Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in District of Columbia

Here is exactly what District of Columbia requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

District of Columbia homeschool requirements

  • Notification: File a notice of intent with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) at least 15 days before beginning, and renew annually.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: Maintain a portfolio of instructional materials and samples of the student’s work; OSSE may request a review.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in District of Columbia

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education.
  4. Check your eligibility for DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in District of Columbia

District of Columbia homeschool families may be eligible for DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • DC Opportunity Scholarship Program - Administered by Serving Our Children (nonprofit program manager, DC). Typically covers private school tuition & required fees. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://www.servingourchildren.org/

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in District of Columbia?
File a notice of intent with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) at least 15 days before beginning, and renew annually.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - District of Columbia does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia runs DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires you to cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does District of Columbia require?
District of Columbia does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your District of Columbia instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your District of Columbia department of education or county superintendent.