Virginia 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 | Virginia | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Testing | Varies by pathway | Required |
| Required subjects | None specified | 11 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | Varies by pathway | Varies by pathway |
| Recordkeeping | None required | attendance |
| Annual renewal | Required by August 15 | Required by September 15 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Virginia to Washington
Grace period: By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
What changes:
- ~Instructor qualification: Virginia (a high school diploma or GED) → Washington (specific qualifications (see details))
- +Washington requires required subjects (11 subjects). Virginia does not
- +Washington requires instructional time (180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr). Virginia does not
- +Washington requires recordkeeping (attendance). Virginia does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Virginia:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Virginia
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Washington requires: immunization records
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
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 Virginia
Grace period: As soon as practicable notice + 30 days to comply (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C))
What changes:
- ~Instructor qualification: Washington (specific qualifications (see details)) → Virginia (a high school diploma or GED)
- -Good news: Virginia has no required subjects requirement
- -Good news: Virginia has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: Virginia has no recordkeeping requirement
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 Virginia:
- ▢Notify superintendent 'as soon as practicable' after moving in. Comply fully within 30 days of notice. Include curriculum description and qualification evidence.
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (a high school diploma or GED)
Within 30 days of starting:
- ▢File within 30 days of starting (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C))
- ▢Children under age 6 as of September 30 are exempt from the annual assessment requirement. Standard (existing families) deadline is August 15.
Military families
Neither Virginia 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 Virginia and Washington?
Virginia 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 Virginia to Washington?
When moving from Virginia 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