Starting a Private or Independent School
The process to start a new private school in WA State takes 2-3 years on average.
Private School Requirements by WA State Law
Annual Approval by the WA State Board of Education
Academic Year Requirements for Private Schools
Private schools are mandated to provide students in grades 1-12 with a minimum of 1000 school hours or 180 days. Private schools most often exceed these requirements.
Hours that count must include educational activities planned by and under the direction of school staff and available to all students, either as instructional time, school events, or teacher-parent conferences. Distance and online learning can count when directed by school staff.
Activities that don’t count include school meals, graduation-related events, activity or sports competitions, performances, and other elective gatherings. While important, these events are not considered part of the regular school schedule.
WA State Learning Standards & Instructional Materials
The OSPI website has all the standards, expectations, and open resources for grade-related curricula. https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/learning-standards-instructional-materials.
PreK
Private School Participation in Federal Programs
To be eligible to participate in federal programs, private schools must be state-approved and non-profit.
The students, parents/guardians, and educators of non-profit, private schools approved by the Washington State Board of Education may be eligible for services provided through some Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) federal education programs. These services can provide a valuable supplement to the core programming and professional development of participating private schools.
Review OSPI’s Requirements for Private Schools to Participate in Federal Programs. Each year, private schools must notify districts and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) of their intent to participate, or not, in federal program services by completing and submitting the Private Participation in Federal Programs application in the Education Data System (EDS). See EDS Log-In Instructions. The application is due in April each year.
ESEA programs
- Title I, Part A – Education for the Disadvantaged
- Title I, Part C – Education of Migratory Children
- Title I, Part D – Neglected & Delinquent
- Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction
- Title III, Part A – English Learners & Immigrant Education
- Title IV, Part A – Student Support & Academic Enrichment
- Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Title V, Part B – Rural Education Initiative
- Title VI, Part A – Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education
- Title VII, Part B – McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Education for Homeless Children and Youth
- IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Act (Special Education)