Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
In Washington state, Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) is mandated by RCW 28A.300.475 and the AIDS Omnibus Act. At the elementary level, instruction in human growth and development takes place between 4th and 5th grades.
In addition to this webpage, each school annually notifies 4th and 5th grade families prior to teaching the materials in the spring. The curriculum and materials are available for preview for a minimum of 30 days before the beginning of instruction and on this webpage. At any time, families may opt their student(s) out of all or specific lessons of the comprehensive sexual health education instruction by completing the CSHE opt-out form and returning it to their student's school's teacher.
The approved curriculum is listed below, with omissions denoted by a strike-through as recommended by the Comprehensive Sexual Health Committee, consisting of parents, teachers, administrators, and district leaders.
Additional Resources
*Please note, you will need to have a ParentSquare account to complete the online form for your student.
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) in Washington State
Washington State law (RCW 28A.300.475) requires all public schools to provide age-appropriate instruction in Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) to students in grades K–12. The content is tailored by grade level and focuses on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the early grades, with human growth and development introduced in upper elementary.
Grades K–3: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
In grades K–3, the CSHE requirements are met through our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. SEL helps students learn to manage emotions, set goals, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
No sexuality content is included in K–3 instruction.
Grades 4–5: SEL + Human Growth and Development
In grades 4–5, students continue to receive SEL instruction. In addition, they participate in human growth and development lessons as part of CSHE, as required by state law and the AIDS Omnibus Act.
Each spring, families are notified before instruction begins and have the opportunity to preview all instructional materials for at least 30 days. Families may choose to opt their student(s) out of all or specific lessons by completing a CSHE opt-out form.
The approved curriculum, including any recommended omissions, is listed below. These recommendations are developed by the Comprehensive Sexual Health Committee, which includes parents, teachers, administrators, and district leaders.