District of Columbia homeschool requirements
The District requires parents to notify OSSE before starting and annually, teach required subjects, and keep a portfolio that OSSE may review.
Program
United States — District of Columbia · District of Columbia Home Schooling
What the District of Columbia process looks like
1.Establish the program
Notify OSSE
File the notification of intent with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) at least 15 business days before beginning, and renew annually (by August 15).
Withdraw from prior school (if applicable)
Withdraw the child from any current school.
2.During the year
Teach required subjects and keep a portfolio
Provide instruction in required subject areas (language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education) and maintain a portfolio of work samples and materials.
3.End of year
Make the portfolio available on request
OSSE may request to review the portfolio to confirm regular, thorough instruction. No standardized test is mandated.
Sources · Last reviewed 2026-07
Take the District of Columbia checklist with you
The same phases and tasks as a one-page PDF you can print, plus the app that tracks them for you.