Homeschooling in Washington, DC

The homeschool rules in Washington, DC, from official sources: your options, any notice, what to teach and record, testing, official forms, the law and who to contact.

Homeschooling? Classfern Family keeps your plans, tutors’ lessons and records in one place – £40 (about $50) a year for your whole family. What’s in Family

Last checked: October 25, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page: Washington, DC official page.

Broad level: Moderate regulation – our own rough summary, what the levels mean.

Compulsory school age: Age 5 by September 30 until 18. – D.C. Code § 38-202(a), checked October 25, 2026.

Your options

Single homeschool route registered with OSSE under 5-E DCMR Chapter 52. Other routes are public, charter or private school.

Notice or letter of intent

Notification of Intent to OSSE online (homeschool.dc.gov) at least 15 business days before home instruction starts. OSSE then issues a verification letter, which you give the school to withdraw. Annual Notification of Continuation by August 15. Notification to Discontinue at least 15 business days before stopping.

Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.

Subjects, time, assessment and records

Subjects: Language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health and physical education (5-E DCMR 5204).
Days or hours: 'Thorough and regular instruction of sufficient duration'; no set days or hours.
Testing or assessment: No required test. OSSE may request a portfolio review at any time with at least 30 days' written notice, and may set a corrective action plan (5-E DCMR 5208).
Records: A portfolio of the student's work (e.g. writing, math, assessments) kept for at least 1 year and available to OSSE on request.

Parent qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent, or a waiver from OSSE by showing you can provide thorough and regular education.

Other rules

A child cannot be homeschooled while still enrolled; until withdrawn, absences count as unexcused and truancy reporting applies.

Official forms

Notification of Intent / Continuation / Discontinuation: https://homeschool.dc.gov ; family guide osse.dc.gov/…

The law

5-E DCMR Chapter 52 (5200-5208) – read the law

Who to contact

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) – Homeschool (Division of Strategic Funding for School Quality)[email protected] · 202-727-6436 · Official pageWho handles notices: State

Special education and public school classes and sports

FAPE stops when a child is withdrawn to homeschool, but DCPS Child Find continues ([email protected]). Free statewide tests at the neighborhood DCPS school ([email protected], 40 business days ahead). Sports by petition/waiver via DCSAA. UDC CARE dual enrollment. No concurrent public school enrollment.

Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.

Going back to public school in Washington, DC

OSSE says you may end homeschooling at any time, but you must complete a Notification to Discontinue Homeschooling at least 15 business days before you stop.

Source: OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia

To enroll, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school, and ask how it decides grade placement and credits before your child starts. See the Washington, DC official page, and going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.

Last checked: October 25, 2026. Report a change to this page

Official sources

Last checked against these sources: October 25, 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page. This page sums up official sources in our own words. Homeschool laws differ from state to state and can change. Check your state’s official page and your local school district’s guidance, and get qualified advice for your situation. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, any state education agency, school district, College Board, ACT, the GED Testing Service, HiSET, CLT or the Common App.