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Declaration of Intent

One of the most important documents needed to get started homeschooling is the Declaration of Intent to Homeschool.  Filing your Declaration of Intent is necessary to let the public school know that you are planning to homeschool your child and is not truant.

Declaration of Intent Letters must be:

  • Filed Annually - starting when your child turns 8.
  • Submitted by September 15th
  • Mailed to your local school district office

Common Declaration of Intent Questions

Declaration of Intent FAQs

Why file a declaration of intent?

  1. A declaration of intent form is required by law for homeschooling children between the ages of 8 and 18.
  2. It informs the school district that they are no longer responsible for the education of your child(ren).
  3. It protects you from any truancy prosecution.
Declaration of Intent FAQs

Who files the declaration of intent?

The parent or legal guardian of the student who will be homeschooled files the declaration.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

Do I ever file a Declaration of Intent for a child under 8 years of age?

No. We do not declare any children under the age of 8. Read more here.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

When do I start declaring and how often do I file a declaration of intent?

The first declaration is filed on the 8th birthday of your child, regardless of the time of year. We declare every year after that by September 15th.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

When do I start declaring and how often do I file a declaration of intent?

Contact the superintendent of the school district in which you reside and request a declaration of intent. The declaration must be filed with the superintendent of your school district. Your district may choose to forward your form to another department. However, once filed with the superintendent of your district, you have met the obligation of the law. Your district’s mailing address will typically be on the form. It’s not necessary to have your form stamped “Received” by the district. Also, there is not obligation on the part of the district to mail the form to you each year.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

My district’s declaration of intent asks for more information than is shown on the above prescribed form. Do I have to provide it?

No. Any information you provide that is not on the above form is optional. We recommend that if your district’s declaration is not in compliance with the required format, that you print and submit the above form. For further clarification, please read “Declaration of Intent – Let’s Be Clear.”

Declaration of Intent FAQs

What does, “Supervised by a person certificated in Washington State.” refer to? Do I need to be supervised by a teacher?

No, you are not required to have a supervising teacher. Having oversight of a supervising teacher is one of the four ways you may qualify to homeschool. In this case, the parent is not considered the supervising certificated person. IF you are qualifying to homeschool by using the services of a supervising teacher you must check that box on the declaration of intent. You do not need to supply any information about that teacher.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

Do I need to provide proof to the school district that I am qualified to homeschool?

No.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

Do I need to meet with district personnel concerning my decision to homeschool or to file my declaration of intent form?

No.

Declaration of Intent FAQs

Is there any provision in law that allows a school district to refuse a declaration of intent filed at any time?

It’s important that a parent first meets one of the four qualifications to homeschool. Once qualified, there is no provision in law that allows a school district to refuse a declaration of intent filed at any time.

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