The District of Columbia Homeschool Laws and Funding

What the District of Columbia’s law requires

The law that allows it: OSSE says the District's homeschool regulations are Title 5, Subtitle E, Chapter 52 of the DC Municipal Regulations (5-E DCMR Chapter 52).

“Title 5, subtitle E of the District of Columbia Regulations (DCMR) at Chapter 52 (5-E DCMR Chapter 52) govern all homeschooling programs in the District of Columbia.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

The DC Code's attendance law requires attendance at an 'educational institution', which it defines to include a private instructor.

“"Educational institution" means a school in the District of Columbia Public Schools system, a public charter school, an independent school, a private school, a parochial school, or a private instructor.” Code of the District of Columbia 38-201, definitions (DC Council)
Telling the state or district: Parents file a Notification of Intent to Homeschool with OSSE at least 15 business days before home instruction starts.

“To homeschool, parents/legal guardians must complete a Notification of Intent to Homeschool at least 15 business days prior to the first date of home instruction.” OSSE, Homeschool

To continue homeschooling for another year, parents complete a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15.

“For any year a parent/legal guardian chooses to continue a homeschooling program, they must complete a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by Aug. 15 .” OSSE, Homeschool

To stop homeschooling, parents submit a Discontinuation of Homeschooling Form.

“You may discontinue homeschooling at any time, but you must submit a Discontinuation of Homeschooling Form if you choose to discontinue homeschooling for any reason.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
What and how long to teach: OSSE says the regulations require thorough, regular instruction that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health and physical education at minimum.

“and include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education, at minimum.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Testing or evaluation: OSSE says homeschooled children may take part, free of charge, in the standardized testing given at the public school they could attend.

“Homeschooled children are eligible to participate in the regularly scheduled standardized testing programs administered in the public school they are eligible to attend, free of charge.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Records to keep: The parent keeps a portfolio of homeschooling materials for each child.

“A parent or legal guardian who chooses to administer a homeschooling program is required to maintain a portfolio of homeschooling materials for each child who is a part of the homeschool program.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

OSSE may ask to review the portfolio, with at least 30 days' written notice.

“Parents will be notified in writing of such a request at least 30 days prior to the requested date of review.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Who may teach: OSSE says home instruction may only be given by the child's parent or legal guardian.

“Home instruction may only be rendered by a child's parent or legal guardian.” OSSE, DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Ages the law covers: DC's attendance law starts at age 5, or turning 5 on or before September 30 of the school year.

“who has custody or control of a minor who has reached the age of 5 years or will become 5 years of age on or before September 30th of the current school year” Code of the District of Columbia 38-202, school attendance requirements (DC Council)

The attendance duty lasts until the child turns 18.

“This obligation of the parent, guardian, or other person having custody extends until the minor reaches the age of 18 years.” Code of the District of Columbia 38-202, school attendance requirements (DC Council)

The state’s own page for families: Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Homeschool.

State money for homeschoolers in the District of Columbia

We have not found an official source saying a District of Columbia program pays homeschooled students.

District of Columbia OSP: amount and how to apply Private schools in the District of Columbia

Which states pay homeschoolers, and how: the District of Columbia next to every other state.

Questions parents ask

Do I have to tell anyone I am homeschooling in the District of Columbia?

Parents file a Notification of Intent to Homeschool with OSSE at least 15 business days before home instruction starts. To continue homeschooling for another year, parents complete a Notification of Homeschool Continuation by August 15. To stop homeschooling, parents submit a Discontinuation of Homeschooling Form.

Do homeschoolers in the District of Columbia have to take tests?

OSSE says homeschooled children may take part, free of charge, in the standardized testing given at the public school they could attend.

Can a homeschooler in the District of Columbia get state money?

We have not found an official source saying a District of Columbia program pays homeschooled students.

Every line above is our plain-English summary of the quoted text, which is copied from the official page named beside it. Laws change: the quoted page is the authority, and a lawyer or the state can answer questions about your family.

Homeschooling in the District of Columbia: what the law requires and who pays

What the District of Columbia’s law requires

State money for homeschoolers in the District of Columbia

Questions parents ask

Homeschool law in other states