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 / Reminders. These pages include homeschool events, latest updates and reminders.

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!

1. You need to file an Intent to Homeschool form with your school district.
2. Only include children (ages 8 years old and up) and their ages. Date of birth is not required by law.
3. Include whether you are using a certificated person to supervise your homeschool.
4. Obtain a copy of Washington State's Laws Regulating Home-Based, a.k.a the "Pink Book". Click here for a copy on PDF format.
5. Join local homeschool support Yahoo email groups to keep abreast of planned meetings, activities, discussions, etc.
6. Beware of public school programs that entice homeschoolers by offering free computers and/or offering to pay for classes, or curriculum . Alternative Education.
7. 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

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Christian Heritage Conference
• FLO - Family Learning Organization
• National Home Education Research Institute - Statistics and current information regarding homeschooling.

Testing Requirements

According to WA State Home-based law RCW 28A.200.010:

1. We are required to test / assess our children annually. See below for these two options.

2. The test must be administered by a qualified individual, or

3. An annual assessment of the student's academic progress must be written by a certificated person who is currently working in the field of education.

4. Parents are required to keep copies of the annual test scores or the written assessment and immunization records.

5. If a student enters a public / private school, if asked, the parent is required to provide copies of their annual test results.

TEST / ASSESSMENT OPTIONS:

1. "A standardized achievement test approved by the state board of education is administered annually to the child by a qualified individual, or"

2. "An annual assessment of the student's academic progress is written by a certificated person who is currently working in the field of education."

For examples of "Approved Standardized Achievement Tests" for Home-Based Instruction Use, click here

TESTING SERVICE PROVIDERS:

• BJU Press
• Family Learning Organization - Testing and Assessments available.
• Great Expectations - Annual Testing is offered here in Tri-Cities.
• Homeschool Testing Servicing - Annual Testing is offered here in Tri-Cities.

Get Connected with Local Homeschoolers

1. Homeschool Happenings - Current scheduled events.
2. Support Groups - Make connections with local homeschoolers.
3. Co-ops - An opportunity to learn while interacting with fellow homeschoolers.
4. P.E. - Central United Presbyterian Church
5. Park Days - Park days are posted by homeschoolers on the local Yahoo egroup support groups.

What does Tri-Cities have to offer?

• Parent Qualification Class
• 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
• Fun 2 Learn - Educational Materials Store
• 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