Homeschool vs public school in District of Columbia

Homeschooling is legal in the District of Columbia if the family follows the home education regulations, including notice, subject coverage, and portfolio rules.

Moderate. Families can choose their curriculum, but they must cover the required subjects and be able to show a thorough, regular home education program through the portfolio process.

Maintain a portfolio for at least one year that includes evidence of the student's current work, such as writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, assessments, or other materials showing regular educational activity across subjects. It is also wise to keep attendance records, curriculum information, correspondence, and permanent high school records.

No general standardized testing requirement was identified for District of Columbia homeschoolers.

There is no broad District-wide law guaranteeing homeschool access to public school classes and activities. Policies may vary by school or district, although District residents who are timely certified by OSSE can sit for Advanced Placement tests at their right-to-attend DCPS school under current law. There are no extra homeschool requirements specifically for children with special needs in the available HSLDA guidance, but homeschooling is treated as private instruction and access to services is described as limited. No traditional umbrella-school option was identified in the available District of Columbia sources.