Washington Microschool Regulations: Complete 2026 Guide for Teachers

Starting a microschool in Washington state? You're joining a rapidly growing educational movement. With 29,467 homeschool students representing a 76% increase since 2012 and 559 approved private schools serving 81,825 students, Washington's alternative education landscape is thriving. Source: OSPI Homeschool Annual Report 2023-24 and OSPI Private Schools Directory 2024-25

But here's what catches most aspiring microschool founders off guard: Washington law doesn't actually recognize "microschool" as a legal term. Instead, you'll need to navigate one of two established pathways—private school registration or homeschool cooperative—each with dramatically different requirements, costs, and compliance obligations.

This guide cuts through the regulatory complexity to give you a clear roadmap. You'll learn the critical difference between private school and homeschool cooperative structures, understand Washington's teacher certification requirements and exemptions, master the State Board of Education approval process, and discover why Washington's lack of standardized testing requirements makes it one of the more microschool-friendly states in the nation.

Whether you're a certified teacher planning a classical education microschool, a parent-educator starting a Montessori co-op, or an entrepreneur launching a project-based learning center, this comprehensive guide provides the regulatory foundation you need. We'll cover everything from the 90-day Certificate of Compliance filing deadline to realistic startup costs (think $35,000 to $225,000 for initial expenses), teacher certification exemptions for persons of "unusual competence," and the eight required curriculum subjects that give you far more flexibility than public schools.

By the end of this article, you'll have a 12-month launch timeline, a clear understanding of annual compliance requirements, and the confidence to choose the right legal structure for your microschool vision. Let's dive into Washington's regulatory landscape and turn your educational dream into reality.

Understanding Washington's Legal Framework

The Missing "Microschool" Definition

Here's the first thing you need to know: Washington state law contains no legal definition of "microschool" anywhere in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or Washington Administrative Code (WAC). While "microschool" works perfectly as a marketing term and educational philosophy descriptor, from a legal standpoint, your school must operate under one of two existing structures: as a state-approved private school or as a homeschool cooperative.

This distinction isn't just bureaucratic semantics. It determines everything about your regulatory obligations, from teacher certification requirements to facility inspections to annual reporting. According to national microschool data, approximately 37% of microschools operate as private schools while 55% function under homeschool laws, with the remainder operating as charter schools or in unique state categories. Source: Center for American Progress

Why does this matter so much? Because choosing the wrong legal structure can mean unexpected compliance burdens, costly retrofitting of facilities, or even forced closure for operating without proper approval.

Two Legal Pathways for Microschools

Option 1: Private School Registration

If you plan to operate a physical facility where students gather for regular instruction, Washington law treats you as a private school governed by RCW 28A.195 and WAC 180-90. This pathway requires:

• Annual approval from the State Board of Education (SBE), not OSPI
• Certificate of Compliance filed 90 days before opening
• Certificated teachers or documented exemptions
• Health and fire safety inspections
• Annual enrollment reporting
• Meeting eight required curriculum subject areas

The private school path offers institutional legitimacy, the ability to issue official transcripts and diplomas, and scalability beyond 10-12 students. However, it comes with higher startup costs, more regulatory oversight, and a 6-12 month approval timeline before you can accept your first student.

Option 2: Homeschool Cooperative

If parents retain primary educational responsibility and your group meets in homes or rotating locations without a dedicated facility, you may operate as a homeschool cooperative under RCW 28A.200. This structure requires:

• Each family files individual "Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction" with their local school district by September 15
• Parents meet one of four qualification options (45 college credits, certified teacher supervision, superintendent approval, or homeschool parent course)
• No SBE approval needed
• No teacher certification requirements for parent instructors
• Flexible curriculum determined by parents
• Annual student assessments (kept by parents, not reported to state)

The homeschool cooperative path offers minimal state oversight, lower startup costs, and maximum curriculum flexibility. But it's limited in scalability, can't issue institutional diplomas, and requires each parent to meet qualification standards.

Key Legal Citations

Understanding the specific statutes governing your microschool is essential:

• RCW 28A.195.010 - Defines private schools and establishes minimum requirements including instructional hours, required subjects, and teacher certification standards
• RCW 28A.225.010 - Governs compulsory school attendance, specifying when children must attend school and what constitutes legal educational alternatives
• WAC 180-90-105 - Details the private school approval procedures and application process through the State Board of Education
• WAC 180-90-115 - Establishes minimum requirements for private school approval, including facility standards and staffing qualifications

Decision Framework: Which Path Is Right for You?

Ask yourself these critical questions:

1. Do you plan to operate a physical facility for regular instruction?

• YES → Private school path (continue reading)
• NO → Homeschool cooperative path (skip to Section VIII)

1. Will students attend 15+ hours per week at your location?

• YES → Likely requires private school registration
• NO → Homeschool cooperative may be appropriate

1. Do you want to issue official transcripts and diplomas?

• YES → Private school path required
• NO → Either path works

1. Are you planning to scale beyond 10-12 students?

• YES → Private school path recommended
• NO → Either path viable

When in doubt, contact the OSPI Private Education Section at (360) 725-6400 for guidance on your specific situation. As an August 2025 Washington State Standard article noted, "Microschools are growing in popularity, but state regulations haven't caught up." Source: Washington State Standard This regulatory ambiguity means proactive communication with state agencies is your best protection.

Private School Registration Process

Overview: The State Board of Education (SBE) Approval

Operating a private school in Washington requires annual approval from the State Board of Education—not OSPI, which is a common point of confusion. The Legislature mandates this approval process to ensure schools meet minimum health and safety standards, employ appropriately qualified staff, and provide a sufficient basic education program to meet graduation requirements. Source: State Board of Education

Importantly, SBE approval indicates regulatory compliance, not endorsement or accreditation. Accreditation remains voluntary and separate from the approval process. The entire approval journey typically spans 6-12 months from initial planning to opening day, so starting early is essential.

Here's the critical timeline: you must file your Certificate of Compliance at least 90 days before your school term starts, as specified in WAC 180-90-130. Miss this deadline, and you'll delay your opening or risk operating illegally.

Step 1: Pre-Application Planning (3-6 Months Before Filing)

Business Entity Formation

Before you can apply for SBE approval, you need a legal business entity. File with the Washington Secretary of State to establish your school as an LLC, nonprofit corporation, or for-profit corporation. Each structure has different tax implications, liability protections, and governance requirements.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and open a dedicated business bank account. If you're considering nonprofit status, start the 501(c)(3) application process early—IRS approval can take 3-6 months and may be required before your SBE application review. Nonprofit status offers significant advantages: exemption from Washington's Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on tuition revenue and eligibility for tax-deductible donations.

Facility Selection and Zoning

Your facility must meet both state educational requirements and local zoning regulations. Zoning requirements vary dramatically by jurisdiction—what's permitted in Seattle differs significantly from Spokane or rural Lewis County. Contact your local city or county planning department before signing any lease or purchase agreement.

Verify that your intended location allows educational use in its zoning classification. Some residential zones permit schools only with conditional use permits, adding time and uncertainty to your approval process. Commercial and mixed-use zones typically allow educational facilities, but always confirm specific regulations.

Schedule an ADA compliance review to ensure your facility meets accessibility requirements under federal law. While Washington doesn't mandate specific square footage per student, your building must be "adequate to meet the program offered" under RCW 28A.195.010(6).

Secure a lease or purchase agreement. Some SBE applications may require proof of facility commitment, though you should include contingency clauses protecting you if approval is denied.

Administrator and Staff Hiring

One of the most critical SBE approval requirements is having a certificated administrator or lead teacher. Begin recruiting early, as Washington-certificated educators familiar with private school operations may be harder to find than you expect.

Verify certification status through OSPI's eS-CERT system. If you're planning to use non-certificated teachers, you'll need to document their qualifications and ensure proper supervision by certificated staff under the "unusual competence" exemption (more on this in Section IV).

Plan your staffing model now: Will you operate as the certificated administrator supervising non-certificated teachers? Will you hire all certificated staff? Or will you create a mixed model? Your choice impacts both SBE approval and operating costs.

Curriculum Development

Washington private schools must provide instruction in eight required subject areas as specified in WAC 180-90-115(2):

1. Occupational education - Career exploration, life skills, vocational training
2. Science - Life science, physical science, earth/space science
3. Mathematics - Number sense, algebra, geometry, statistics
4. Language - Reading, writing, speaking, listening
5. Social studies - Civics, economics, geography
6. History - U.S. history, Washington state history, world history
7. Health - Physical health, mental health, nutrition, safety
8. Art and music - Visual arts, performing arts, music appreciation

Document how your curriculum addresses each subject area with sufficient depth to meet state graduation requirements. Create course descriptions, learning objectives, and assessment plans for each grade level you plan to serve.

Calculate your instructional hours: Washington requires either 1,000 instructional hours per year for grades 1-12 (450 hours for kindergarten) OR 180 school days, whichever you prefer. Source: RCW 28A.195.010 Most microschools find the hours-based approach offers more schedule flexibility.

Step 2: SBE Application Submission (3-4 Months Before Opening)

Required Application Components

The SBE Private School Application requires comprehensive documentation:

• Completed application form (available online at SBE website)
• Proposed school calendar demonstrating 1,000 hours/180 days requirement
• Complete list of certificated and non-certificated staff with qualification documentation
• Detailed curriculum outline for each grade level served
• Facilities description including floor plan and capacity
• Emergency preparedness plan covering evacuation, lockdown, and crisis procedures
• Health and safety policies addressing immunizations, illness, accidents, and medical emergencies
• Student records management plan demonstrating permanent record protection

Application Review Process

After submission, expect a 2-4 week initial review by SBE staff. They'll verify completeness and may request additional documentation or clarification. In some cases, particularly for new schools or unique educational models, SBE may schedule a site visit to assess your facility and interview leadership.

If your application raises any questions or concerns, you may be required to present to the SBE board at their monthly meeting. Board meetings occur regularly, so timing your application submission to align with their schedule can affect your approval timeline.

Outcomes include approval, conditional approval (requiring specific changes before opening), or denial. Conditional approval is common for first-time applicants and typically involves minor policy adjustments or additional documentation.

Common Application Pitfalls

Learn from others' mistakes. The most frequent reasons for delayed approval include:

• Incomplete curriculum documentation - Vague subject descriptions without learning objectives or hour calculations
• Insufficient certificated staff coverage - Unclear supervision plans for non-certificated teachers
• Inadequate emergency and safety plans - Generic templates without location-specific details
• Facility zoning issues - Applying before securing proper zoning approval
• Missing administrator credentials - Assuming ownership qualifies as administrative certification

Step 3: Certificate of Compliance (90 Days Before Opening)

Filing Requirements

Once SBE grants approval, you must file your Certificate of Compliance with OSPI's Private Education Section at least 90 days before your first day of school, as required by RCW 28A.195.040.

The certificate includes basic information: school name, physical address, administrator name and contact information, and planned opening date. While seemingly simple, this filing is legally required and creates your official record in the state system.

Annual Renewal

Every year by October 15, you must file an updated Certificate of Compliance reporting current enrollment numbers by grade level and noting any changes to staff, curriculum, or operations. This becomes part of your ongoing compliance routine.

Step 4: Post-Approval Compliance

Ongoing Reporting

Your compliance obligations continue after opening:

• Annual enrollment reports to OSPI showing student counts by grade level
• Updated staff roster documenting certification status of all teachers
• Maintenance of student attendance records as required by RCW 28A.225.010
• Immunization records retention per WAC 180-90-115(7)

Record Retention

Washington mandates specific retention periods for various school records:

• Student academic records - Permanent retention required
• Attendance records - Minimum 5 years
• Staff certification documentation - Duration of employment plus 5 years
• Financial records - 7 years (IRS requirement)

Establish secure systems for both paper and electronic records. Many microschools use cloud-based student information systems with automatic backup and disaster recovery.

Changes Requiring SBE Notification

Notify the State Board of Education whenever you make significant operational changes:

• Change of physical location
• Change of administrator or head of school
• Significant curriculum modifications or new educational philosophy
• Addition or removal of grade levels served
• Change in ownership structure or governance model

Failure to report these changes can jeopardize your approval status.

Visual Timeline: From Planning to Opening

• Months 1-3: Business formation, facility search, initial curriculum design, zoning verification
• Months 4-6: Staff recruitment and hiring, detailed curriculum development, SBE application preparation
• Months 7-9: SBE application submission and review, possible site visit and board presentation
• Month 10: Certificate of Compliance filing (90-day deadline), insurance procurement
• Months 11-12: Final facility preparation, staff training, enrollment finalization
• Month 13: Grand opening!

Note that SBE charges no application or approval fee as of 2025, which is a significant cost savings compared to some states.

Teacher Certification Requirements

The General Rule: Washington State Certification Required

Here's the baseline: all teachers in Washington private schools must hold a valid Washington state teaching certificate. This requirement appears in both RCW 28A.410 and WAC 180-79A, which govern teacher certification across the state.

You can verify any teacher's certification status through OSPI's eS-CERT system, the official online certification database. Valid Washington certificates include:

• Residency Certificate - Initial certificate issued to new teachers, valid 2-3 years
• Professional Certificate - Standard certificate after completing residency requirements, renewable every five years
• Continuing Certificate - No longer issued but still valid for those who hold them
• National Board Certification - Advanced voluntary certification demonstrating teaching excellence

But here's where it gets interesting for microschool founders: Washington provides three significant exemptions that give you flexibility in hiring.

Three Major Exemptions for Microschools

Exemption 1: Religious or Specialized Courses

Teachers of religious content or specialized subjects with no public school equivalent do NOT need Washington certification, as specified in WAC 180-90-115(4)(b).

This exemption covers:

• Bible study and religious instruction
• Denominational theology and church history
• Specialized arts courses (ceramics, classical voice, specific instruments)
• Trades and vocational skills without public school equivalents
• Foreign languages not commonly taught in public schools

The critical limitation: core academic subjects—math, science, English language arts, history, and social studies—still require certificated teachers unless another exemption applies.

Exemption 2: Out-of-State Certified Teachers

Teachers holding valid K-12 certification from other states may qualify for exemption under WAC 180-90-115(4)(c), provided their certificate comes from a program recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and they have appropriate experience or academic preparation for K-12 instruction.

Practical note: Washington offers certification reciprocity with most states for teachers seeking long-term positions. The reciprocity process typically takes 2-6 months and requires submitting transcripts, out-of-state certificate verification, and possibly passing Washington-specific exams. For short-term or trial positions, the out-of-state exemption provides immediate flexibility while pursuing full Washington certification.

Exemption 3: Persons of "Unusual Competence"

This is the exemption most relevant to microschool founders seeking subject matter experts, industry professionals, or passionate educators without traditional certification. Under WAC 180-90-112, non-certificated individuals may teach if:

1. They possess exceptional experience or academic preparation appropriate to K-12 instruction and consistent with the school's educational mission
2. A Washington state certificated teacher, administrator, or superintendent provides "general supervision"
3. The school employs at least one Washington state certified teacher, administrator, or superintendent

General supervision means the certificated supervisor must be "generally available at the school site to observe and advise the teacher" and must evaluate the non-certificated teacher according to school policies. This doesn't require constant presence but does mean regular, substantive oversight—not just rubber-stamp approval.

You must submit annual written statements to the superintendent of public instruction explaining the circumstances of each unusual competence exemption and how supervision requirements are being met.

Examples of unusual competence candidates include:

• Software engineers teaching computer science and coding
• Published authors teaching creative writing
• Professional scientists teaching advanced STEM courses
• Experienced business owners teaching entrepreneurship
• Artists and musicians teaching their crafts

Obtaining Washington State Certification

If you or your staff need to obtain Washington certification, you have several pathways:

Route 1: Traditional University Programs

Complete an approved teacher preparation program at a Washington college or university (typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree plus teaching coursework). Pass required exams: NES (National Evaluation Series) subject tests, WEST-B (basic skills), and WEST-E (endorsement-specific). Apply through the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).

Total timeline: 4-5 years for those starting without a bachelor's degree, or 1-2 years for career changers with degrees completing post-baccalaureate programs.

Route 2: Alternative Routes

Career-switchers with bachelor's degrees can complete alternative certification programs like TeacherReady or iTeach WA while teaching under a provisional certificate. These programs typically take 12-24 months and allow you to earn income while completing certification requirements.

Route 3: Out-of-State Transfer

If you hold teaching certification from another state, apply for Washington certification reciprocity. Submit official transcripts and certificate verification from your current state. You may need to pass Washington-specific exams depending on your state's reciprocity agreement.

Timeline: 2-6 months from application to approval.

Route 4: National Board Certification

While not required, National Board Certification demonstrates advanced teaching excellence. This voluntary credential can increase parent confidence, justify premium tuition, and differentiate your microschool in competitive markets. The application process takes 1-3 years and requires extensive portfolio documentation and assessment.

Microschool-Specific Certification Strategies

Strategy 1: Founder as Certificated Administrator

Obtain Washington administrator certification (Principal or Program Administrator endorsement). This allows you to hire non-certificated teachers as "unusual competence" staff under your supervision. You must be present daily to provide the required oversight.

Pros: Maximum hiring flexibility, ability to recruit subject experts over generalist teachers, potentially lower salary costs

Cons: Requires your daily presence, limits your ability to work remotely or scale, necessitates ongoing professional development in supervision and evaluation

Strategy 2: Mixed Staff Model

Hire 1-2 certificated core teachers for math, English/language arts, and science. Bring in non-certificated specialists for art, PE, enrichment, electives, and specialized subjects under certificated teacher supervision.

Pros: Balance of credentialing and subject expertise, shared supervision responsibility, easier to scale

Cons: Higher salary costs for certificated positions, potential confusion about supervision chains of command

Strategy 3: All-Certificated Staff

Hire only Washington-certificated teachers for all positions. This is the simplest path from a compliance perspective.

Pros: Full compliance with no exemption documentation, strong parent confidence, no supervision complexity

Con: Most limited hiring pool, highest salary requirements, may miss exceptional educators without traditional credentials

Expert Q&A

Q: Can I teach my own child without certification in a microschool setting?

A: It depends on your legal structure. If operating as a private school, no—you need Washington certification or must qualify for an exemption with supervision from a certificated teacher. If operating as a homeschool cooperative where parents retain legal educational responsibility, yes—parents can teach their own children without certification as long as they meet one of the four parent qualification options under homeschool law.

Q: How many certificated teachers do I need?

A: At minimum, one certificated administrator or teacher to supervise any non-certificated staff. WAC 180-90-115(4) requires supervision for the unusual competence exemption. If all your staff are certificated or teach only religious/specialized subjects, you may not need any additional certificated personnel beyond that minimum.

Curriculum and Instructional Requirements

Eight Required Subject Areas

Washington's curriculum requirements for private schools balance basic educational standards with significant freedom in how you teach. Your curriculum must cover these eight mandatory subject areas:

1. Occupational Education - Career exploration, vocational training, life skills, workplace readiness, financial literacy
2. Science - Life science (biology, ecology), physical science (chemistry, physics), earth and space science
3. Mathematics - Number sense and operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, data analysis
4. Language - Reading comprehension, writing composition, speaking and oral communication, listening skills (English language)
5. Social Studies - Civics and government, economics and financial literacy, geography and cultures
6. History - United States history, Washington state history (required for graduation), world history
7. Health - Physical health and wellness, mental and emotional health, nutrition, safety and injury prevention
8. Art and Music - Visual arts, performing arts, music appreciation and theory

All subjects must be taught "in sufficient units" to meet state board of education graduation requirements, as specified in WAC 180-90-115(2).

The Big Exemption: No State Testing or Standards

Here's where Washington becomes one of the more attractive states for microschool founders: private schools are completely exempt from nearly all state academic mandates.

What Washington Private Schools Are EXEMPT From:

• State standardized testing (Smarter Balanced assessments) - Your students never take these tests
• Washington State Learning Standards alignment - No requirement to follow state curriculum frameworks
• State-mandated curriculum content - Freedom to design innovative, personalized curricula
• Teacher evaluation systems (TPEP) - No state-mandated teacher evaluation protocols
• Federal accountability measures (ESSA) - No adequate yearly progress or improvement plans

This exemption comes from RCW 28A.195.040, which explicitly states that private school students are "not required to meet the student learning goals, learn the state learning standards, or be assessed" pursuant to state testing requirements.

What This Means for Microschool Curriculum Design:

You have extraordinary freedom to create educational experiences that truly serve your students. Want to implement a fully Montessori curriculum? Go for it. Planning to use Classical education with Latin and logic? Absolutely. Designing a project-based learning model with no traditional textbooks? That's allowed.

The only real constraints are: (1) covering the eight required subject areas, (2) meeting the 1,000-hour instructional requirement, and (3) ensuring your program can reasonably lead to graduation requirements. Beyond that, parent choice and satisfaction drive your curriculum quality—not state mandates or test scores.

Instructional Hour Requirements

Washington gives you two options for meeting annual instructional time requirements:

Option 1: Hour-Based Calculation

• Grades 1-12: 1,000 hours of instruction per year
• Kindergarten: 450 hours of instruction per year

Option 2: Day-Based Calculation

• All grades: 180 school days (regardless of daily hours)

Source: WAC 180-90-120

Most microschools choose the hour-based approach because it offers more scheduling flexibility. Here's the practical math: 1,000 hours ÷ 180 days = 5.5 hours per day average. You could operate:

• 6 hours/day, 4 days/week (42 weeks = 1,008 hours) ✓
• 7 hours/day, 5 days/week (29 weeks = 1,015 hours) ✓
• 5 hours/day, 5 days/week (40 weeks = 1,000 hours) ✓

This flexibility enables year-round schedules, four-day school weeks, intensive semester models, or any other creative calendar structure that serves your educational philosophy and families' needs.

What Counts as Instructional Time:

• Direct teacher-led instruction and lectures
• Supervised independent work and study time
• Small group collaboration and projects
• Field trips and experiential learning activities
• Project-based learning and inquiry time
• Lab work, workshops, and studio time

What Does NOT Count:

• Lunch and snack breaks
• Unstructured recess (unless part of intentional physical education curriculum)
• Passing time between classes
• Free play without learning objectives

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Required Student Records:

Maintain comprehensive files for each student including:

• Daily attendance logs (by class period for secondary grades)
• Academic transcripts showing grades and credits earned
• Immunization records as required by WAC 180-90-115(7)
• Emergency contact information and medical alerts
• Enrollment agreements, contracts, and financial records

Curriculum Documentation:

Preserve evidence of your educational program:

• Detailed course descriptions for each grade level and subject area
• Clearly defined learning objectives and assessment methods
• Textbook, materials, and resource lists
• Annual calendar demonstrating 1,000 hours or 180 days
• Evidence of covering all eight required subject areas

Retention Requirements:

Washington mandates specific record retention periods:

• Student academic records: Permanent retention (forever)
• Attendance records: Minimum 5 years after student leaves
• Curriculum plans and syllabi: Duration of SBE approval plus 3 years

Many microschools use student information systems like Gradelink, PowerSchool, or FACTS for centralized record management with automated backup and retention compliance.

Financial and Operational Considerations

Startup Cost Analysis

Let's talk real numbers. While Washington's regulatory burden is relatively light compared to some states, starting a financially sustainable microschool still requires significant capital investment.

Industry benchmarks suggest securing $500,000 to $1,000,000 in startup capital or committed revenue for sustainable operations through year three. This might sound shocking if you're imagining a small homeschool-style operation, but remember: you're creating a business that must cover insurance, salaries, facilities, and operations for 6-12 months before reaching enrollment stability.

The insurance line item often surprises new founders. Based on private school industry benchmarks, comprehensive coverage for even a small microschool typically runs $18,000 to $50,000+ annually. We'll detail specific insurance requirements later in this section.

Tuition Pricing Strategy

Your tuition must cover all operating costs while remaining competitive in your local market. Here's how to calculate sustainable pricing:

Market Research First:

Survey existing private schools in your area. Washington private school tuition ranges widely: $8,000 to $35,000+ per year depending on location, grades served, and program specialization. Microschools typically position in the $12,000 to $18,000 range—more personalized than traditional private schools but less expensive than boutique independent schools.

Break-Even Analysis Example:

Let's say your total Year 1 costs are $250,000 and you plan to charge $15,000 tuition per student:

• Break-even enrollment: $250,000 ÷ $15,000 = 16.7 students (round up to 17)
• Realistic target with buffer: 20-25 students (allows for attrition and late enrollments)
• First-year revenue at 20 students: $300,000
• Operating surplus: $50,000 (reinvest in improvements, reserves, debt repayment)

Revenue Diversification Strategies:

Don't rely solely on base tuition. Consider:

• Sliding scale or income-based tuition to serve diverse families
• Sibling discounts (10-20% off for second and third children)
• Extended care programs (before/after school, summer camps)
• Enrichment courses and specialty workshops
• Facility rentals to homeschool groups or community organizations
• Educational consulting or curriculum sales to other microschools

Tax Obligations: Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax

Here's where Washington differs from most states: unlike states with income taxes, Washington has a gross receipts tax called the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax.

B&O Tax Basics:

Washington's B&O tax applies to gross business income—revenue before expenses. Private schools generally fall under the "service and other activities" classification taxed at 1.5% of gross receipts as of 2025. Source: RCW 82.04

Example calculation:

• Gross tuition revenue: $200,000
• B&O tax at 1.5%: $3,000

The Nonprofit Exemption:

Here's the good news: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may qualify for exemption from B&O tax on tuition revenue if they meet Washington's definition of an "educational institution." Source: RCW 82.04.4297

To qualify:

1. Obtain federal 501(c)(3) status from the IRS (Washington automatically recognizes it)
2. Operate exclusively for educational purposes
3. Receive primary revenue from tuition, fees, and donations (not unrelated business income)

Filing Requirements:

• Register your school with the Washington Department of Revenue
• File quarterly B&O tax returns if you're a for-profit entity
• File exemption application if claiming nonprofit status
• Maintain detailed financial records for potential audits

Practical Tax Planning:

Consult a CPA familiar with private schools before choosing your business structure. Many microschool founders incorporate as nonprofits from the start to avoid B&O tax and qualify for tax-deductible donations. However, nonprofit governance requirements (board of directors, public disclosure, restricted asset use) add complexity that some founders prefer to avoid in early years.

If you operate as a for-profit entity initially, budget 1.5% of gross tuition revenue for B&O tax in your financial projections.

Insurance Requirements

Washington doesn't publish specific insurance mandates for private schools, but industry standards and liability protection require comprehensive coverage. Based on private school insurance benchmarks:

1. General Liability Insurance

Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims from students, parents, visitors, and the public.

• Minimum recommended coverage: $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate
• Annual cost for small microschool (6-12 students): $1,500-$5,000
• Covers: Student injuries, parent injuries during events, damage to rented facilities

2. Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)

Covers claims of educational malpractice, inadequate instruction, negligent supervision, or failure to meet educational promises.

• Minimum recommended coverage: $1 million per claim
• Annual cost: $2,000-$8,000
• Critical protection for: Allegations of inadequate education, failure to address learning disabilities, improper discipline

3. Property Insurance

Covers building and contents if you own property, or covers your equipment and furnishings if you lease.

• Coverage amount: Replacement value of all property
• Annual cost: $1,000-$5,000
• Often required by: Lease agreements, mortgage lenders

4. Workers' Compensation Insurance

MANDATORY if you have any employees, as required by RCW 51.12.

• No minimum coverage—determined by payroll and job classifications
• Annual cost: 1-3% of total annual payroll
• Covers: Employee injuries on the job, occupational illnesses, death benefits

Example: $100,000 in annual payroll × 2% = $2,000 workers' comp premium

5. Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance

Recommended for nonprofit boards, protects leadership from personal liability for governance decisions.

• Coverage amount: $1-2 million
• Annual cost: $1,500-$4,000
• Protects: Board members, executive director, school head

Total Annual Insurance Budget:

• Small microschool (6-12 students): $18,000-$30,000/year
• Medium microschool (13-25 students): $30,000-$50,000/year
• Larger operations (26+ students): $50,000+/year

Finding Insurance Providers:

Work with brokers specializing in educational institutions:

• Philadelphia Insurance (national private school specialist)
• Markel Insurance (educational institutions focus)
• NAIS-affiliated insurance programs
• Local commercial insurance brokers with education sector clients

Get quotes from 3-5 providers and compare coverage details, not just price. The cheapest policy often has significant exclusions that could leave you vulnerable.

Facility Considerations and Zoning

Zoning Research Process:

Before committing to any facility, follow this critical sequence:

1. Identify your target location (specific city or county)
2. Contact the local planning or zoning department
3. Request current zoning code for educational facilities
4. Verify whether educational use is permitted, conditional, or prohibited in your desired zone
5. Identify any conditional use permit requirements, parking minimums, or special restrictions

Common Zoning Classifications:

• Residential zones: Often require conditional use permits for schools; may have enrollment caps or operating hour restrictions
• Commercial zones: Generally allow educational facilities as permitted uses
• Mixed-use zones: Requirements vary—check specific regulations
• Industrial zones: Usually prohibited for schools

Zoning requirements vary dramatically across Washington jurisdictions. Seattle has completely different rules than Spokane, Olympia, or rural Whatcom County. Never assume—always verify.

Facility Safety and Code Compliance:

Your facility must pass multiple inspections:

• Building code compliance (International Building Code adopted by Washington)
• Fire safety inspections by Washington State Patrol Fire Inspection & Plan Review
• Health department approval from your local county health department
• ADA accessibility compliance under federal law
• Playground safety standards if you have outdoor play equipment

Budget time and money for any required improvements. Converting a former retail space into a school often requires:

• Additional emergency exits
• Fire suppression or alarm system upgrades
• Bathroom modifications for ADA compliance
• Ventilation improvements
• Specialized lighting in instructional areas

Lease vs. Purchase Decision:

Leasing Advantages:

• Lower upfront capital requirement ($5,000-$20,000 deposit vs. $200,000+ purchase)
• Flexibility to relocate if enrollment grows or declines
• Maintenance typically included or landlord's responsibility
• Easier to exit if microschool doesn't succeed

Leasing Disadvantages:

• No equity building
• Rent increases over time
• Landlord restrictions on modifications
• Potential displacement if owner sells property

Purchasing Advantages:

• Build equity with every payment
• Complete control over facility modifications
• Stable long-term costs (with fixed-rate mortgage)
• Asset on balance sheet for borrowing or sale

Purchasing Disadvantages:

• Enormous upfront capital requirement (20-30% down payment typical)
• Full responsibility for maintenance, repairs, and property taxes
• Very limited flexibility if enrollment doesn't materialize
• Risk of being "stuck" with specialized property if closing school

For first-time microschool founders, leasing is almost always the better choice. Preserve your capital for operations, staff, and curriculum. Consider purchasing only after 3-5 years of proven enrollment stability and financial sustainability.

Unique Regulatory Advantages in Washington

What Makes Washington Microschool-Friendly

After examining Washington's regulatory requirements in detail, let's step back and appreciate the significant advantages this state offers microschool founders compared to more restrictive states.

Advantage 1: No State Testing Requirements

This cannot be overstated. Your students will never take the Smarter Balanced assessments that consume weeks of instructional time in public schools. You're free to use alternative assessment methods that actually inform instruction:

• Portfolio-based evaluation showing growth over time
• Mastery-based progression where students advance when ready, not by calendar
• Competency demonstrations through projects and presentations
• Narrative progress reports instead of letter grades
• Parent satisfaction and student engagement as primary accountability measures

This freedom transforms how you teach. No test prep. No narrowing curriculum to "what's on the test." No data walls and interim assessments every six weeks. You can focus on deep learning, critical thinking, and genuine understanding.

Advantage 2: Curriculum Flexibility

Beyond the eight required subject areas (which can be addressed through almost any educational philosophy), you have complete autonomy over curriculum design. Washington doesn't mandate alignment to state learning standards or any particular framework.

Want to implement:

• Montessori methods with multi-age classrooms and self-directed learning? Allowed.
• Classical education with Latin, logic, and Great Books? Absolutely.
• Waldorf/Steiner pedagogy with arts integration and developmental stages? Go ahead.
• Project-based learning with no traditional textbooks? That works.
• Charlotte Mason approach with living books and nature study? Perfect.
• Reggio Emilia with emergent curriculum and documentation? Encouraged.

The only real question is: does your curriculum serve your students well and align with your educational mission? Parents choose your school based on outcomes and satisfaction, not state-mandated standardization.

Advantage 3: Teacher Certification Exemptions

The "unusual competence" provision (WAC 180-90-112) creates genuine flexibility for microschools. While you need at least one certificated educator to provide supervision, you can build your faculty with:

• Software engineers teaching computer science
• Published authors teaching creative writing
• Working scientists teaching advanced STEM
• Professional artists teaching visual and performing arts
• Business owners teaching entrepreneurship
• Tradespeople teaching vocational skills

This exemption allows you to prioritize passion, expertise, and fit with your mission over traditional credentials—as long as you maintain proper supervision and documentation. It's the perfect middle ground between requiring all teachers to be certified (limiting your hiring pool) and requiring no credentials at all (which might undermine parent confidence).

Advantage 4: No Accreditation Requirement

Accreditation through organizations like NWAIS (Northwest Association of Independent Schools) or WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) is voluntary, not mandatory in Washington.

State Board of Education approval is your only required credential. This saves you:

• Accreditation application fees ($2,000-$10,000)
• Annual accreditation dues ($1,000-$5,000)
• Extensive self-study and site visit preparation (hundreds of staff hours)
• Compliance with accrediting body standards that may not fit your model

Many families don't know the difference between state approval and accreditation. As long as you can issue valid transcripts for college admissions (which SBE approval allows), accreditation is optional.

Advantage 5: Minimal Ongoing Reporting

Once you're approved and operating, Washington's reporting requirements are light:

• Annual enrollment report to OSPI (simple form, takes 30 minutes)
• Annual immunization report to Department of Health (usually your student information system generates this)
• Annual certification to SBE that you're meeting minimum requirements (one-page form)
• No student achievement data reporting
• No teacher evaluation data submission
• No financial disclosures (unless you're nonprofit seeking grants)

Compare this to states that require standardized testing results, detailed financial reporting, teacher evaluation scores, and extensive academic progress documentation. Washington respects private school autonomy.

Comparing Washington to Other States

How does Washington stack up against other microschool-friendly states?

Washington's Position:

• More flexible than Georgia: No state testing requirements, no mandated curriculum standards alignment
• Similar to Nevada: Minimal oversight once approved, freedom in curriculum and assessment
• More structured than pure homeschool states: Annual SBE approval provides institutional legitimacy that some parents value
• Balanced approach: Legitimacy and oversight without excessive regulation or bureaucracy

Washington falls into the "sweet spot" for microschool regulation: enough structure to provide credibility and legal clarity, but enough freedom to innovate and personalize education. You won't find the complete autonomy of states with virtually no private school oversight, but you also avoid the testing mandates and curriculum standardization that stifle innovation in more restrictive states.

For founders who want to operate a legitimate educational institution (not just a homeschool cooperative) while maintaining significant pedagogical freedom, Washington offers an excellent regulatory environment.

Homeschool Cooperative Alternative

When to Choose Homeschool Cooperative Structure

If the private school registration process feels too complex, costly, or restrictive for your vision, Washington's homeschool cooperative option might be the better fit.

Ideal Scenarios for Homeschool Cooperatives:

• You're starting with a small group of 3-8 families who know and trust each other
• Parents want to remain actively involved in teaching, not just drop students off
• Your group meets in homes, parks, libraries, or rotating locations—no dedicated facility
• You want to share resources, field trips, and enrichment activities rather than provide comprehensive daily instruction
• Lower overhead and minimal compliance burden align with your available time and resources
• You're comfortable with informal structure rather than institutional credibility

What Makes It a Cooperative vs. a Private School:

The key distinction is where primary instructional responsibility lies. In a homeschool cooperative:

• Each family independently registers as homeschoolers with their local school district
• Parents remain legally responsible for their children's education
• The cooperative provides supplemental enrichment, socialization, and shared activities—not core daily instruction
• No single entity operates a "school" where children attend for comprehensive education

If students gather at your location for 15+ hours per week of structured instruction in core academic subjects, the state may classify you as a private school regardless of what you call yourself.

Homeschool Cooperative Requirements

Parent Qualifications:

Each homeschooling parent must meet ONE of four qualification options under RCW 28A.225.010(4):

1. 45 College Quarter Credits (or 30 semester credits) in any subject from any accredited institution
2. Certified Teacher Supervision - Meet weekly (minimum 1 hour) with a Washington state certificated teacher who supervises the homeschool program
3. Superintendent Approval - Obtain written approval from the local school district superintendent
4. Homeschool Parent Qualifying Course - Complete a Washington state-approved parent qualifying course covering curriculum, instruction, and assessment

Most parents choose option 1 (college credits) or option 4 (qualifying course). The online parent qualifying course typically costs $50-$150 and takes 8-12 hours to complete.

Curriculum Requirements:

Homeschools must provide instruction in 11 required subject areas (broader than the 8 required for private schools):

• Reading, writing, spelling, and language
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• History
• Health
• Occupational education
• Art
• Music

Parents determine specific curriculum materials, teaching methods, and daily schedules. No state approval of curriculum is required—parents have complete autonomy in how they teach these subjects.

Assessment Requirements:

Annual assessment is required starting at age 8 and continuing each year thereafter. Parents choose ONE of three options:

1. Standardized testing - Administer a norm-referenced achievement test (CAT, Iowa Assessments, etc.)
2. Certified teacher evaluation - Have a Washington certificated teacher review the student's work and progress
3. Portfolio review - Compile a portfolio of student work evaluated by a qualified individual

Critical point: Assessment results are kept by parents and NOT reported to the state. This is private documentation for family use only, though you must maintain records in case of future school enrollment or questions about compliance.

Record-Keeping:

Maintain the following documentation:

• Test scores or annual progress assessments
• Immunization records (same as private schools)
• Annual "Declaration of Intent to Provide Home-Based Instruction" filed with local school district by September 15 or within two weeks of starting

No attendance logs required (unlike private schools). No specific hour requirements. No state curriculum approval needed.

Hybrid Model: Cooperative + Private School

Some Washington microschools attempt a hybrid structure: families officially homeschool (retaining legal responsibility), but the cooperative provides significant enrichment, electives, and activities.

This can work, but be aware of the classification risks:

Warning Signs That State May Require Private School Registration:

• Students attend at a dedicated facility on a regular schedule
• The cooperative provides core academic instruction in math, science, or English
• Students attend 15+ hours per week
• The program operates independently of parent-provided daily instruction
• The cooperative issues diplomas, transcripts, or academic credentials
• The organization charges tuition rather than cost-sharing fees

If several of these apply to your model, Washington may classify you as an unregistered private school operating illegally—regardless of your intent or stated structure.

Safest Approach:

If your model is anywhere near the gray area between homeschool cooperative and private school, contact the OSPI Private Education Section at (360) 725-6400 before launching. Describe your planned structure: how many hours weekly, where you meet, who provides core instruction, what you call yourselves.

Request written guidance on whether they consider your model a private school requiring SBE approval or a homeschool cooperative. This documentation protects you if questions arise later.

Pros and Cons: Homeschool Cooperative vs. Private School

Homeschool Cooperative Pros:

✅ Lower regulatory burden—no SBE approval process ✅ No teacher certification requirements for parent instructors ✅ Parents retain educational authority and decision-making ✅ Minimal state oversight and reporting ✅ Much lower startup costs (often under $5,000) ✅ Maximum curriculum flexibility ✅ No facility inspections or compliance audits

Homeschool Cooperative Cons:

❌ Limited scalability—hard to grow beyond 8-10 families ❌ No institutional credibility or brand recognition ❌ Every parent must meet qualification requirements ❌ Cannot issue official transcripts or diplomas as an institution ❌ Complicates college admissions (students apply as homeschoolers) ❌ Facility limitations—zoning may prohibit regular use of residential property ❌ Harder to recruit families who want professional teachers and structured school environment

Private School Pros:

✅ Institutional legitimacy and recognition ✅ Can issue official transcripts and diplomas ✅ Scalable to 20-50+ students ✅ Dedicated facility with professional atmosphere ✅ Can hire professional certificated teaching staff ✅ Easier to market and recruit families ✅ Students apply to college as private school graduates, not homeschoolers

Private School Cons:

❌ Higher regulatory compliance burden ❌ SBE approval process takes 6-12 months ❌ Teacher certification requirements (though exemptions exist) ❌ Significantly higher startup costs ($35,000-$225,000) ❌ Annual reporting and ongoing compliance obligations ❌ Facility health and fire inspections required

Decision Framework:

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Will you have a dedicated facility where students attend regularly?

• YES = Private school likely required
• NO = Homeschool cooperative possible

1. Are parents providing primary instruction, or are you?

• Parents = Homeschool cooperative model
• You/hired teachers = Private school model

1. Do you want to scale beyond 10-12 students?

• YES = Private school recommended
• NO = Either model could work

1. Can you meet homeschool parent qualification requirements?

• NO = Private school required
• YES = Either model possible

1. Do you want to issue institutional diplomas and transcripts?

• YES = Private school required
• NO = Homeschool cooperative acceptable

1. What's your available startup capital?

• Under $10,000 = Homeschool cooperative more realistic
• $35,000+ = Private school viable

Most microschool founders planning professional operations with hired teachers choose the private school path despite higher complexity. The institutional legitimacy, ability to scale, and professional credentialing make it worth the investment.

But if you're truly operating a parent-led cooperative where families share resources and enrichment activities, embrace the homeschool cooperative model. You'll save enormous time, money, and regulatory headaches while maintaining the collaborative learning community you envision.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

12-Month Launch Timeline

Ready to turn your microschool vision into reality? Here's your comprehensive roadmap from initial planning to opening day.

Months 1-3: Research and Planning

Month 1: Vision and Market Research

• [ ] Define your educational philosophy and target student population
• [ ] Research local demand through parent surveys and community conversations
• [ ] Analyze competitors: existing private schools, homeschool co-ops, charter schools
• [ ] Make the critical decision: Private school or homeschool cooperative structure?
• [ ] Attend microschool conferences or workshops (National Microschooling Center offers virtual and in-person events)
• [ ] Join Washington Private School Association or local homeschool groups for networking

Month 2: Legal and Financial Groundwork

• [ ] Consult an education attorney specializing in private school law (budget $2,000-$5,000)
• [ ] Meet with a CPA experienced in educational nonprofits (budget $1,000-$2,000)
• [ ] Draft preliminary budget using the cost tables in Section VI
• [ ] Explore funding sources: personal savings, small business loans, angel investors, education grants
• [ ] Begin business entity formation with Washington Secretary of State (LLC or nonprofit corporation)
• [ ] Apply for EIN from IRS

Month 3: Curriculum and Facility Planning

• [ ] Design comprehensive curriculum framework covering all 8 required subjects
• [ ] Calculate instructional hours to ensure 1,000+ hours or 180+ days
• [ ] Select or develop curriculum materials (Montessori, Classical, project-based, etc.)
• [ ] Research facility options in your target community
• [ ] Contact local planning department with zoning inquiry before viewing properties
• [ ] Create preliminary school calendar showing major breaks and instructional periods

Months 4-6: Application Preparation

Month 4: Facility Securing and Staff Recruiting

• [ ] Sign lease or purchase agreement (include SBE approval contingency clause)
• [ ] Request ADA compliance assessment from certified inspector
• [ ] Schedule building code inspection with local jurisdiction
• [ ] Schedule fire safety inspection with Washington State Patrol
• [ ] Schedule health inspection with county health department
• [ ] Begin recruiting certificated administrator if required for SBE approval
• [ ] Post job listings for teaching positions on education job boards
• [ ] Interview candidates and check references thoroughly

Month 5: SBE Application Development

• [ ] Download and complete SBE Private School Application from state website
• [ ] Finalize detailed curriculum documentation with course descriptions and learning objectives
• [ ] Develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plan (evacuation, lockdown, medical emergencies, natural disasters)
• [ ] Write health and safety policies covering immunizations, illness procedures, medication administration, emergency contacts
• [ ] Create student records management plan with security measures and retention schedules
• [ ] Prepare financial sustainability documentation showing projected revenues and expenses
• [ ] Gather all required documentation into organized application packet

Month 6: Application Submission

• [ ] Submit complete SBE application 3-4 months before planned opening date
• [ ] Pay any required fees (verify current fee schedule with SBE)
• [ ] Request application confirmation and case number for tracking
• [ ] Prepare for possible site visit by SBE representative
• [ ] Continue facility improvements and staff onboarding while awaiting approval

Months 7-9: Approval and Compliance

Month 7: SBE Review Period

• [ ] Monitor application status and respond quickly to any SBE questions or information requests
• [ ] Prepare professional presentation if required to present to SBE board meeting
• [ ] Continue facility preparations (understanding you're proceeding at risk before approval)
• [ ] Finalize staff hiring pending SBE approval outcome
• [ ] Develop staff handbook and training materials

Month 8: Insurance and Licensing

• [ ] Obtain comprehensive insurance quotes from 3-5 providers specializing in private schools
• [ ] Purchase required policies: general liability ($1M+), professional liability, property, workers' comp
• [ ] Register with Washington Department of Revenue for B&O tax
• [ ] Apply for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status if nonprofit (can be filed earlier—often takes 3-6 months)
• [ ] Obtain any required local business licenses from city or county
• [ ] Set up payroll system with tax withholding

Month 9: Certificate of Compliance

• [ ] File Certificate of Compliance with OSPI 90 days before opening date (critical deadline!)
• [ ] Confirm receipt and approval from OSPI Private Education Section
• [ ] Finalize enrollment contracts and tuition agreements with attorney review
• [ ] Set up student information system for attendance, grades, records
• [ ] Purchase accounting software for tuition billing and financial tracking

Months 10-12: Launch Preparation

Month 10: Marketing and Enrollment

• [ ] Launch professional website with clear mission, curriculum, tuition, application process
• [ ] Create and post social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• [ ] Host open house events for prospective families
• [ ] Conduct information sessions and family interviews
• [ ] Process enrollment applications with thorough family screening
• [ ] Confirm you've reached minimum enrollment for financial viability (refer to your break-even analysis)

Month 11: Operations Setup

• [ ] Order and assemble all furniture, shelving, and classroom equipment
• [ ] Purchase technology: computers, tablets, projectors, wifi network equipment
• [ ] Acquire curriculum materials and supplies for first semester
• [ ] Set up classroom spaces with intentional learning environments
• [ ] Conduct comprehensive staff training: curriculum, classroom management, policies, emergency procedures
• [ ] Establish systematic record-keeping for attendance, grades, student files
• [ ] Practice safety drills: fire evacuation, lockdown, earthquake (if applicable)

Month 12: Final Preparations

• [ ] Host welcome event and orientation for enrolled families
• [ ] Distribute student handbooks, school policies, and family agreements
• [ ] Verify all staff certifications are active in eS-CERT system
• [ ] Conduct final facility walkthrough checking safety, ADA compliance, fire code adherence
• [ ] Prepare first-day logistics: attendance sheets, name tags, welcome materials
• [ ] Celebrate your launch! You've done something incredible. 🎉

Ongoing: Post-Launch Compliance (Year 1 and Beyond)

Daily/Weekly Requirements:

• [ ] Maintain accurate daily attendance records for every student
• [ ] Track instructional hours to ensure meeting 1,000-hour requirement
• [ ] Document curriculum coverage and student progress
• [ ] Communicate regularly with families about student development

Annual Deadlines:

• [ ] October 1: Conduct official enrollment count
• [ ] October 15: Submit annual enrollment report to OSPI
• [ ] October 15: File updated Certificate of Compliance
• [ ] Fall (varies by county): File Immunization Status Report with Department of Health
• [ ] Spring: Complete annual health and fire inspections
• [ ] June: Attend SBE meeting or receive notification of approval renewal

As Needed:

• [ ] Renew insurance policies before expiration
• [ ] File quarterly or annual B&O tax returns
• [ ] Monitor teacher certification renewals and professional development
• [ ] Update curriculum documentation for any program changes
• [ ] Notify SBE of any significant operational changes (location, administrator, grade levels)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Regulatory and Compliance Errors

Mistake 1: Starting Without SBE Approval

What happens: Operating a private school without State Board of Education approval violates RCW 28A.195, potentially resulting in cease-and-desist orders, fines, forced closure, and inability to issue valid transcripts. Students enrolled at unapproved schools may be considered truant from compulsory education.

How to prevent it: Submit your SBE application 3-4 months before your planned opening date. Do not accept students, charge tuition, or publicly advertise as a "school" until you receive SBE approval.

If it happens: Immediately cease operations, apply for approval retroactively (explaining the situation honestly), and consult an education attorney about remediation steps and potential liability.

Mistake 2: Missing the 90-Day Certificate of Compliance Deadline

What happens: WAC 180-90-130 requires filing at least 90 days before your school term begins. Missing this deadline puts you in non-compliance status, potentially delaying your opening or jeopardizing your approval.

How to prevent it: Set multiple calendar reminders starting 120 days before opening. File the certificate as soon as you receive SBE approval rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

If it happens: File immediately and contact OSPI Private Education Section to explain the delay. If you're only a few days late, they may grant leniency. If you've already opened without filing, you're operating illegally and should consult an attorney.

Mistake 3: Hiring Non-Certificated Teachers Without Proper Supervision

What happens: Employing teachers who don't hold Washington certification and don't qualify for exemptions violates state requirements. Even with the "unusual competence" exemption, you must provide general supervision by a certificated educator. Violations can result in SBE approval revocation and legal liability.

How to prevent it: Verify every teacher's certification status in the eS-CERT system before hiring. If using non-certificated teachers, ensure you have a certificated administrator or lead teacher providing on-site supervision. Document supervision plans and submit annual written explanations to OSPI as required.

If it happens: Hire a certificated supervisor immediately or obtain Washington certification for uncertified teachers. Report the situation to SBE proactively rather than waiting for them to discover it during an inspection.

Mistake 4: Inadequate Curriculum Documentation

What happens: SBE application denied or significantly delayed due to insufficient evidence that your curriculum covers the eight required subject areas with enough depth to meet graduation requirements.

How to prevent it: Create detailed course descriptions with specific learning objectives, instructional hours allocated to each subject, assessment methods, and materials/resources used. Show clear alignment with Washington's basic education program even though you're exempt from state standards.

If it happens: Revise and expand your curriculum documentation based on SBE feedback. Request specific guidance on what level of detail they need. Resubmit promptly—delays here push back your opening date.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Zoning Regulations

What happens: After signing a lease and investing in facility improvements, you discover the location isn't properly zoned for educational use. You face potential eviction, fines from the city, lease violations, and forced relocation.

How to prevent it: Contact your local planning/zoning department before signing any lease or purchase agreement. Verify in writing that educational use is permitted in that specific zone. If a conditional use permit is required, obtain it before committing to the property.

If it happens: Apply immediately for a conditional use permit or variance. If denied, you'll need to relocate—negotiate early lease termination with your landlord. This is one of the most expensive mistakes microschool founders make.

Financial and Operational Errors

Mistake 6: Dramatically Underestimating Insurance Costs

Reality check: Many founders budget $2,000-$5,000 for insurance based on basic online quotes, then discover comprehensive coverage for even small microschools typically runs $18,000-$50,000 annually.

How to prevent it: Get detailed quotes from specialized education insurance brokers early in your planning process. Budget 15-20% of your total operating costs for insurance. Understand that general liability alone isn't sufficient—you need professional liability, property, workers' comp, and potentially D&O coverage.

If it happens: Cut other expenses, increase tuition for the following year, or seek cheaper providers (though carefully review coverage limitations). Never operate without adequate insurance—one serious incident could bankrupt your school and expose you to personal liability.

Mistake 7: Launching Without Adequate Financial Runway

Reality check: Most microschools take 2-3 years to reach financial sustainability. Founders who launch with only enough capital to cover 3-6 months of expenses inevitably face cash flow crises, forced tuition increases, and potential closure.

How to prevent it: Secure $500,000-$1,000,000 in startup capital, committed revenue (signed enrollment contracts), or phased launch approach (starting part-time while maintaining other income). Create detailed cash flow projections showing monthly income and expenses for the first three years.

If it happens: Emergency fundraising campaign, reduce staff hours or use part-time contractors, consider merging with another school, or pivot to a lower-overhead homeschool cooperative model.

Mistake 8: Charging Tuition Below Break-Even

What happens: Pricing tuition based on what you think families can afford rather than your true cost-per-student leads to unsustainable operations, founder burnout (subsidizing losses with personal funds), and eventual closure.

How to prevent it: Calculate your actual break-even point: total annual costs ÷ target enrollment. Add a 20% buffer for unexpected expenses and sustainability. If this tuition exceeds local market rates, reduce costs or serve a different market segment—don't just lower prices and hope it works out.

If it happens: Raise tuition for newly enrolling families (honor current families' contracts for the year). Add revenue-generating programs like extended care, summer camps, or enrichment classes. Cut non-essential expenses ruthlessly.

Mistake 9: Poor Record-Keeping Systems

What happens: When SBE requests attendance records, immunization reports, or evidence of instructional hours, you can't produce organized documentation. This creates compliance concerns and risks approval revocation.

How to prevent it: Implement a student information system from day one (Gradelink, PowerSchool, FACTS, or even organized spreadsheets). Train all staff on record-keeping protocols. Establish clear procedures for documenting attendance, grades, student files, and staff credentials.

If it happens: Recreate records retroactively as best you can (this is time-consuming and may have gaps). Implement proper systems immediately going forward. Be honest with SBE about past record-keeping challenges and show your new systems.

Mistake 10: Ignoring Annual Compliance Deadlines

What happens: Missing deadlines for enrollment reports, Certificate of Compliance renewal, or immunization reporting puts you in non-compliance status and risks SBE approval revocation.

How to prevent it: Create an annual compliance calendar with all critical deadlines. Set reminders 30 days and 7 days before each deadline. Assign responsibility to specific staff members for each requirement.

Critical Annual Deadlines:

• October 1: Enrollment count day
• October 15: Annual enrollment report to OSPI
• October 15: Updated Certificate of Compliance
• Fall (varies by county): Immunization Status Report to Department of Health
• Quarterly or Annual: B&O tax returns to Department of Revenue
• Annually: Insurance policy renewals (dates vary by policy)
• Spring: Health and fire safety inspections (dates vary by jurisdiction)

Resources and Support

Government Agencies

Washington State Board of Education (SBE)

Your primary regulatory contact for private school approval.

• Website: https://sbe.wa.gov
• Private Schools: https://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/private-schools
• Private School Approval: https://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/private-schools/private-school-approval
• Phone: (360) 725-6025
• Email: sbe@k12.wa.us
• Key Contact: Private School Approval Coordinator

Services provided:

• Annual private school approval process
• Certificate of Compliance processing
• Enrollment data collection and reporting
• Guidance on RCW 28A.195 and WAC 180-90 compliance

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Handles teacher certification, immunization reporting, and homeschool information.

• Website: https://www.k12.wa.us
• Private Education Section: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/private-education
• Teacher Certification: https://www.k12.wa.us/certification
• Phone: (360) 725-6400
• Email: privateEducation@k12.wa.us

Services provided:

• Certificate of Compliance filing
• Annual enrollment reporting
• Teacher certification verification (eS-CERT system)
• Homeschool/home-based instruction information
• Immunization status coordination

Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)

Manages teacher certification applications and endorsements.

• Website: https://www.pesb.wa.gov
• Teacher Certification: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/licensing/
• Phone: (360) 725-6400

Services provided:

• Teacher certification applications and renewals
• eS-CERT online certification system
• Out-of-state certification reciprocity
• Alternative certification route approvals

Washington Department of Revenue

Handles business registration and tax obligations.

• Website: https://dor.wa.gov
• B&O Tax Information: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax
• Nonprofit Guide: https://dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/nonprofit-organizations
• Phone: (360) 705-6705

Services provided:

• Business registration for B&O tax
• Tax filing and payment
• Nonprofit exemption applications
• Tax guidance for educational institutions

Washington State Department of Health

Manages immunization requirements and health inspections.

• Website: https://doh.wa.gov
• School Immunizations: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization
• Immunization Laws: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization/school-immunization-laws
• Health & Safety Guide (2024): https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/333-355.pdf

Services provided:

• Immunization requirements and exemption forms
• Annual immunization status reporting
• Health and safety guidance for schools
• Coordination with local county health departments

Professional Associations

Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS)

The premier association representing private and independent schools in Washington.

• Website: https://wfis.org
• Starting a School: https://wfis.org/professional-learning/starting-a-school/
• Members: 260+ private schools across Washington

Services:

• Professional development for school leadership
• Networking with experienced private school heads
• Liaison with OSPI and government agencies
• Resources and templates for starting schools
• Advocacy for private school interests

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

National membership organization for private schools.

• Website: https://www.nais.org

Services:

• Professional development conferences and webinars
• Insurance programs for member schools
• Accreditation services (optional)
• Microschool affinity groups and networking
• Research and data on private school trends

National Microschooling Center

Leading organization specifically supporting the microschool movement.

• Website: https://nationalmicroschoolingcenter.org

Services:

• Annual microschool conferences
• Founder training programs and cohorts
• State-specific regulatory guidance
• Community of practice for microschool leaders
• Research and advocacy

Microschool Coalition

Policy advocacy and research organization.

• Website: https://microschoolcoalition.org

Services:

• Legislative tracking and advocacy
• Policy research and white papers
• Community connection and networking
• State regulatory comparisons

Legal and Financial Professionals

Finding Education-Specialized Attorneys

Search the Washington State Bar Association directory for attorneys with education law expertise:

• Washington State Bar Association: https://www.wsba.org
• Search filters: Education Law, Nonprofit Law, Business Formation
• Request: Initial consultation on private school formation, contracts, and compliance

Finding Education-Specialized CPAs

Look for accountants experienced with private schools and nonprofits:

• Washington Society of CPAs: https://wscpa.org
• Look for: Nonprofit accounting experience, private school clients, 501(c)(3) application expertise
• Ask about: Private school tax planning, B&O tax exemptions, financial sustainability modeling

Insurance Brokers for Educational Institutions

Work with brokers specializing in schools:

• Philadelphia Insurance - National private school specialists
• Markel Insurance - Educational institutions focus
• Local commercial insurance brokers - Those with existing education sector clients

Online Communities and Forums

Washington Microschool Networks

• Facebook: Search for "Washington Microschool Network" or create one if it doesn't exist
• LinkedIn: "Microschool Founders and Leaders" group
• Discord: National Microschooling Center community servers

Homeschool Cooperative Networks

• Washington Homeschool Organization: https://washhomeschool.org
• Facebook: Search "[Your County] Washington Homeschool" for local groups
• Local co-ops: Many counties have established homeschool cooperative networks

Curriculum and Pedagogy Resources

Comprehensive Curriculum Providers

• Oak Meadow - Holistic, individualized, nature-based curriculum
• Calvert Education - Accredited, time-tested traditional curriculum
• Bookshark - Literature-based curriculum with complete materials
• Time4Learning - Online, flexible, self-paced curriculum
• Build Your Library - Customizable secular homeschool curriculum

Specialized Training and Professional Development

• Montessori Northwest (montessori-nw.org) - Montessori teacher training and school consulting
• Association of Classical Christian Schools (accsedu.org) - Classical education training and accreditation
• PBLWorks (pblworks.org) - Project-based learning professional development
• Waldorf Teacher Education - Various institutions offer Waldorf/Steiner training

Educational Philosophy Resources

• Charlotte Mason Institute - Training in Charlotte Mason methods
• Reggio Emilia Alliance - Resources for emergent curriculum approaches
• Forest School Association - Nature-based outdoor education training

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal and Registration FAQs

Q1: Do I need a teaching certificate to start a microschool in Washington?

A: It depends on your role. If you're the owner/administrator and hire certificated teachers, you don't personally need a teaching certificate. However, if you plan to teach core academic subjects yourself, you need either:

• Washington state teaching certificate, OR
• Out-of-state teaching certificate qualifying for exemption, OR
• "Unusual competence" designation with on-site supervision by a certificated teacher or administrator

The safest path for non-certificated founders: obtain Washington administrator certification (Principal or Program Administrator endorsement) or hire a certificated lead teacher who supervises your teaching under the unusual competence exemption.

Q2: Can I legally call my school a "microschool" in Washington?

A: You can absolutely use "microschool" as a marketing term, brand name, or educational philosophy descriptor. Parents understand this term and it effectively communicates your small, personalized approach.

However, from a legal and regulatory standpoint, you must register as either a private school (if you have a physical facility) or operate as a homeschool cooperative (if parent-led without dedicated facility). Washington law doesn't recognize "microschool" as a separate legal category, so your regulatory obligations flow from whichever structure you choose.

Q3: How long does SBE approval take?

A: Plan for 3-6 months from application submission to final approval. The timeline includes:

• Initial SBE staff review: 2-4 weeks
• Possible site visit scheduling and completion: 1-2 weeks
• Presentation to SBE board at monthly meeting (if required): varies by meeting schedule
• Conditional approval with required modifications: add 2-4 weeks
• Final approval: notification typically within 2 weeks following board meeting

To be safe, submit your application at least 4 months before your planned opening date. This buffer protects you if there are any issues requiring revision or additional documentation.

Q4: What happens if I start my microschool without SBE approval?

A: Operating a private school without SBE approval violates RCW 28A.195 and can result in serious consequences:

• Cease-and-desist orders requiring immediate closure
• Financial penalties and fines
• Forced school closure with disruption to enrolled families
• Inability to issue legally valid transcripts or diplomas
• Potential legal liability if students are considered truant from compulsory education
• Difficulty obtaining future approval due to prior non-compliance

Always obtain SBE approval BEFORE opening, accepting students, charging tuition, or publicly advertising as a school. The approval process exists for legitimate reasons—protecting student safety, ensuring educational quality, and providing legal clarity.

Q5: Can I operate my microschool out of my home?

A: Possibly, but it's complicated. Legal considerations include:

Zoning: Many residential zones prohibit commercial educational facilities or severely limit the number of non-resident students allowed on the property. Check your local zoning code and potentially apply for a conditional use permit.

Homeowners association (HOA): If you have HOA covenants, they may prohibit business operations in residential properties.

Health and fire safety: Your home would need to pass the same health and fire inspections required for any private school facility, which may require expensive modifications.

Practical limitations: Parents may perceive a home-based school as less professional or legitimate than a dedicated facility.

Better option for home-based operations: Consider the homeschool cooperative structure rather than private school registration. Homeschool cooperatives (where parents retain legal educational responsibility) have much more flexibility to meet in homes, rotate between family homes, or use community spaces without triggering private school regulations.

Financial FAQs

Q6: How much does it really cost to start a microschool in Washington?

A: Realistic startup costs vary dramatically based on your model:

Lean Launch (6-10 students):

• Pre-opening costs: $35,000-$75,000
• First year operating costs: $143,000-$250,000
• Total Year 1 investment: $178,000-$325,000

Standard Launch (10-15 students):

• Pre-opening costs: $75,000-$150,000
• First year operating costs: $250,000-$350,000
• Total Year 1 investment: $325,000-$500,000

Robust Launch (15-25 students):

• Pre-opening costs: $150,000-$225,000
• First year operating costs: $350,000-$450,000
• Total Year 1 investment: $500,000-$675,000

Industry recommendation: $500,000-$1,000,000 in secured capital or committed revenue to sustain operations through year three while you build enrollment and reach financial sustainability. Most microschools don't break even until years 2-3.

Q7: What is B&O tax and do I have to pay it?

A: Business & Occupation (B&O) tax is Washington's gross receipts tax on business income. Unlike income taxes that apply to profit, B&O tax applies to gross revenue before expenses.

Private schools generally pay 1.5% B&O tax on tuition revenue UNLESS you qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution.

Example:

• Annual tuition revenue: $200,000
• B&O tax at 1.5%: $3,000

To avoid B&O tax:

1. Incorporate as a nonprofit corporation
2. Obtain federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from IRS
3. Operate exclusively for educational purposes
4. Washington automatically recognizes federal 501(c)(3) status for state tax exemptions

For-profit microschools must budget 1.5% of gross tuition revenue for B&O tax. Nonprofit microschools with 501(c)(3) status are exempt.

Q8: Can I accept ESA or voucher funds in Washington?

A: No. Washington does not currently have an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, voucher program, or tax-credit scholarship program. Private school families pay tuition entirely out-of-pocket.

However, you can still make your school more affordable:

• Offer sliding scale tuition based on family income
• Provide internal financial aid or scholarships funded through fundraising
• Partner with private scholarship organizations (though these are limited in Washington)
• Accept tax-deductible donations if you have 501(c)(3) status
• Create sibling discounts to help multi-child families

Some microschool advocates are working on ESA legislation in Washington, but as of 2025, no such program exists.

Q9: How much should I charge for tuition?

A: Use this three-step process:

Step 1: Calculate Your Break-Even Point

• Total annual operating costs ÷ target enrollment = break-even tuition per student

Example:

• Total costs: $200,000
• Target enrollment: 15 students
• Break-even tuition: $13,333 per student

Step 2: Add Sustainability Buffer

• Add 20% to cover unexpected expenses, growth investment, and reserves
• $13,333 × 1.20 = $16,000 recommended tuition

Step 3: Market Comparison

• Research competitor tuition in your area
• Washington private school range: $8,000-$35,000+
• Microschools typically: $12,000-$18,000
• Adjust your tuition based on your value proposition relative to alternatives

If your calculated tuition significantly exceeds market rates, you have three options:

1. Reduce costs through efficiency improvements
2. Increase enrollment to achieve economies of scale
3. Serve a different market segment willing to pay premium tuition for specialized programs

Never price below your break-even just to fill seats. That's a recipe for financial crisis and closure.

Curriculum and Teaching FAQs

Q10: Do I have to use Washington State Learning Standards?

A: No! This is one of Washington's biggest advantages for microschools. Private schools are completely exempt from state learning standards alignment.

You only need to ensure your curriculum:

1. Covers the eight required subject areas (occupational ed, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, art/music)
2. Provides sufficient instruction to meet graduation requirements
3. Delivers 1,000 hours (grades 1-12) or 450 hours (K) annually

Beyond that, you have complete freedom to implement:

• Montessori methods with self-directed learning and prepared environments
• Classical education with Great Books, Latin, and Socratic discussion
• Project-based learning without traditional textbooks
• Charlotte Mason approach with living books and nature study
• Waldorf pedagogy with arts integration and developmental stages
• Your own custom curriculum designed for your students' needs

Q11: Do my students have to take state standardized tests?

A: No. Private school students in Washington are exempt from all state standardized testing, including Smarter Balanced assessments.

This exemption is explicit in RCW 28A.195.010(4): private school students are "not required to meet the student learning goals, learn the state learning standards, or be assessed pursuant to RCW 28A.655.070."

You may choose to:

• Use alternative assessments like portfolio reviews and mastery demonstrations
• Administer optional standardized tests for your own data (SAT-10, Iowa Assessments, etc.)
• Conduct no standardized testing at all and use narrative progress reports

The choice is entirely yours. Parent satisfaction and student growth are your accountability measures, not state test scores.

Q12: Can I hire teachers without Washington certification?

A: Yes, under specific exemptions:

1. Religious or specialized subjects - Teachers of religious content or subjects with no public school equivalent don't need certification

2. Out-of-state certificated teachers - Teachers with valid certificates from other states may qualify for exemption

3. "Unusual competence" teachers - Non-certificated subject matter experts can teach under supervision of a certificated teacher or administrator

Critical requirement: You must have at least one certificated teacher or administrator on staff to supervise any non-certificated teachers under the unusual competence exemption. This supervisor must be "generally available at the school site" for observation and guidance.

Operational FAQs

Q13: How many students can I enroll?

A: Washington has no enrollment cap for private schools. Your enrollment is limited only by:

• Facility capacity - Fire code occupancy limits, classroom space availability
• Staffing ratios - You determine appropriate teacher-student ratios (no state mandate)
• Financial viability - Can you cover costs with current tuition revenue?
• Zoning restrictions - Some local jurisdictions limit student numbers in certain zones
• Educational mission - Many microschools intentionally cap enrollment at 15-25 students to maintain personalized learning

Most successful microschools find the sweet spot at 10-25 students: small enough for deep relationships and personalization, large enough for financial sustainability and peer collaboration.

Q14: Can I issue high school diplomas?

A: Yes! As an SBE-approved private school, you can issue official high school diplomas and transcripts that are legally valid for:

• College and university admissions
• Military enlistment
• Employment verification
• Trade school applications

Ensure you:

• Meet WAC 180-90-115 minimum curriculum requirements
• Award sufficient credits in required subject areas
• Maintain permanent academic records for all graduates
• Provide official transcript copies upon request
• Follow best practices for diploma design and authenticity verification

Colleges and employers treat diplomas from SBE-approved private schools the same as public school diplomas. Your institutional legitimacy matters more than whether you're a traditional private school or a microschool.

Q15: What if I want to close my microschool?

A: If you decide to close your school, follow this process to protect students and meet legal obligations:

1. Provide Notice

• Notify SBE and OSPI in writing (30-60 days' notice recommended)
• Notify enrolled families per your contractual obligations (often 30-90 days)
• Communicate with staff about final employment dates

2. Handle Student Records

• Transfer permanent academic records to another school, OR
• Store records securely for at least 50 years (legal requirement), OR
• Transfer custody to your local school district with their agreement

3. Financial Obligations

• Provide tuition refunds per your enrollment contracts
• Pay all staff salaries, benefits, and accrued vacation
• Fulfill facility lease obligations or negotiate early termination
• Settle accounts with vendors and suppliers

4. Regulatory Closure

• File final B&O tax return with Department of Revenue
• Cancel or transfer insurance policies
• Close business entity with Washington Secretary of State
• Notify local health department and fire marshal

Never just abandon a school. Proper closure protects families, preserves your professional reputation, and avoids legal liability. If you're struggling financially, explore merger with another school or transition to a homeschool cooperative model rather than abrupt closure.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Your Microschool Journey Starts Here

You've just absorbed a comprehensive guide to Washington's microschool regulations, and here's the essential takeaway: starting a microschool in Washington is both challenging and achievable. While the state doesn't have a specific "microschool" legal category, you have two clear, viable paths forward.

Path 1: Private School Registration

Choose this route if you're planning a dedicated facility with 10+ students, want institutional credibility and the ability to issue official transcripts, and have $35,000-$225,000 in startup capital. You'll invest 6-12 months in the SBE approval process, navigate teacher certification requirements (with helpful exemptions), and maintain ongoing compliance. But you gain legitimacy, scalability, and the freedom to grow a sustainable educational business.

The private school path offers significant advantages: complete exemption from state standardized testing, no requirement to align with Washington State Learning Standards, flexibility to implement any educational philosophy that serves your students, and the unusual competence provision that lets you hire passionate subject experts with certificated supervision.

Path 2: Homeschool Cooperative

If you're starting with a small group of 3-10 families, want parents to remain actively involved in teaching, and prefer meeting in homes or rotating locations without a dedicated facility, the homeschool cooperative structure offers minimal regulatory burden, lower startup costs (often under $10,000), and maximum curriculum flexibility. Parents retain educational authority while sharing resources, enrichment, and community.

Washington's Key Advantages for Microschool Founders:

✓ No state standardized testing for private schools - focus on deep learning, not test prep ✓ No mandatory curriculum alignment to state standards - complete pedagogical freedom ✓ Teacher certification exemptions with proper supervision - hire subject matter experts and passionate educators ✓ Voluntary accreditation - SBE approval provides legitimacy without expensive accreditation bureaucracy ✓ Strong homeschool culture - robust support networks and legal clarity for cooperatives

Your Next Steps

This Week:

1. Make the critical decision: Private school or homeschool cooperative? Review the decision framework in Section II if you're still uncertain.
2. Download our comprehensive checklist to track your progress through the approval process (or create your own based on Section IX's action plan).
3. Survey potential families in your community to validate demand for your educational approach and proposed tuition range.
4. Join Washington microschool founder groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Discord to connect with others navigating this journey.

This Month:

1. Consult an education attorney specializing in private school law. Budget $2,000-$5,000 for formation guidance, contract review, and compliance counsel. This investment prevents expensive mistakes.
2. Meet with a CPA experienced in educational nonprofits. Decide nonprofit vs. for-profit structure early—switching later is complicated and costly.
3. Create a preliminary budget using the detailed cost tables in Section VI. Be brutally realistic about expenses, especially insurance ($18,000-$50,000 annually) and facility costs.
4. Research facility options and verify zoning requirements with your local planning department before falling in love with any location.
5. Contact OSPI Private Education Section at (360) 725-6400 if you have specific questions about your model. They're surprisingly helpful and can clarify gray areas.

Next 3-6 Months:

1. Form your business entity (LLC or nonprofit corporation) with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain your EIN from the IRS.
2. Secure your facility with a lease including SBE approval contingency clauses to protect yourself if approval is delayed or denied.
3. Begin the SBE application process 3-4 months before your planned opening date, allowing time for review, potential site visits, and any required modifications.
4. Recruit a certificated administrator or lead teacher if required for your staffing model. This is often more challenging than founders expect—start early.
5. Develop comprehensive curriculum documentation covering all eight required subject areas with detailed course descriptions, learning objectives, and hour calculations.

Launch Day (Month 12):

1. Welcome your first cohort of students who will experience the personalized, innovative education you've worked so hard to create.
2. Transform lives through the deep relationships, individualized learning, and authentic community that only small schools can provide.
3. Build a thriving learning community that demonstrates education can be different—and better.
4. Celebrate this incredible milestone! You're joining a national movement of educators reimagining what school can be.

You're Not Alone

Thousands of educators nationwide have successfully launched microschools, and Washington's regulatory environment, while requiring diligence and planning, offers significant freedom for educational innovation. The microschool movement is growing rapidly—you're part of the future of education.

As the Washington State Standard noted in August 2025, "Microschools are growing in popularity, but state regulations haven't caught up." Source: Washington State Standard This regulatory flexibility creates space for innovation while providing enough structure for legitimacy and safety.

Questions? Need Support?

• OSPI Private Education Section: (360) 725-6400 for regulatory guidance
• State Board of Education: https://sbe.wa.gov/our-work/private-schools for approval process information
• Washington Federation of Independent Schools: https://wfis.org for networking and professional development
• National Microschooling Center: https://nationalmicroschoolingcenter.org for founder training and community

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You've learned Washington's regulatory landscape. You understand the private school approval process and homeschool cooperative alternative. You know the teacher certification requirements and exemptions, financial realities, and compliance obligations.

Now it's time to act. The microschool you envision—whether it's a Montessori environment, classical education community, project-based learning lab, or something entirely unique—can become reality. Washington's regulations provide the framework, but your vision, passion, and commitment will create something transformational for students and families.

Your journey begins today. Take that first step. Reach out to other microschool founders. Contact OSPI with your questions. Start drafting your curriculum vision. Research facilities in your community.

The students who will thrive in your microschool are waiting. The families searching for an educational alternative need what you're creating. Washington's regulatory environment supports your vision.

Go build the school you've always imagined. We're rooting for you.

Last updated: January 2025 Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information about Washington state microschool regulations based on research current as of January 2025. Laws and regulations change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult official government sources, education attorneys, and certified public accountants for guidance on your specific situation. The information in this guide does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information about Washington microschool regulations based on current laws and publicly available resources. It is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified education law attorney before making decisions about your specific situation, especially regarding legal structure, ESA fund eligibility for church schools, zoning compliance, and tax obligations. Laws and regulations change - verify all information with official sources before taking action.