Homeschooling in Washington DC

Homeschooling in the Nation's Capital

Homeschooling in Washington DC is regulated by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) under 5 DCMR Chapter 52. The District is considered to have moderate regulation, which means there are more requirements here than in many states, but the process is manageable once you understand the steps.

The legal authority for DC's homeschool regulations comes from the State Education Office Establishment Act of 2000 (DC Law 13-176; DC Official Code 38-2602(b)(11)) and the compulsory attendance act (DC Official Code 38-202 and 38-205).

Notification Requirements

You must complete the Notification of Intent to Homeschool form at least 15 business days before your child's first day of home instruction. For each subsequent year, file a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15.

Your initial notification should include:

• Your child's identifying information
• A copy of your high school diploma or GED
• Confirmation that you'll provide instruction in all required subjects

If you cannot locate your diploma, a cover letter stating you possess the credential but cannot find it is accepted as an alternative. When you stop homeschooling, send written notice to OSSE 15 business days before the last day of instruction.

Teacher Qualifications

DC is one of the few jurisdictions that requires the teaching parent to have a high school diploma or its equivalent (such as a GED). If you don't have either credential, you can petition OSSE for a waiver by demonstrating your ability to provide a thorough and regular education. No teaching certificate or college degree is required.

Required Subjects

DC's curriculum requirements are more comprehensive than many states. Your homeschool program must include instruction in eight subject areas:

• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Art
• Music
• Health
• Physical education

You choose your own curriculum and teaching methods for these subjects. OSSE does not prescribe specific textbooks or approve curricula.

Instructional Schedule

Your program must provide "thorough, regular instruction of sufficient duration." DC does not specify a minimum number of hours or days per year. The instruction should occur during the standard public school calendar year, but you don't need to match public school schedules exactly. This gives you meaningful flexibility in structuring your days and weeks.

Portfolio Requirements

This is where DC's regulation gets more hands-on than most jurisdictions. You must maintain a portfolio of your student's education materials for at least one year. The portfolio should include evidence of current work across a range of subjects, such as:

• Writing samples
• Completed math work
• Assessments and projects
• Evidence of engagement across multiple subject areas

This portfolio must be available to OSSE for review upon request. OSSE may request a review up to twice per year, and reviews take place at mutually agreed-upon times and locations.

Non-Compliance Consequences

If OSSE determines your program does not meet the standard of "thorough, regular education," they may require your child to enroll in a school within 45 days. This is rare, but it's worth knowing that DC does have enforcement mechanisms.

Extracurricular Access

DC does not have a comprehensive law granting homeschoolers the right to participate in public school classes and activities. Each school and school district has the authority to set its own policy on homeschooler participation. However, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, homeschooled students may take Advanced Placement (AP) exams at their local DCPS high school. For sports and other extracurriculars, you'll need to contact your local school directly to inquire about their policy.

State and District Funding

Washington DC does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or tax credit program for homeschooling families. The District's $2.8 billion education budget is directed to DC Public Schools and public charter schools through a per-student funding formula, and homeschoolers are not included in this allocation.

529 Education Savings Plans

DC offers the DC College Savings Plan (a 529 plan) with potential DC income tax benefits. As of 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals from 529 accounts for qualified K-12 education expenses, including curriculum materials and tutoring services. This is a significant resource for DC homeschool families.

Federal Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

Coverdell ESAs allow tax-free contributions of up to $2,000 per year per child for qualified education expenses, including homeschool curriculum, textbooks, supplies, and educational technology.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Effective January 1, 2027, a new federal program allows individuals to receive up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations to qualified scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). DC-based SGOs could potentially design scholarships for homeschool families. Watch for developments from the DC Council and OSSE on opt-in status.

DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

The DC Opportunity Scholarship Program provides up to $8,857 for K-8 students and $13,287 for high school students to attend participating private schools. This program is for private school enrollment only and does not cover homeschool expenses. However, some families use it to enroll in private schools that offer flexible or part-time programs. [VERIFY current award amounts for 2025-2026]

Local Resources

The DC Home Educators Association (DCHEA) at dchea.org is the primary support organization for DC homeschool families. The Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, and many DC museums offer extensive free educational programming that homeschool families can leverage.