A planning guide for Washington families

Homeschool Graduation
& Running Start

Washington homeschool families have flexibility, but good records and a deliberate academic plan matter. SEED helps families plan backward from college, career, transfer, and diploma goals.

Know the distinction

Legal requirements
and academic planning.

SEED is a homeschool support and learning center, not a school or diploma-granting institution. Parents remain responsible for complying with Washington's home-based instruction laws and for maintaining their student's permanent homeschool records.

Washington home-based instruction is not generally bound by the same diploma requirements as a public high school. Families must file the required declaration of intent, provide instruction in the required subject areas, keep appropriate records, and arrange an approved annual assessment of academic progress.

Review the current requirements with the Washington State Board of Education and Chapter 28A.200 RCW.

A useful planning reference

Washington's
24-credit framework.

This framework applies to Washington public-school diplomas. It is not automatically a homeschool graduation requirement, but it is a practical reference for transfers, diploma partnerships, and keeping postsecondary options open.

English4
Mathematics3
Science3, including 2 lab credits
Social studies3
Health and fitness2
Arts2
Career and technical education1
World language or personalized pathway2
Electives4

The framework also includes a High School and Beyond Plan and an approved graduation pathway for public-school students. Districts may add local requirements. See the State Board of Education graduation requirements.

SEED's goal

Ready to begin.
Prepared to excel.

SEED's goal is to prepare every eligible student to begin Running Start by the start of 11th grade and to thrive in college-level courses once they arrive.

Course readiness matters, but so do the habits behind strong performance. Alpha Courses develop planning, time management, study skills, communication, self-direction, and reflection. Individualized coursework builds the academic knowledge students need, while one-on-one mentorship helps them apply both sets of skills consistently.

Homeschool students may apply for Running Start, but eligibility depends on 11th- or 12th-grade standing, district procedures, college admission, and course placement. SEED preparation does not guarantee admission or eligibility.

Learn more from OSPI's Running Start guidance and RCW 28A.600.310.

Records and evaluation

A clear record
of meaningful work.

Comprehensive Homeschool Support families receive a SEED Academic Record documenting coursework, progress, and portfolio evidence. For Washington families, SEED also arranges the annual academic-progress evaluation with a qualified Washington-certificated teacher at no additional cost.

The SEED Academic Record is a supporting document, not an official transcript issued by an approved school. A receiving school, district, college, or diploma partner determines how it accepts coursework, credits, and placement.

Diploma pathways

Plan with the
end in mind.

Families may maintain their own homeschool diploma pathway or pursue an eligible external option. Under Washington law, a qualifying student who completes an associate degree through a community or technical college may request a Washington high school diploma from that college.

SEED is exploring partnerships and other options that may allow students to pursue accredited diplomas in the future. SEED does not currently issue an accredited diploma.

See RCW 28B.50.535 for the college-issued diploma pathway.

A note for every family

Requirements can change.

This page provides general educational information, not legal advice. Families should confirm current requirements with their resident district, participating college, diploma provider, and relevant state agencies. Families outside Washington must follow the homeschool laws of the state where they live.

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