Is homeschooling legal in DC?
Yes. Homeschooling in DC is legal under regulations in Title 5-A, chapter 52 of the DC Municipal Regulations, run by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). OSSE calls homeschooling "a private, parent/legal guardian-directed education program" and says it "gives parents maximum autonomy" while making sure every child of compulsory age gets an education.
DC sits in the middle on regulation. You notify OSSE, meet a basic education requirement and keep a portfolio. You don't take mandatory tests or submit lesson plans. OSSE can review your portfolio, so it's worth keeping it organized.
This page summarizes the rules as of October 2026. It is not legal advice.
District of Columbia homeschool requirements
| Requirement | What the rules say |
|---|
| Notice | Notification of Intent at least 15 business days before starting |
| Renewal | Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15 each year |
| Parent education | High school diploma or equivalent, or an OSSE waiver |
| Required subjects | Language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, PE |
| Instruction | Thorough, regular and of sufficient duration |
| Portfolio | Kept at least one year; OSSE may review it |
| Testing | Not required; free statewide assessments available |
| Stopping | Notify OSSE 15 business days before discontinuing |
| Compulsory ages | 5 (by September 30) until 18 |
What "thorough and regular" means. HSLDA reads the rule as requiring instruction during the period public schools are in session, without matching school hours, days or vacations exactly. There's no hour log to file, but a simple calendar backs up your portfolio.
How to start homeschooling in DC
- Check your eligibility. You need a high school diploma or equivalent. HSLDA notes that if you can't find your diploma, a cover letter saying you have one but can't locate it has been an accepted alternative. If you don't have one, email OSSE about the waiver.
- File online. Submit the Notification of Intent on OSSE's homeschool portal at least 15 business days before your first day. You can start at any point in the school year.
- Wait for OSSE's verification letter. OSSE sends it after approving your notification. You'll need it to withdraw.
- Withdraw from school with that letter (see below).
- Plan the eight subjects and start a portfolio.
- Renew by August 15 every year you continue.
Withdrawing your child from public school
DC's process is more formal than most states', and the order matters.
- File your notification first. A student can't be registered to homeschool while still attending a public or public charter school.
- Give the school OSSE's verification letter. That starts the official withdrawal. If you lose it, request a copy at OSSE.Homeschool@dc.gov.
- Keep your child in school until the withdrawal is processed. OSSE warns that until then, your child stays registered, accrues unexcused absences and is subject to truancy reporting.
- Plan around 15 business days. That's roughly three weeks, so build it into your timeline.
Testing, portfolios and records
Portfolio. Keep evidence of your child's current work in a range of subjects: writing samples, worksheets or workbooks, creative work and assessments. Keep each year's portfolio for at least one year.
Reviews. OSSE may ask to review a portfolio. Its family guide says requests come in writing at least 30 days ahead, and reviews happen online or in person at a mutually agreeable place, like OSSE's offices or a library. HSLDA notes the regulations allow up to two reviews a year. OSSE gives written feedback and, if needed, a corrective action plan with steps to improve.
Testing. Optional. Homeschooled students can take DC's statewide assessments free through their neighborhood DCPS school, which gives you an outside measure of progress.
Special education. OSSE is direct: once you withdraw, your child is no longer entitled to the specialized instruction or related services they received in public school.
Homeschooling high school in DC
You set graduation requirements and issue the diploma and transcript. Keep the portfolio habit through 12th grade, since it doubles as course documentation for colleges.
Start a transcript in 9th grade with our homeschool transcript generator, and read our guide to homeschool transcripts.
AP exams. Since the 2023-24 school year, D.C. Code § 38-381 lets homeschooled students sit for Advanced Placement exams at their right-to-attend DCPS high school. OSSE certifies homeschool status to DCPS, and families pay the test fees. Ask OSSE early in the school year.
Sports. Students may petition the DC State Athletic Association to participate in sports. Access to public school classes is up to each school.
For an outside diploma, compare accredited homeschool programs.
Can you get paid to homeschool in DC?
No. As of October 2026, DC has no funding for homeschoolers.
| Program | What homeschoolers get | Status (October 2026) |
|---|
| DC Opportunity Scholarship Program | Nothing; private school tuition only | Active |
| Federal scholarship tax credit (Section 25F) | Nothing yet | DC has not opted in |
| Kids Ride Free | Free transit benefits for homeschooled students | Available through DDOT |
| DC Educator's library card | Extended borrowing and librarian support | Available through DC Public Library |
DC isn't on the IRS list of places that opted in to the federal scholarship tax credit for 2027, and no decision has been announced. If DC opts in, each SGO would decide whether homeschool costs qualify. See our DC scholarships page and which states have opted in.
Choosing curriculum for DC requirements
DC's list includes art and music, which many core programs skip. Plan those deliberately. Free Smithsonian museum visits, with a photo and a short write-up, make good portfolio entries for art and social studies.
Compare more in homeschool curriculum and our best homeschool curriculum list, and save picks to your wishlist.
DC homeschool groups and support
Moving across the river? Compare homeschooling in Maryland and Virginia.