California vs Washington: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | California | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Testing | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Required subjects | 10 subjects (by grade) | 11 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 1000 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Recordkeeping | attendance | None required |
| Annual renewal | Required by October 1 through October 15 annually | Required by September 15 (or within two weeks of the beginning of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester) |
Moving Between These States
Moving from California to Washington
Grace period: By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
What changes:
- +Washington requires testing (Required). California does not
- +Washington requires instructor qualification (specific qualifications (see details)). California does not
- ~Required subjects: California (10 subjects (by grade)) → Washington (11 subjects)
- +Washington requires instructional time (1000 hrs/yr). California does not
- -Good news: Washington has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave California:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in California
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Washington requires: immunization records
When you arrive in Washington:
- ▢File Declaration of Intent with local superintendent by Sept 15 or within 2 weeks of any quarter/trimester/semester start.
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (specific qualifications (see details))
Calendar deadlines:
- ▢By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
- ▢No separate new-resident provision. If arriving mid-quarter, file within 2 weeks of next quarter start.
Moving from Washington to California
Grace period: No explicit grace period. The CDE's Private School Affidavit filing system is open August 1 through June 30. (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
What changes:
- -Good news: California has no testing requirement
- -Good news: California has no instructor qualification requirement
- ~Required subjects: Washington (11 subjects) → California (10 subjects (by grade))
- -Good news: California has no instructional time requirement
- +California requires recordkeeping (attendance). Washington does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Washington:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Washington
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in California:
- ▢File a Private School Affidavit through the CDE online system when your home-based private school starts. The system is open August 1 through June 30.
Before you start teaching:
- ▢File BEFORE you start teaching (Ed. Code §33190; §48222)
- ▢The statutory filing period is October 1 through 15, and the CDE's online system stays open August 1 through June 30 so new schools and home schools can file when they start. Schools established in July wait until the system opens in August.
Military families
Neither California nor Washington has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in California and Washington?
California and Washington have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from California to Washington?
When moving from California to Washington, you must comply with Washington's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify