Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. You send notice to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), at least 15 business days before the first day of home instruction; then a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15 each following year. How often: annually (continuation notice). Online Notification of Intent to Homeschool (and Notification of Homeschool Continuation) at homeschool.dc.gov.

What subjects do I have to teach in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. requires: English language arts; Mathematics; Science; Social studies; Art; Music; Health; Physical education.

How many days or hours of homeschool does Washington, D.C. require?

"Thorough and regular instruction of sufficient duration" (no set number of days or hours).

Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Washington, D.C.?

No testing required. OSSE may ask to review each child's portfolio at any time, with at least 30 days' written notice; reviews can be online or in person, and OSSE may issue a corrective action plan. Homeschooled students may take DC's statewide assessments for free through their neighborhood DCPS school.

Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Washington, D.C.?

The parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or petition OSSE for a waiver by showing they can provide a thorough and regular education.

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Washington, D.C.?

A portfolio for each child with evidence of current work in a range of subjects (for example writing samples, completed math work, and assessments), kept for at least one year.

How to homeschool in Washington, D.C.

Moderate regulationChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

In DC you notify the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) online at least 15 business days before you start homeschooling, and confirm each following year by August 15. You must teach eight subject areas, keep a portfolio of your child's work, and let OSSE review it if asked. The teaching parent needs a high school diploma or equivalent (or an OSSE waiver).

Homeschooling in Washington, D.C. at a glance: notice of intent required (send to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)); instruction time: "Thorough and regular instruction of sufficient duration" (no set number of days or hours); 8 required subject areas; testing: no…

Requirements in Washington, D.C.

Homeschooling program (OSSE notification) · 5-A DCMR Chapter 52 (Home Instruction)

A parent or legal guardian directs their own child's education at home after notifying OSSE. Parents may teach only their own children; any curriculum, including online curricula from a third party, is allowed.

Notice: Send to: the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
When: at least 15 business days before the first day of home instruction; then a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15 each following year.
How often: annually (continuation notice).
How: online Notification of Intent to Homeschool (and Notification of Homeschool Continuation) at homeschool.dc.gov.
Instruction time: "Thorough and regular instruction of sufficient duration" (no set number of days or hours).
Required subjects: English language arts, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical education.
Records to keep: A portfolio for each child with evidence of current work in a range of subjects (for example writing samples, completed math work, and assessments), kept for at least one year.
Testing / evaluation: No testing required. OSSE may ask to review each child's portfolio at any time, with at least 30 days' written notice; reviews can be online or in person, and OSSE may issue a corrective action plan. Homeschooled students may take DC's statewide assessments for free through their neighborhood DCPS school.
Parent qualifications: The parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or petition OSSE for a waiver by showing they can provide a thorough and regular education.
Also: To stop homeschooling, submit a Notification to Discontinue Homeschooling to OSSE at least 15 business days before discontinuing.

Official form: OSSE homeschool notification portal

Checklist

Submit the Notification of Intent to Homeschool to OSSE: at least 15 business days before your first day of home instruction.
Give OSSE's verification letter to your child's school to withdraw: after OSSE approves your notification.
Keep a portfolio of each child's work: ongoing; keep at least one year.
Submit the Notification of Homeschool Continuation: by August 15 each year you continue.
Make the portfolio available for an OSSE review if requested: within the date OSSE sets (at least 30 days' notice).

Leaving a public school

Tell your child's school that you intend to withdraw the child. OSSE provides a verification letter after it approves your Notification of Intent; give that letter to the school to start the official withdrawal. Until the school withdraws the child, the child stays enrolled, accrues unexcused absences, and is subject to truancy reporting. Students receiving special education services lose those services once withdrawn from public school.

Common questions about homeschooling in Washington, D.C.

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Washington, D.C.?: Yes. You send notice to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), at least 15 business days before the first day of home instruction; then a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15 each following year. How often: annually (continuation notice). Online Notification of Intent to Homeschool (and Notification of Homeschool Continuation) at homeschool.dc.gov.
What subjects do I have to teach in Washington, D.C.?: Washington, D.C. requires: English language arts; Mathematics; Science; Social studies; Art; Music; Health; Physical education.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Washington, D.C. require?: "Thorough and regular instruction of sufficient duration" (no set number of days or hours).
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Washington, D.C.?: No testing required. OSSE may ask to review each child's portfolio at any time, with at least 30 days' written notice; reviews can be online or in person, and OSSE may issue a corrective action plan. Homeschooled students may take DC's statewide assessments for free through their neighborhood DCPS school.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Washington, D.C.?: The parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or petition OSSE for a waiver by showing they can provide a thorough and regular education.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Washington, D.C.?: A portfolio for each child with evidence of current work in a range of subjects (for example writing samples, completed math work, and assessments), kept for at least one year.

Worth double-checking

Compulsory education age in DC is 5 to 17 (per OSSE).
The notice is filed through OSSE's online form, so we do not list its exact fields; have each child's name, birth date, address, and your contact details ready.
We did not read the regulation text (5-A DCMR Chapter 52) directly; requirements here come from OSSE's current guides (which say to keep the portfolio at least one year; keeping it longer is the cautious choice).
Since the 2023-24 school year, DC homeschoolers may take Advanced Placement exams at their local DCPS high school; contact OSSE to confirm homeschool status.

Sources

OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia.(official)
OSSE: Homeschool Information for District of Columbia Families (guide).(official)
OSSE: Homeschooling in the District of Columbia, an informational guide for LEAs.(official)
OSSE homeschool notification portal.(official)

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.