Homeschooling in District of Columbia
A practical starting point for District of Columbia families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.
At a glance
Notify OSSE annually, instruct in required subjects, and maintain a portfolio for periodic review.
No district ESA. The federal D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is for private-school tuition only.
In-depth guides
District of Columbia homeschool laws
Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for District of Columbia families.
Read the guide
District of Columbia homeschool funding
District of Columbia's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.
Read the guide
Getting started in District of Columbia
A high-level checklist tailored to District of Columbia’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.
- 1
Understand District of Columbia's homeschool requirements
All homeschool families in District of Columbia follow the same legal pathway. Notify OSSE annually, instruct in required subjects, and maintain a portfolio for periodic review. There is no separate umbrella-school or charter option.
- 2
Notify OSSE annually
File annual homeschool notification with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and teach required subjects.
- 3
Maintain your portfolio
Keep a portfolio of work samples and progress documentation for periodic review by OSSE.
- 4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.
Frequently asked
Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in District of Columbia?
Yes. You'll file a notice of intent annually and maintain the records the state expects (attendance, portfolio, or progress reports depending on the state).
Does District of Columbia require homeschool standardized testing?
Periodic standardized testing or an evaluator-written narrative is typically required. Check the state summary above for the exact cadence.
Can homeschool families in District of Columbia access ESA or scholarship funding?
No district ESA. The federal D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program is for private-school tuition only.
How do I withdraw my child from public school in District of Columbia?
Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.
Related states
Other states with similar regulation and a comparable funding posture.
Numa keeps District of Columbia compliance on autopilot.
- Pre-filled forms for your state's notice and reporting
- Attendance, portfolio, and assessment tracking by grade
- Curriculum planning that matches state requirements