Summary:
Washington offers families very few school choice options. The state does not support private school choice. It does allow choice within the public education system.
Public School Choice:
Washington offers some choice within the public education system, including intra-district and inter-district open enrollment. The Center for Education Reform reports that Washington is one of only 10 states that have not yet passed a charter school law.
Private School Choice:
Washington does not offer private school choice.
Online Learning:
According to the Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning report, although Washington does not have a state-led virtual school or virtual charter schools, it does have a state-led initiative that provides courses to school districts. Washington provides 35 district-led online learning programs, 26 of which are available statewide. During the 2010-2011 school year, nearly 17,786 students throughout the state were enrolled in online courses, an 11 percent increase from the previous school year.
More Information:
Click here for detailed information on Washington's public school system and see below for school choice contacts and a history of school choice legislation in Washington.