the state of Washington begins at 8 years old. Under Washington state education laws, parents have two options to legally homeschool their child: home-based education and private education. Enrolling for classes and/or oversight at Hope Learning Center (HLC) falls under the home-based education option. The requirements for home-based education are summarized below, but parents should visit the actual laws to make sure they are in compliance: WA State Homeschool Laws (RCW)

1. Qualifications to homeschool – the parent must fulfill ONE of these:

   • have earned 45 quarter units of college level credit

   • be willing to meet with a state certified teacher for at least one hour weekly

   • receive approval as an eligible home-based instructor from the local school superintendent

   • complete a Washington State homeschool parent qualifying course

2. File notice of intent to homeschool with your district’s superintendent by September 15 or within 2 weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester. You are required to provide the name and age of your child, and specify which qualification to homeschool is met.

3. Teach all the required subjects for the required number of hours

   • Include occupational education, reading, writing, spelling, language, math, social studies, history, science, health and art and music appreciation

   • Teach a minimum of 180 days per year (or average of 1,000 hours)

4. Student must participate in one of the following types of annual assessments

   • • Standardized test approved by the state board administered by a qualified person

     • Washington state certified teacher evaluation of child’s academic progress

5. Keep proper records: the parent should keep on file records including each student’s annual test scores or assessment report, and other records relating to the instructional and educational activities provided in the home school.