Guns, knives, and weapons are generally prohibited on school grounds, as provided by school policies and state and federal laws.

Although children in grades 1-12 are generally not eligible for a concealed carry weapon permit, older students on college campuses may be eligible for a concealed carry permit (CCP) in some states—also known as a concealed handgun license (CHL), license to carry (LTC), concealed carry license (CCL), or concealed carry weapon (CCW).

A student’s right to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds may be governed by state and federal laws, as well as school policies.

In Washington State, firearms, knives, and other dangerous weapons are generally prohibited on the grounds of K-12 schools, as well as on school-provided transportation, in accordance with RCW 9.41.280. This prohibition applies to students, staff, and visitors, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and other authorized individuals. For higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, the rules can be more complex. While Washington State does issue Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) to individuals who meet certain criteria, state law allows universities and colleges to regulate the possession of firearms on their campuses. This means that even if a student has a CPL, they may still be subject to school policies that restrict or prohibit firearms on campus property. Additionally, federal law, specifically the Gun-Free School Zones Act, generally prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of school grounds, with certain exceptions. It's important for students and all individuals to be aware of and comply with both state statutes and the specific policies of the educational institution they are attending or visiting.