Homeschooling in District of Columbia
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in District of Columbia. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around District of Columbia. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in District of Columbia.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in District of Columbia
Ages and exceptions
Compulsory education applies to a child who has reached age 5 or turns 5 on or before September 30 of the current school year, until the child reaches age 18.
A child is excused from further attendance after receiving a qualifying high-school graduation diploma or certificate under D.C. Code § 38-202(b). A lawfully employed 17-year-old may be allowed flexible hours, but employment does not end the attendance obligation (§ 38-202(c)).
Starting homeschooling
Submit a Notification of Intent to OSSE at least 15 business days before beginning home instruction.
Continuing homeschooling for another year
Submit a Notification of Homeschool Continuation to OSSE by August 15 each year.
Plan instruction
You must provide thorough, regular instruction of sufficient duration covering language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health and physical education.
You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, or petition OSSE for a waiver.
You may provide home instruction only to your own child or a child for whom you are the legal guardian.
Keep records
You must keep your child's educational portfolio for at least one year and make it available to OSSE upon request.
Official resources
- Homeschooling in the District of Columbia | osse - DC.gov
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
- OSSE: local homeschooling requirements and filing deadlines
OSSE
- Homeschooling in the District: Student Portfolio Review | osse - DC.gov
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
- [PDF] DC Homeschool Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - | osse
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education
- D.C. Code § 38-202: compulsory attendance and exceptions
Council of the District of Columbia
- OSSE official filing portal: start or continue homeschooling
OSSE
Sources checked November 4, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in District of Columbia
Our check of official sources found no state funding, scholarship, education savings account or tax program that homeschooling families in District of Columbia can use.
Programs that don’t cover homeschooling
The DC Opportunity Scholarship Program pays for your child to attend private school rather than for homeschooling.
Good to know
Your access to Education Freedom Tax Credit scholarships depends on DC participation, student eligibility and available scholarship funding.
Official sources
- https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-special-populations/grants-economically-disadvantaged-students/dc-school-choice-scholarships-opportunity-and-results-act
- https://www.ed.gov/media/document/education-freedom-tax-credit-fact-sheet-113147.pdf
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.