Washington Homeschool Testing Quick Facts:
- Required starting: School year child turns 8
- Options: Standardized test OR annual assessment
- Frequency: Annually
- Results: No pass/fail, progress tracking only
- Local support: Available through Walla Walla homeschool community
Testing, Testing… 1, 2, 3! Navigating Homeschool Assessments in Washington State
Alright, homeschooling friends, let’s chat about testing. We know, we know – it’s not the most exciting part of the homeschooling journey. But don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it might sound! Here in Washington State, we’ve got a few things to keep in mind when it comes to assessing our kiddos’ progress.
Washington Homeschool Testing Quick Facts
- Required starting: School year child turns 8
- Options: Standardized test OR annual assessment
- Frequency: Annually
- Results: No pass/fail, progress tracking only
- Local support: Available through Walla Walla homeschool community
Let’s Get Legal for a Minute (Just a Minute, We Promise!)
So, the law in Washington (specifically RCW 28A.200.010 (3)) says we need to have our homeschoolers take either a standardized test or an annual assessment starting in the school year the student turns 8. But here’s the good news: homeschoolers don’t have to follow the same learning goals or take the same tests as public school kids. Phew!
Standardized Test or Annual Assessment? You Choose!
You’ve got two main options when it comes to fulfilling Washington’s assessment requirements:
Standardized Tests
These are the kind of tests you might remember from your own school days. They’re designed to measure your child’s knowledge and skills against national standards. The Washington State Board of Education has a list of approved tests you can choose from. Standardized tests can be a great way to see how your child is progressing compared to other kids their age, but they can also be a bit stressful.
Annual Assessments
This option is a little more flexible. You can have a certified educator (like a teacher or tutor) write an assessment specifically for your child. This can be a great way to tailor the assessment to your child’s unique learning style. The downside is that finding someone qualified to do it might be a little harder.
Finding Testing Resources in Walla Walla
Local homeschooling families in Walla Walla have several convenient options for fulfilling Washington’s assessment requirements. Many families connect with certified educators in our community who offer annual assessments, making it easy to find someone who understands our local homeschool culture.
Our co-op network is another fantastic resource where families regularly share testing recommendations and experiences. You’ll find honest feedback about what worked (and what didn’t) for different learning styles and ages.
💡 Walla Walla Tip: Many local homeschool co-ops coordinate group testing orders to save on shipping costs. Ask in our community about upcoming group orders!
Plus, our Annual Book Swap and Resource Fair is a perfect opportunity to meet local testing providers face-to-face and ask all your questions in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Want even more support? Our members get access to a curated list of local testing providers that Walla Walla families have personally used and recommended, plus they can ask specific questions in our private member forum where experienced homeschoolers share their testing strategies and tips.
What If My Child Doesn’t “Pass”?
First things first: there’s no such thing as passing or failing when it comes to homeschool assessments. The goal is simply to see how your child is doing and identify any areas where they might need extra support.
If the test or assessment shows that your child isn’t making the progress you’d expect, don’t panic! It just means it’s time to adjust your approach. Maybe you need to try a different curriculum or find a tutor for a specific subject. The important thing is to take action and help your child get back on track.
This is actually one of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling – you have the flexibility to pivot quickly when something isn’t working, rather than waiting for a parent-teacher conference or end-of-year report card.
Resources to the Rescue!
Need more info? We’ve got you covered! Check out these awesome resources:
- Washington Homeschool Association List of Washington State Test Providers
- Homeschool Legal Defense Association
- Our Co-op Directory – Connect with local certified educators
- Walla Walla Homeschool Events – Meet testing providers at our Resource Fair
Want Personalized Testing Guidance?
Our member community includes experienced homeschoolers who’ve navigated Washington testing requirements for years. Members get access to our private forum where you can ask specific questions, our curated list of local testing providers, and monthly Q&A sessions where we tackle topics like assessment planning together. It’s like having a homeschool mentor in your back pocket!
And remember, you’re not alone! Our homeschooling community is here to support you every step of the way. We can answer your questions, share resources, and just be a listening ear. So don’t hesitate to reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Homeschool Testing
Q: When does my child need to start testing in Washington State?
A: Starting in the school year your child turns 8 years old. So if your child turns 8 in March, they would need to complete their first assessment by the end of that school year.
Q: What happens if my child scores low on a homeschool assessment?
A: There’s no pass/fail in Washington homeschool assessments. Low scores simply indicate areas where your child might need additional support or a different teaching approach. Use the results as a helpful tool to adjust your homeschool strategy, not as a judgment of your child’s abilities or your teaching.
Q: Can I test my own child?
A: For standardized tests, yes (following the test’s administration rules). For annual assessments, you need a certified educator who is not the parent. This ensures an objective evaluation of your child’s progress.
Q: Where can Walla Walla families find testing resources?
A: Connect with our local homeschool community for recommendations, check the Washington Homeschool Association’s provider list, or attend our Resource Fair to meet providers in person. Our member community also maintains a frequently-updated list of local testing resources.
Q: How much does homeschool testing cost in Washington?
A: Standardized tests typically range from $25-75 depending on the grade level and test chosen. Annual assessments by certified educators vary but often run $75-150. Group orders through co-ops can sometimes reduce costs.
Q: Do I need to submit test results to anyone?
A: You must keep test results or assessment reports on file as part of your homeschool records, but you don’t need to submit them to the state unless specifically requested during a records review.
Join the Conversation
Have you used a testing service you’d recommend to other Walla Walla families? Share your experience in the comments below! Your insights help other families navigate this important part of their homeschool journey.
Want more support navigating Washington homeschool requirements? Join our community of local homeschooling families. We share resources, answer questions, and help each other navigate everything from testing to co-ops to field trip planning.
Download our free Washington Homeschool Legal Checklist
Learn more about our membership community
Related Posts You Might Find Helpful:
- Getting Started with Homeschooling in Washington State
- Building Your Homeschool Community in Walla Walla
- Washington Homeschool Legal Requirements: What You Need to Know
Tags: Washington homeschool testing, homeschool assessment, RCW 28A.200.010, Walla Walla homeschool, standardized testing, annual assessment, Washington homeschool law, homeschool requirements
Categories: Legal Requirements, Getting Started, Resources
