Pullman Public Schools

In Washington State, children ages 8 to 18 must attend school unless they meet certain exceptions. These include:

• Attending an approved private school or an extension program.
• Receiving homeschooling (home-based instruction).
• Attending an education center.
• Being excused by the school district superintendent for reasons like physical/mental inability to attend, incarceration, attending a residential school, or temporary absences approved by the school and parents.
• Legally employed with parental agreement or emancipated.
• Having met graduation requirements or earned a certificate of educational competence.

RCW 28A.225.010(4) defines home-based instruction as parent-planned and supervised education covering basic skills like math, science, language, and the arts for a set number of hours, with flexibility for a less structured, experiential approach. RCW 28A.200.020 gives parents wide discretion over the philosophy, curriculum, and methods, with state laws ensuring only a basic education framework.

To enroll a student in Pullman School District after homeschooling, parents/guardians must:

• Provide the most recent Declaration of Intent to Homeschool.
• Arrange placement testing with district staff, if needed.
• Submit immunization records.
• Provide records from the previous school, if applicable.

RCW 28A.225.010(4) specifies three ways parents can provide home-based instruction:

1. Supervised by a Certified Teacher: A certificated teacher supervises the parent’s instruction, including setting objectives, spending at least one hour per week with the child, and evaluating progress. A teacher can supervise up to 30 children.
2. Parent with Educational Qualifications: A parent can teach if they have 45 college credits or have completed a home-based instruction course at a postsecondary or vocational-technical institution.
3. Qualified by School Superintendent: A parent can instruct if deemed qualified by the local school district’s superintendent.

Chapter 28A.200 RCW outlines requirements for parents providing home-based instruction:

1. File an Annual Declaration: Submit a signed intent to homeschool form each year.
2. Maintain Records: Keep and transfer test scores, assessments, immunization records, and other educational documents if the child moves to another school.
3. Annual Testing or Assessment: Ensure the child completes an annual standardized test or has their progress assessed by a certified educator, with results kept on file. If progress is insufficient, address any deficiencies.
4. Instructional Decisions: Parents have full control over educational philosophy, curriculum, teaching methods, and scheduling, within the framework of legal requirem

Parents must request the prescribed format for the declaration of intent from their local school district superintendent's office. This declaration, printed on the district's form or letterhead, must be filed with the local superintendent by September 15 of the new school year or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter, trimester, or semester.
 
If your student is currently enrolled and you wish to withdraw their enrollment for the purpose of providing home-based instruction, please turn in the declaration of intent upon withdrawal from the school.

It is the parent’s responsibility to provide materials and equipment necessary to meet the planned objectives for the home-based instruction.

Public school officials are required to report cases of noncompliance to the person designated as the enforcement officer of the truancy laws as stated in Chapter 28A.225 RCW.

Persons who fail to comply with the duties specified in Chapter 28A.200RCW are liable for prosecution under RCW 28A.225.020.

Yes. Chapter 180-96 WAC and RCW 28A.305.190 allow persons between the ages of 16 and 19 who have been instructed at home in compliance with RCW 28A.225.010(4) and Chapter 28A.200 RCW to take and successfully complete approved examinations for high school equivalency certificates, including a GED certificate.

To enroll a student in the Pullman School District after attendance in home-based instruction, the parent/guardian, as required by law will:

• Provide the most recent Declaration of Intent to Homeschool that was used to qualify the student to be home schooled;
• Meet with staff to arrange for placement testing, if necessary, to determine grade placement;
• Provide complete, current immunization records; and
• Provide records from their last school of attendance, when applicable.
   

How is Placement Determined?

Grade level score on standardized achievement tests administered by District staff and review of a student’s records will be used to determine placement. The superintendent/designee will have final authority on appropriate grade and course-level placement.

• Probationary placement may be made until student performance level is verified.
• A special notation will be made on transcripts for classes waived and credits granted through the entry assessment process. The waivers and credits will be entered.
• In order to receive a high school diploma from Pullman School District using class waivers and credits earned with the entry assessment process, a student must: be enrolled full time (six classes) for both semesters prior to graduating; successfully complete that year with passing grades; meet local District graduation requirements.