District of Columbia homeschool requirements

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

Medium: The District of Columbia requires a yearly notice of intent, a parent with a high school diploma or equivalent unless OSSE grants a waiver, instruction in a list of required subjects, and a portfolio showing thorough and regular education. Standardized testing is not generally required, but OSSE may request to review the portfolio up to two times per year if it has reason to question whether a thorough and regular education is being provided.

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Yes. Families must file a homeschool notice with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Notify: District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).. Deadline: File 15 days before starting homeschooling, and then file again each year by August 15 according to HSLDA's District of Columbia guidance.

language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, physical education

The regulations require thorough, regular instruction of sufficient duration. The available sources do not give one simple statewide hourly minimum, but HSLDA says families should provide instruction during the period of the year when public schools are in session.

No general standardized testing requirement was identified for District of Columbia homeschoolers. Frequency: Not required, although homeschooled students may be eligible to take some public-school-sponsored tests, including Advanced Placement tests under current DC law.

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.

The parent or instructor generally must have a high school diploma or equivalent. HSLDA says OSSE may grant a waiver if the parent shows an ability to provide a thorough, regular education.

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.