District of Columbia Homeschool Documents & Templates

What to file

simple notice

Send to

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

Deadline

Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year

How often

annual

Official form

Download / access form

Notification must include parent/guardian name and contact info, student name/age/DOB/grade, address where instruction occurs, description of educational program and subjects, name of instructor(s), and copy of high school diploma or GED. OSSE reviews and issues a verification letter. Must use official online form at homeschool.dc.gov. No fee.

D.C. Code Section 38-202; 5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq.

First-time vs. renewal

Status

Required if your child is currently enrolled in school

Send to

Current school principal or registrar

Must BOTH file notification with OSSE AND withdraw from current school. OSSE issues a verification letter after reviewing your notification -- give this letter to the school to begin the official withdrawal process. Doing only one step can trigger truancy enforcement. DC has aggressive truancy enforcement via MPD, CFSA, and OAG. Cite D.C. Code Section 38-202 in withdrawal letter. Request student records (transcripts, immunization records). Charter schools may have their own withdrawal procedures. You must also notify OSSE 15 days before discontinuing homeschooling.

D.C. Code Section 38-202 (compulsory attendance satisfied by home instruction); D.C. Code Section 38-203 (truancy enforcement)

Deadline

Before each school year

Annual notification renewal to OSSE is the only recurring reporting obligation. No quarterly reports, no annual assessment submissions, no mid-year check-ins.

5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq.

• ✓Attendance records
• ✓Student portfolio

Records may be reviewed by the district.

Must maintain daily attendance records and a portfolio of the student's educational materials, including writing samples, completed work in mathematics, assessments, and creative materials demonstrating regular educational engagement across required subjects. Portfolio must be maintained for at least one year. Records are maintained by the parent but NOT routinely submitted to OSSE. OSSE may request portfolio review with 30 days' written notice. If deficiencies are found, OSSE issues a corrective action plan with specific improvement steps.

5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq.