District of Columbia Homeschool Laws
The District of Columbia has one homeschool option. It is overseen by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). School is required from age 5 until 18. A child who turns 5 by September 30 must start that school year. To homeschool, a parent needs a high school diploma or its equivalent. Parents without one may ask OSSE for a waiver. You file a Notification of Intent to Homeschool at least 15 business days before you begin. After that, you file a continuation notice each year by August 15. If your child is leaving a public school, give the school OSSE’s verification letter to finish the withdrawal.
Day to day, you must give thorough, regular instruction. Required subjects are language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. There is no required testing. However, you must keep a portfolio of each child’s current work for at least one year. OSSE may ask to review it, with written notice at least 30 days ahead. Homeschoolers may take D.C. statewide tests and AP exams at public schools. They also qualify for free transit through Kids Ride Free. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
A child who is 5, or will turn 5 on or before September 30 of the school year, must attend school or receive instruction until age 18 (D.C. Code § 38-202; D.C. Code § 38-202; HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in the District of Columbia). OSSE’s family guide describes compulsory education as covering children between the ages of five and seventeen (OSSE: Homeschool Information for D.C. Families).
Testing: Not required. Homeschooled students may take part in the regularly scheduled statewide assessments at no charge. Contact your neighborhood DCPS school to register (OSSE family guide).
Portfolio review: OSSE may ask to review each student’s portfolio. Requests come in writing at least 30 days before the review, which can be held online or in person at a mutually agreeable place. OSSE gives written feedback and, when needed, a corrective action plan (OSSE family guide). HSLDA notes the regulations allow up to two reviews per year (HSLDA: How to Comply with the District of Columbia’s Homeschool Law).
Language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education (OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia; HSLDA).
Starting: Complete a Notification of Intent to Homeschool on OSSE’s homeschool portal at least 15 business days before the first day of home instruction (OSSE). HSLDA notes the first filing should include a copy of your high school diploma or GED (HSLDA).
Each year after: File a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15 (OSSE).
Leaving public school: Tell your child’s school you are withdrawing and give it the verification letter OSSE sends after approving your notice. Until the withdrawal is official, your child stays enrolled and can build up unexcused absences (OSSE family guide).
Stopping: Email a Notification to Discontinue Homeschooling to OSSE at least 15 business days before you stop (OSSE family guide).
No attendance log is required. Instead, you must keep a portfolio with evidence of your child’s current work in a range of subjects, such as writing, completed math work, and assessments. Keep it for at least one year and have it available for OSSE review on request (OSSE family guide). Instruction should take place during the period of the year when public schools are in session (HSLDA).
The parent must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. A parent without one may petition OSSE for a waiver by showing the ability to provide a thorough and regular education. To request the waiver form, email OSSE.Homeschool@dc.gov (OSSE family guide).
By petition. Homeschooled students may petition the D.C. State Athletic Association (DCSAA) to take part in sports (OSSE family guide). For other public school classes and activities, no law gives homeschoolers access, so schools decide (HSLDA: Public School Access in the District of Columbia).
None for homeschoolers (HSLDA: District of Columbia Homeschool Laws).
AP exams: Since 2023, D.C. homeschoolers may take Advanced Placement exams at their right-to-attend DCPS high school. OSSE must certify the student, and families pay the test fees (D.C. Code § 38-381; D.C. Code § 38-381; OSSE).
Special education: Specialized instruction and related services end once a student leaves public school for homeschooling (OSSE family guide).
Family resources: Homeschooled students qualify for free transit through Kids Ride Free, and families may get a DC Educator’s Library Card (OSSE family guide).
Diplomas: HSLDA believes a parent-issued diploma and transcript should be enough to show high school completion (HSLDA).
- OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia and Homeschool Information for District of Columbia Families
- D.C. Code § 38-202 (school attendance) and D.C. Code § 38-381 (AP test access)
- HSLDA: District of Columbia Homeschool Laws and How to Comply with the District of Columbia’s Homeschool Law
- HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in the District of Columbia and Public School Access for Homeschoolers in the District of Columbia
Last reviewed: November 2, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
No changes in law noted since this page was first published.