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Private school certification inspections
King County conducts the health and safety inspections of private and independent K-12 schools as part of the Washington State Board of Education’s approval process. K-12 schools must meet minimum reasonable standards to ensure the health and safety of all students, which are outlined in the Washington State Board of Health's Chapter 246-366 WAC.
Our inspections cover the school buildings, classrooms, portables, and playgrounds These inspections differ from other inspections (such as permitted school kitchens, pools, fire safety, and childcare licensing) that may also be required for your school.
When do I need an inspection?
In King County, private schools should receive an updated inspection every three (3) years. Although the State Board of Education has an annual approval process for private schools, this does not mean you need an annual inspection.
You may also need an inspection if:
- Your school does not have a record of a past inspection.
- Your school has gone through major renovations (buildings, classrooms, portables, playgrounds) since the last inspection.
- Your school has moved to a new location or building.
There are other critical reasons for an inspection.
How do I request and receive an inspection?
- Submit a school certification inspection request form.
- We will review the request and notify the school to pay the base fee of $486.
- Once payment is received, our inspector will schedule an inspection date.
- We will conduct the inspection and provide the school with an inspection report.
- If it takes more than two (2) hours to complete the inspection and report, we will invoice the school for the additional hours at the rate of $243/hour.
How soon will I get an inspection?
We accept requests on a rolling-basis. Due to the high volume of requests, we will reach back out when are our staff is available to schedule your inspection. After we have received the base fee payment of $486, we should be able to schedule and conduct the inspection within 2 to 6 weeks.
How much are the fees?
The base fee of $486.00 must be paid prior to scheduling an inspection date. This base fee covers two hours for the inspection and report development time. If additional hours are needed to complete the inspection and reporting, we will send another invoice for the additional hour(s) at a rate of $243.00 per hour.
Resources
- The Environmental Health & Safety Inspection Checklist (245 KB) covers the state's standards and guidance for health and safety in K-12 schools. Note that some standards may not be applicable for your specific school.
- Washington DOH and OSPI K-12 Health & Safety Guide (2024) covers various environmental health and safety requirements and guidelines for schools.
- Washington State's Chapter 246-366 Primary and Secondary Schools contains the reasonable health and safety standards for K-12 schools. The State Board of Health is currently proposing a new school health and safety rule: 2024-2025 School Rule Review Project, SBOH.
- Washington's WAC 180-90-160 requires that schools must retain documentation of health inspections on file in the school or district administrator's office.
- Washington State Board of Education (SBE) private school approval process.