District of Columbia School Choice Options
The District of Columbia does not offer an education savings account or other program that pays homeschool costs. The new federal scholarship tax credit starts in 2027. However, D.C. was not on the IRS list of participating jurisdictions as of October 22, 2026. Instead, D.C. offers homeschoolers several free public services. Students may take statewide tests and AP exams at public schools. They may also petition to play sports through the D.C. State Athletic Association. AP test fees are paid by the family.
Day to day, you pay for your own curriculum and activities. Still, a few city benefits help stretch the budget for books, trips, and activities. Homeschooled students ride transit free through Kids Ride Free. Families may also get a DC Educator’s Library Card with extended borrowing and librarian support. If you later want public school, My School DC runs one lottery for public and public charter schools. You do not need to apply to enroll at your in-boundary DCPS school. Keep in mind that special education services end when a child leaves public school. We will update this page if D.C. joins the federal credit or creates a new program. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
None for homeschoolers. OSSE’s homeschool guide lists no program that pays homeschool costs; the resources it lists are transit, library, testing, and sports access (OSSE: Homeschool Information for D.C. Families).
The federal scholarship tax credit (Internal Revenue Code section 25F) begins January 1, 2027, but only where the government opts in. The District of Columbia was not on the IRS list of participating states as of October 22, 2026 (IRS: FSTC Participating States).
Testing: Homeschoolers may take D.C. statewide assessments free and may take AP exams at their right-to-attend DCPS high school, paying the test fees (OSSE family guide; D.C. Code § 38-381).
Sports: Homeschooled students may petition the D.C. State Athletic Association to participate (OSSE family guide).
Classes: No law gives homeschoolers access to public school classes, so schools decide (HSLDA: Public School Access).
My School DC is the common lottery for D.C. public and public charter schools. No application is needed to enroll at your in-boundary DCPS school for grades K to 12, and mid-year applications are handled through the My School DC hotline at (202) 888-6336 (My School DC). If you stop homeschooling, notify OSSE at least 15 business days ahead (OSSE family guide).
Kids Ride Free: Homeschooled students qualify for free transit with a government-issued ID and proof of D.C. residence (OSSE family guide).
Library: The DC Educator’s Library Card offers extended borrowing and librarian support (OSSE family guide). See our District of Columbia Homeschool Laws page for the rules.
- IRS: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Participating States (as of October 22, 2026)
- OSSE: Homeschool Information for District of Columbia Families and Homeschooling in the District of Columbia
- D.C. Code § 38-381
- My School DC
- HSLDA: 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.