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. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in District of Columbia

Notification renews annually; OSSE may visit or review the portfolio to confirm a thorough course of instruction.

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.
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.