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 · corrected September 23, 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
- 5–18In the District, a parent or guardian must place a child in regular attendance once the child is 5, or turns 5 on or before September 30 of that school year, and the duty runs until the child reaches 18 — so it covers ages 5 through 17 (D.C. Code § 38-202(a)). A child granted a high school diploma, or a diploma or certificate of graduation the Board has determined to be at least equivalent, is excused from further attendance (§ 38-202(b)).
- Ways to homeschool
- Independent (notice to OSSE before you begin, each August 15, and before you stop)
- 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 (5-E DCMR § 5202.1), filed online through OSSE's DC Homeschool portal at homeschool.dc.gov; the form records your consent to the chapter's requirements. Have a copy of your high-school diploma or equivalent ready — or email OSSE.Homeschool@dc.gov for the waiver form. OSSE emails a verification letter once it approves; give that letter to your child's current school to start the withdrawal, because until the child is formally withdrawn the school keeps marking absences. When: Initial notice at least 15 business days before starting; annual continuation by August 15. Three written notices go to OSSE. A Notification of Intent to Homeschool at least 15 business days before instruction begins (5-E DCMR § 5202.1). A continuation notice by August 15 of each year the program continues, identifying each child being homeschooled (§ 5203.1). And a Notification to Discontinue Homeschooling at least 15 business days before you stop, for any reason (§ 5203.2) — OSSE's family guide says to email that one to OSSE.Homeschool@dc.gov. Saturdays, Sundays and District holidays do not count toward either 15-day window.
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: At least one year. The rule says the portfolio 'should' be kept that long (5-E DCMR § 5205.2) and OSSE's guides for families say it must be — keep it the year. It has to be available for OSSE to review on written request. You never send the portfolio in. OSSE may ask to review it, and the rule sets conditions on the ask: it must be in writing, the review is held at a time and place both sides agree to, and there are no more than two reviews in a school year (§ 5206.1). Nothing in that section requires a regular review of every family's portfolio. OSSE's current guides add that it gives at least 30 days' written notice of a review date, and that a review may be held online or in person somewhere convenient, such as its offices or your local library.
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. In the District, a parent or guardian must place a child in regular attendance once the child is 5, or turns 5 on or before September 30 of that school year, and the duty runs until the child reaches 18 — so it covers ages 5 through 17 (D.C. Code § 38-202(a)). A child granted a high school diploma, or a diploma or certificate of graduation the Board has determined to be at least equivalent, is excused from further attendance (§ 38-202(b)).
What are the ways to homeschool in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, families homeschool under this pathway: independent (notice to OSSE before you begin, each August 15, and before you stop).
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, checked against these sources on June 5, 2026 and corrected on September 23, 2026 after re-reading the official source for what changed. 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:
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