Email of the Day:
We are looking at moving to Vancouver USA and we have unschooled our son for the last year, in Nevada. Can you give me any insight as to the laws in Wa., pertaining to un-schooling? Is it legal to do so?
Answer:
Unschooling is a homeschool methodology. In the context of covering the 11 subjects over the course of your homeschooling (reading, writing, spelling, language, math, science, social studies, history, health, occupational education, and art and music appreciation), WA law specifies that “all decisions relating to philosophy or doctrine, selection of books, teaching materials and curriculum, and methods, timing and place in the provision or evaluation of home-based instruction shall be the responsibility of the parent” and further that “the legislature recognizes that home-based instruction is less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom. Therefore, the provisions relating to the nature and quantity of instructional and related educational activities shall be liberally construed.”
In sum: unschooling’s just fine in WA.
Warmly,
~Jen GS, WHO Board Advocacy Chair (who also unschooled her kidlet)