D.C. Homeschool Law - District of Columbia

Home Schooling in the District of Columbia
1. What office provides oversight for home schooling in the District?
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides oversight for home schooling in the District of Columbia. General information is located on the OSSE website at www.osse.dc.gov. The home schooling office is located at 51 N St., NE Washington, DC 20002. You can contact the office at (202) 724-7787 or by fax at (202) 727-7656, or email at Stephanie.Thomas@dc.gov.
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2. Are there regulations that govern home schooling in the District?
Yes. Home schooling regulations for the District of Columbia became effective July25, 2008, 55 District of Columbia Register 7987. The purpose of the District’s home schooling regulations is to ensure that students are receiving regular and thorough instruction. The regulations can be found on the OSSE website at www.osse.dc.gov.
3. What is the notification process for home schooling in the District of Columbia?
A parent or legal guardian who chooses to provide home schooling in the District of Columbia must submit to the OSSE a home schooling Notification Form 15 days prior to beginning home schooling instruction. Notification must be provided to the OSSE annually by August 15th. In cases where a child is currently enrolled in school, the parent should also notify the school prior to withdrawing the student for home schooling instruction. Additionally, the OSSE should be notified when there is a change in address or discontinuation of homeschooling.
4. Are there any qualifications for parent and/or legal guardians who wish to home school?
Yes. Parents and legal guardians must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. If the parent or legal guardian does not have this credential, a written request for a waiver of the requirement may be submitted to the State Superintendent through the Home School Office.
5. Do I need to teach certain subjects? Yes. Instruction should include, but need not be limited to, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
6. Should I keep a portfolio of my child’s work? Yes. A parent or legal guardian who chooses to administer a home schooling program must maintain a portfolio of home schooling materials. This portfolio should include evidence of the child’s current work, such as examples of writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, assessments and other materials that demonstrate regular and thorough instruction.
7. Do I need to submit materials for review to the Home School Office? No.