How Washington Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy

Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school in Washington and is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served co-op schools, online students, and homeschool K-12 students since 2003. In this blog, we provide Enlightium families with generic information about Washington state’s requirements. Parents are encouraged to review the state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal, OSPI, and/or the Washington State Board of Education, as requirements are subject to change over time. Once enrolled at Enlightium Academy, join our Washington Group in Enlightium’s Parents app to connect with Washington families. 

The resources below serve as a starting point for research for your family.

Washington’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance

Homeschooling Options

There are two homeschooling options in Washington state. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy can choose Option 2: Homeschooling with a private or denominational school. The below guidelines are based on option 2.

State Educational Funds

No state educational funds are available for homeschooling families at this time.

Enlightium Academy Notifies the State

Washington parents do not need to notify the state that they are homeschooling their children as that duty is fulfilled by Enlightium Academy at the beginning of each school year.

Age Requirement

Ages seven or younger:

Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for 1st grade.

Ages eight through 18:

Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they either graduate or turn 18.

Immunization Requirement

Immunization is required in the state of Washington; therefore, parents are required to keep their children’s immunization records or exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Enlightium Academy does not require student immunization or exemption for homeschooled families unless a student attends an Enrichment Center. 

You can use the Washington State health immunization or exemption forms as needed. 

Instructor Qualifications

Under Option 2, the Washington State Board of Education does not require students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications. 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI certified. A number of our faculty members have Masters and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the Homeschool Program (grades PreK-8) use book-based Christian curricula from AOP and BJU Press, while students in Online Program (grades 3–12) use the digital Christian curriculum, “Ignitia”. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 3-12) use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curricula include Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

Required Subjects

Under Option 2, the Washington State Board of Education does not require any specific courses.

After you enroll/re-enroll and before your student starts courses at Enlightium Academy, your student’s counselor will send you an email with a recommended course schedule consisting of core courses and, if applicable, courses that fulfill Enlightium’s graduation requirements. Your student can also select from Enlightium’s elective courses.

Standardized Assessment

Under Option 2, the Washington State Board of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, the district may request that the family provide assessment scores or other test scores.

This requirement can be met via Enlightium Academy as we provide multiple annual assessment options to provide you with data on how your student is progressing in comparison with other students in the same grade level in the USA:

• Grades Prek-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
• Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT

Keep a portfolio

You may need to provide your state with additional information, so please keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include the following::

• Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with weekly progress reports. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
• Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
• Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide them during the registration process - primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
• Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students after quarters 1 and 3 and report cards/transcripts at the end of semesters 1 and 2.
• Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
• Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, and the Presidential Award.
• Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Washington Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Washington to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements.. 

Your family will be automatically added to this group upon enrolling at Enlightium and downloading the Enlightium Parents app (which is provided upon enrollment).

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website or watch this video about online homeschooling.
2. If you have any questions:
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process and select the blue button near the top of the page.

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (866) 488-4818, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.

Sources reviewed in July 2023:

• https://hslda.org/legal
• Immunization:https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization#reqs
• Exemption:https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//348-106_CertificateofExemption.pdf?uid=6254d926836c4