(1) This section applies to private schools approved to operate in Washington under chapter 180-90 WAC.

(2) In response to emergencies as defined in WAC 180-111-020 that impact a private school or the public school district in which a private school is located, private schools may waive credit-based graduation requirements for individual students who have demonstrated postsecondary preparation as defined in WAC 180-111-020, in a manner consistent with the provisions of WAC 180-111-040 and rules adopted to address specific emergencies. Private schools are exempt from the reporting requirements listed in WAC 180-111-040 (4)(d) and (e).

(3) Private schools that have implemented an online education program consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.195.090 will be considered to have met the instructional hour requirements. Private schools have discretion to determine whether the curriculum has been adequately satisfied.

(4) Each private school shall notify the state board of education in a format provided by the board whether the private school is waiving requirements under this section.

(5) For the 2020 to 2022 school years, the state board of education will maintain a private school's status as an approved private school if:

(a) Due to a significant disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, the school is unable to fulfill the requirements of RCW 28A.195.010 of a full school year of one hundred eighty days or are unable to fulfill the annual average total instructional hours requirements.

(b) For the 2021-22 school year, approved private schools may operate an online education program consistent with the provisions of RCW 28A.195.090 for all of their students and will not be subject to rescission of approval based on a failure to have students enrolled in the school's physical facilities provided that:

(i) Prior to the use of this waiver of the requirement that students are enrolled in and attending the school's physical facility, the school will notify the state board of education; the process and form of the notification will be established by the state board of education; and

(ii) The school maintains a physical address for the education of students in Washington and plans to resume classroom instruction when it is safe to do so based on lifting state and local emergency declarations restricting the delivery of educational services or based on a determination of the school's governing body.