D.C. Homeschoolers Can Take AP Exams at Public High Schools

Local Homeschool News: District of Columbia

Homeschooled teens in Washington, D.C., can take Advanced Placement exams at public high schools. A D.C. law opened that door, and the right began with the 2023-24 school year (OSSE; D.C. Law 24-252).

AP exams can earn college credit, so this is good news for families planning for college. Here is how it works (HSLDA):

• Your homeschool paperwork must be filed on time. OSSE then confirms to D.C. Public Schools that your student is homeschooled.
• Ask OSSE early to register for a test. Reaching out in September gives time to arrange spring exams.
• Your student tests at the high school he or she would have the right to attend. If that school does not offer the exam, you may ask another school.
• Families pay the test fees and any processing costs.

The law speaks of one AP test, but D.C. code reads the singular to include the plural. That means students may take more than one exam (HSLDA).

For more on D.C. rules and resources, see our District of Columbia Homeschool Laws page.

Sources:

• Scott Woodruff, “Washington D.C.—Homeschool Students Have Right to Take AP Tests,” HSLDA, May 25, 2023
• D.C. Law 24-252
• OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia