Online Schools in Washington | Accredited K-12 and High School

Washington families deserve a world-class education option that matches the independence and ambition that defines the Pacific Northwest. Forest Trail Academy delivers Cognia-accredited K-12 instruction entirely online, giving students in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and across every corner of Washington the flexibility to learn on their own schedule without sacrificing academic rigor. With open enrollment year-round and over 10,000 students served, FTA is the trusted choice for Washington families ready to take control of their child’s education.

Washington Homeschool Law, What Parents Need to Know

Washington State requires families who homeschool to submit annual notification to their local school district, have their child take an annual standardized test or approved assessment, and either hold a college degree themselves or arrange for certified teacher oversight of the student’s instruction.

For families choosing Forest Trail Academy, these requirements become straightforward to meet. FTA is a fully accredited private school, not a homeschool program, so your child is enrolled as a student in an accredited institution. FTA’s certified teachers (80%+ of whom hold advanced degrees) provide the professional educator oversight that satisfies Washington’s teacher qualification requirement. FTA also provides access to standardized assessments that fulfill the annual testing requirement. Parents should still file the annual notification with their local school district as required by Washington law, but FTA’s admissions team is experienced in guiding Washington families through that simple filing process. Enrolling with FTA does not leave Washington families navigating compliance alone.

Why Washington Families Choose Forest Trail Academy

• Cognia Accreditation: FTA’s diploma is recognized by University of Washington, Washington State, Seattle University, Whitman and all US public and private universities. Cognia (formerly AdvancED) also accredits traditional public and private schools nationwide.
• Self-Paced Learning: Students in Washington study on their schedule, perfect for student athletes, rural families, working teenagers, and families with medical needs. Whether you’re in the Cascade foothills or downtown Bellevue, your child’s education moves at the pace that is right for them.
• Open Enrollment Year-Round: Start any week, no waiting for September in Washington. Transfer in October, January, or July, FTA’s doors are always open.
• Full AP Catalog: Not the 1-2 AP courses a rural Washington school might offer, FTA’s complete AP catalog is available from any location in Washington, giving students from Spokane the same advanced course access as students in Seattle’s most competitive prep schools.
• Certified Teachers: 80%+ of FTA teachers hold advanced degrees. Same teacher quality in rural Washington as urban Washington, because geography should never limit a student’s access to excellence.
• Founded 2007, Over 10,000 Students Served: FTA’s nearly two decades of experience means Washington families benefit from a program that has been refined, accredited, and trusted by families worldwide.
• Proven Graduate Satisfaction: An average of 19 out of 20 FTA graduates recommend the school, a testament to the quality of instruction and the lasting value of an FTA diploma.

Cities in Washington We Serve

Forest Trail Academy serves students across Washington including families from:

• Seattle: Seattle families increasingly turn to FTA to escape overcrowded public schools and inflexible schedules, giving gifted students, young entrepreneurs, and performing artists access to an accredited diploma without the limitations of a fixed campus.
• Spokane: Spokane families on the eastern side of the state choose FTA for access to a full AP course catalog and Cognia-accredited instruction that matches, and often exceeds, what local district schools can offer in advanced coursework.
• Tacoma: Tacoma students and families dealing with long commutes, school safety concerns, or the need for a more individualized learning environment find FTA’s fully online model a practical and academically rigorous alternative.
• Bellevue: High-achieving Bellevue students use FTA’s self-paced curriculum to accelerate through coursework and get ahead for competitive university admissions, with access to the full AP catalog on their own timeline.
• Vancouver: Vancouver families near the Oregon border appreciate FTA’s location-independent enrollment, students can continue with the same school and same teachers regardless of any future move across state lines.

University Recognition in Washington

Forest Trail Academy’s Cognia-accredited diploma is recognized by University of Washington, Washington State, Seattle University, Whitman, as well as all US public and private universities. Washington students who graduated from FTA have enrolled in the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University, and other leading institutions. Our Cognia accreditation is accepted by FAFSA, military recruiters, and employers nationwide, so an FTA diploma carries full weight whether your child is heading to a four-year university, joining the armed forces, or entering the workforce directly after graduation.

How Enrollment Works for Washington Families

1. Contact Our Admissions Team: Call 800-890-6269 or submit an inquiry online. Our team serves families throughout Washington and will walk you through every step of the process.
2. Submit Transcripts: Previous school records are evaluated, FTA handles credit transfer from any Washington public or private school, making mid-year transitions seamless.
3. Receive Your Curriculum Plan: An academic counselor creates your child’s personalized plan based on their grade level, goals, and any advanced coursework they want to pursue.
4. Start Learning: Access all coursework immediately. No waiting. No set start dates. Washington students can begin the same week they enroll.

Frequently Asked Questions, Washington Students

Q: Does FTA enrollment satisfy Washington’s homeschool requirements?
A: FTA is an accredited private school, not a homeschool program. Enrolling at FTA provides the certified teacher oversight required under Washington law, and FTA students have access to standardized assessments that satisfy the annual testing requirement. Parents must still file the annual notification with their local school district, a simple process our admissions team can guide you through.

Q: Is FTA’s diploma accepted by Washington state universities?
A: Yes, Cognia accreditation is recognized by all Washington public and private universities including the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University, and Whitman College, as well as 1,000+ colleges and universities worldwide.

Q: Can a Washington student transfer mid-year from a traditional school?
A: Yes, FTA accepts transfers any time of year with no waiting period. If your child is leaving a Washington public or private school in November or March, they can enroll at FTA immediately and pick up their coursework without missing a beat.

Q: How does online proctoring work for Washington students?
A: Fully remote webcam-based proctoring from your home in Washington, no testing center required. Students complete their exams from any location with an internet connection, making the process convenient for families across all of Washington’s diverse geography.

Q: Is FTA registered and accredited?
A: Yes. Forest Trail Academy is registered with the Florida Department of Education under Palm Beach District, School Code 3970, and holds Cognia accreditation.

Enroll from Washington Today

Forest Trail Academy has served families across the United States including Washington since 2007. Our Cognia-accredited diploma is your child’s path to any university in Washington and nationwide. Over 10,000 students have trusted FTA, and 19 out of 20 of our graduates would recommend the school to other families. Open enrollment, start any week. Contact us at 800-890-6269 or submit an inquiry online to speak with an admissions counselor who serves Washington families.

FTA Students in Washington, By City

Forest Trail Academy serves families across Washington. Click your city for local information and enrollment details:

• Online School in Seattle
• Online School in Spokane