Homeschooling in District of Columbia: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in District of Columbia. Know the District of Columbia homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There is one way to homeschool

• Children between 5-17 of age must be in school 

• You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions

• There ARE teacher qualifications

• There ARE state mandated subjects 

• There are NO required assessments or testing

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool Under the Homeschool Statute

• Ensure that you the instructor has a high school diploma or equivalent

• If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent you can petition the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for a waiver by showing evidence that you can provide a thorough, regular education

• Notify the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education of your intent to homeschool 15 days before you start to homeschool and then every year after by August 15^th

• Include in the notice a copy of high school diploma or GED

• Provide “thorough, regular” instruction as stated by D.C. regulations

• Include the following subjects:
  1. Math
  2. Science
  3. Language arts
  4. Social Studies
  5. Art
  6. Music
  7. Health
  8. Physical Education

• Keep a portfolio the child’s work and any other materials used for work and assessments

Helpful links:

https://osse.dc.gov/service/homeschooling-district-columbia

https://dchea.org/

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/districtofcolumbia.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• Office of the State Superintendent of Education (District of Columbia)
  810 First St. NE
  9th Floor
  Washington, DC 20002
  Phone: 202-727-6436
  TTY: 711
  Fax: 202-727-7656
  Email: osse@dc.gov
  Website: http://osse.dc.gov/

• U.S. Department of Education, District of Columbia

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.