Homeschooling in DC Made Easy: How to Comply with the District of Columbia’s Homeschool Law

Homeschooling in DC Made Easy: How to Comply with the District of Columbia’s Homeschool Law

1. Ensure You Meet the Required Qualifications to Homeschool Under D.C. Regulations

To comply with D.C. regulations, it is necessary to have a high school diploma or its equivalent in order to homeschool. If you do not possess a diploma or its equivalent, you have the option to request a waiver from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This can be done by providing evidence of your ability to provide comprehensive and consistent education.

2. Inform the District of Columbia about Your Homeschooling Intentions

According to D.C. regulations, parents who choose to homeschool must officially notify the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education using the designated form as a notification of intent. This form should be submitted at least 15 days prior to commencing homeschooling, and subsequently each year by August 15. The initial submission of the form should include a copy of your high school diploma or GED. In the event that you are unable to locate your diploma or GED, a cover letter explaining the situation is an acceptable alternative. Please note that failing to submit the form by August 15 does not automatically disqualify you from homeschooling.

3. Ensure Thorough and Regular Instruction for Your Children

In accordance with D.C. regulations and homeschooling requirements, a legitimate homeschooling program should offer comprehensive and regular instruction, with an adequate duration to effectively implement the curriculum. It is important to note that this requirement does not imply that homeschooling families must adhere to the same instructional hours as public schools, take vacations at the same time, or teach for an identical number of hours. However, instruction should be provided during the period when public schools are in session.

4. Cover the Required Subjects in Your Homeschool Curriculum

As per the regulations, it is mandatory to teach the following subjects in your homeschooling program: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.

5. Keep a Comprehensive Portfolio

To comply with D.C. regulations and laws, it is necessary to maintain a portfolio as a summary that showcases your child's homeschooling materials. This portfolio should include evidence of your child's ongoing work, such as writing samples, worksheets, workbooks, creative projects, assessments, or any other materials that demonstrate their active engagement in a wide range of subjects. The portfolio should be retained for a duration of one year and will only be reviewed if there are concerns regarding the provision of a thorough and regular education.

6. Be Prepared to Demonstrate a Thorough and Regular Education

It is important to be prepared with the steps to provide evidence that your child is receiving a "thorough, regular education" in accordance with D.C. regulations. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has the authority to request to review your child's portfolio up to twice a year. Such requests will be made in writing, and the review will be scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time and location between you and the OSSE.

While testing is not obligatory for homeschooling students, they are eligible to participate in public school-sponsored testing in their respective resident school district at no cost.

If the OSSE determines that your child is not receiving a "thorough, regular education," certain procedures for review and appeal, as outlined in the regulations, will apply. Ultimately, the State Superintendent of Education has the authority to issue a decision. If it is determined that a child is not receiving a "thorough, regular education," they must be enrolled in a school within 45 days, unless a court order suspends the decision.

7. Notify the District of Columbia in Case of Homeschooling Discontinuation

In the event that you decide to discontinue homeschooling, it is necessary to send a written notice to the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education at least 15 days prior to the discontinuation. You may use the provided form, which can be found here.

• The Home Tribe team