District of Columbia homeschool requirements
To homeschool in the District of Columbia, notify OSSE at least 15 business days before starting and file an annual continuation by August 15. Teach eight subjects, keep a portfolio, and hold a parent HS diploma (waiver available). No testing.
Last reviewed June 5, 2026 · Sources below
District of Columbia homeschool requirements at a glance
- Notice
- RequiredWhere it goes: DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). When: Initial notice at least 15 business days before starting; annual continuation by August 15.
- Required subjects
- Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education
- Instruction time
- NoneNo specific attendance-hours requirement.
- Testing or evaluation
- NoNo standardized testing required.
- Records
- Yes — progress evidence
- Parent qualifications
- Required
- Compulsory attendance ages
- 5–18
- Ways to homeschool
- Independent (initial + annual continuation notification to OSSE)
- Law
- D.C. Code § 38-202, § 38-205; 5 DCMR ch. 52
- Official source
- osse.dc.gov ↗
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
Yes. The District of Columbia requires homeschooling families to file a notice. Where it goes: DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). How: Notification of Intent to Homeschool form. When: Initial notice at least 15 business days before starting; annual continuation by August 15. Both initial and annual continuation notifications are required.
What subjects does the District of Columbia require homeschoolers to teach?
The District of Columbia requires instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education. Eight required subjects per 5 DCMR § 5200; the parent chooses curriculum and methods.
How many days or hours of instruction does the District of Columbia require?
None. The District of Columbia does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours for homeschoolers. No specific attendance-hours requirement.
Is standardized testing required to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
No. The District of Columbia does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students. No standardized testing required.
What records do I need to keep to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia requires these records: portfolio: evidence of the student's current work across the required subjects. How long, or where they go: 1 year (available to OSSE on request). OSSE may review the portfolio on request; it is not automatically submitted.
Do parents need a teaching certificate or other qualification to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
Yes. The District of Columbia sets a qualification for the parent who teaches. The parent/guardian must hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; they may petition OSSE for a waiver by showing the ability to provide a thorough and regular education.
What ages does the District of Columbia's compulsory attendance law cover?
The District of Columbia's compulsory attendance law covers children from age 5 to age 18.
What are the ways to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, families homeschool under this pathway: independent (initial + annual continuation notification to OSSE).
Is homeschooling legal in the District of Columbia?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in the District of Columbia, as it is in all 50 states. To homeschool in the District of Columbia, notify OSSE at least 15 business days before starting and file an annual continuation by August 15. Teach eight subjects, keep a portfolio, and hold a parent HS diploma (waiver available). No testing.
How to get started in the District of Columbia
Sources for the District of Columbia
Every requirement above comes from our review of the District of Columbia’s rules, last checked against these sources on June 5, 2026. Homeschool law changes, and a state can amend its rules between our reviews — read the official source before you file anything or rely on a date here. How we review state requirements.
Nearby states
States that share a border with the District of Columbia:
All 50 states & D.C. →