Starting a Private School in Washington
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Washington. Enjoy!
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Washington State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no registration or licensing requirements. Accreditation is optional, but approval is required.
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The Washington State Board of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Washington.
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Instruction is considered home-based if it consists of planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities, including curriculum and instruction in the basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, and spelling, and the development of an appreciation of art and music.
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The Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Washington does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
Teacher Certification & Hiring
All classroom teachers must hold appropriate Washington state certification except those teaching religious courses, or courses for which no counterpart exists in the public schools.
Food Services / Lunch
In Washington, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Length of School Year
Students must attend school for 180 days per year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Principals of private schools or superintendents of private school districts must file a statement each year with the superintendent of public instruction certifying that minimum requirements are being met.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must provide immunization records or proof of exemption. Schools are required to file annual reports on students’ immunization history.
Transportation
Local school district boards may jointly make purchases with private schools for supplies, equipment, and services, including but not limited to school bus maintenance services, as long as the private schools pay in advance or provide a surety bond for their proportionate share of the costs involved.
Testing
Testing is optional for private school students.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Washington State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Washington Federation of Independent Schools: WFIS exists to strengthen education for the students of Washington State as the advocate for and voice of independent schools.
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Northwest Association of Independent Schools: A nonprofit membership association that provides accreditation, professional development and support services to over 110 schools in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
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Puget Sound Independent Schools: The association’s goal is for families to have an increased awareness of the 40+ independent school options in the Puget Sound region
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.