Welcome to Homeschool-3-Cities!
The purpose of this website is to give you a taste of homeschooling and a glimpse of what Tri-Cities has to offer. Hopefully, the resources found on these pages will encourage you and spark ideas for your homeschool.
We are fortunate to have a very supportive homeschool community, in Tri-cities, WA. As a result, we have several support groups, homeschool co-ops, as well as weekly and monthly homeschool activities/events.
Be sure to visit pages Homeshool Happenings and Updates on the left.
Browse through this website and contact me if you have questions and/or comments. Enjoy!
Steps to help you get started in Homeschooling:
Be Informed - WA State laws allows parents to homeschool; permission from school districts is not required! Click here for a Declaration of Intent Education Packet.
- You need to file an Intent to Homeschool form with your school district.
- Only include children (ages 8 years old and up) and their ages. Date of birth is not required by law.
- Include whether you are using a certificated person to supervise your homeschool.
- Visit Washington Homeschool Organization (W.H.O.) for an explanation of our WA state laws regulating Home-Based Education.
- For a copy of Washington state laws regulating Home-Based Education, a.k.a. the "Pink Book". Click here for a copy on PDF format.
- Join local homeschool support Yahoo email groups to keep abreast of planned support meetings, activities, discussions, etc.
- Beware of public school programs that entice homeschoolers by offering free computers and/or offering to pay for classes, or curriculum . Alternative Education.
- Get the latest updates on homeschool legislation:
- C.H.N.O.W. - Christian Homeschool Network Of Washington
- WATCH - Washington Association of Teaching Christion Homes
- WHEN - Washington Home Education Network
- WHO - Washington Homechool Organization
- WNLA - Washington Natural Learning Association
- Christian Heritage Home Educators of WA
- FLO - Family Learning Organization
- National Home Education Research Institute - Statistics and current information regarding homeschooling.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Testing Requirements
According to WA State Home-based law RCW 28A.200.010:
- We are required to test / assess our children annually. See below for these two options.
- "A standardized achievement test approved by the state board of education is administered annually to the child by a qualified individual, or"
- "An annual assessment of the student's academic progress is written by a certificated person who is currently working in the field of education."
- Parents are required to keep copies of the annual test scores or the written assessment and immunization records.
- If a student enters a public / private school, if asked, the parent is required to provide copies of their annual test results, or annual academic progress assessment.
For examples of "Approved Standardized Achievement Tests" for Home-Based Instruction Use, click here
LOCAL ASSESSMENT:
TESTING SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Get Connected with Local Homeschoolers
- Homeschool Happenings - Current scheduled events.
- Support Groups - Make connections with local homeschoolers.
- Co-ops - An opportunity to learn while interacting with fellow homeschoolers.
- P.E. - Central United Presbyterian Church
- Park Days - Park days are posted by homeschoolers on the local Yahoo email groups.
What does Tri-Cities have to offer?
- Parent Qualification Class - See list of options under category Homeschool Parent Qualification Classes on the left.
- Used Curriculum / Materials Fair
- Annual Testing
- Homeschool Dance
- High School Credits / College Credits - Running Start
- WSU - Expanding Your Horizons - Middle School Girls
- Educator's Discount
- Hula Classes & Culture
- Kennewick Community Classes/Activities - Children and Adults
- Richland Community Classes/Activities - Children and Adults
- Toyota Center - A multi purpose arena. See calendar for events such as Concerts, Tour Productions, etc.
- Tri-Cities Youth Soccer Association
- Plus more...