Homeschooling in District of Columbia? Here’s your plan.
some requirements- No standardized testing required
Every requirement on this page is sourced directly from District of Columbia state law. See how we verify.
Homeschooling is legal in District of Columbia. District of Columbia is a moderate-regulation state. To homeschool, you need to submit a simple notice to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year. District of Columbia requires 8 subjects, no testing, and 180 days/year of instruction. Children ages 5–18 are subject to compulsory education.
Source: D.C. Code Section 38-202. Verified March 2026.
- Regulation level
- Moderate
- Compulsory ages
- 5–18
- Notification required
- Yes — simple notice to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year
- Assessment required
- No
- Required subjects
- 8 (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, ...)
- Primary statute
- D.C. Code Section 38-202
The essentials
- 1Send a simple notice to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year
- 2Teach 8 required subjects
- 3Meet the 180 days/year minimum
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Start Your District of Columbia Plan →How we know this is right
Each sourced from D.C. Code Section 38-202 and backed by 11 linked sources.
11
sources linked
Cross-referenced against 3 independent sources including the state DOE and HSLDA.
Kept current
Last verified March 2026. State DOE pages monitored for changes.
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How homeschooling works in District of Columbia
Home Instruction
D.C. Code Section 38-202; 5-E DCMR Chapter 52 (Sections 5200 et seq.)
Notification
simple notice to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year
D.C. Code Section 38-202; 5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq. ·
Required subjects
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education
5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq. ·
Testing / assessment
None required
Instructional time
180 days/year
5-E DCMR Section 5200 et seq. ·
Verified against D.C. Code Section 38-202; 5-E DCMR Chapter 52 (Sections 5200 et seq.), March 2026 · 22 individual claims tracked
Forms and filings
Home Instruction Notice of Intent
Issued by: Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
When due: Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year
View form →Explore District of Columbia homeschool guides
How to Start
Step-by-step guide to getting started in District of Columbia
Compliance Checklist
Every requirement in one checklist
Documents & Templates
Forms, letters, and what to file
Deadlines & Calendar
Filing dates and assessment deadlines
Assessment Requirements
Testing rules and what scores mean
High School
Transcripts, diplomas, and college prep
Special Needs
IEP services, therapy access, and rights
Compare with Another State
Side-by-side law comparison for relocating families
Frequently asked questions
How do I start homeschooling in District of Columbia?
To begin homeschooling in District of Columbia, you need to file a simple notice with Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year, and submit a withdrawal letter to Current school principal or registrar. Compulsory education applies to ages 5 through 18. The legal basis is D.C. Code Section 38-202; 5-E DCMR Chapter 52 (Sections 5200 et seq.).
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia requires a simple notice submitted to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The deadline is Before instruction begins; renewed annually before each school year.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in District of Columbia?
No. District of Columbia does not require standardized testing or assessments for homeschooled students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires instruction in: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education.
Your independent resources
These are the same primary sources we use. You can always read the originals.
State Law
D.C. Code Section 38-202Verified against state statute, March 2026 · What changed · How we verify