Washington, D.C. Homeschool Laws
Homeschooling is regulated at the state level and changes may be made to the relevant statutes at any time. Always consult the actual state code, which is usually online at your state's official website, for the most up to date and accurate legal information with regard to homeschooling. Also keep in mind that interpretations of the code -- whether provided by school districts or homeschool groups -- may or may not be an accurate reflection of the law. Always combine interpretations with your own reading of the statute itself.
Although we try to keep our links up to date, state laws change regurlarly. The information at the links provided below contain information that may or may not be current.
The "Show Me" Letter - Many an uninformed (or informed but overzealous) school administration official has asked local homeschoolers for more documentation than the state homeschool law requires. In The "Show Me" Letter, Shay Seaborne relates her experience with an overzealous official and how knowing the law and being polite but firm is often all it takes to educate local officials. A "must read" for new homeschoolers!
"District of Columbia Home Schooling" Notice of Final Ruling
From the District of Columbia State Superintendent of Education. The purpose of the new chapter is to establish procedural rules for home schooling for District of Columbia residents from age 5 until a child reaches the age of 18 years.
DC State Superintendent of Education - Home Schooling
The District of Columbia has a statutory responsibility to assure that children between the ages of five and seventeen, residing in the District of Columbia, receive an education. The Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) seeks to balance this mandate with a choice for parents and legal guardians to provide a thorough and regular education in a home schooling program. The OSSE's intent is to ensure that children participating in a home schooling program receive an education that will enable them to function as productive members of society in the 21st century.
Notification of Intent to Home School Form
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has a regulatory responsibility to ensure that children, residing in the District of Columbia between the ages of five (5) and seventeen (17) who are home schooled, receive a regular, thorough education. The home schooling statute (Title 5, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Chapter 52) requires parents or legal guardians to notify the OSSE of intent to home school by August 15th of each year. Parents must also notify the OSSE of any address changes and/or discontinuation of home instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions - Home Schooling in the District of Columbia
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides oversight for home schooling in the District of Columbia.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education - Homeschooling Regulations
Washington DC
Washington, D.C. Resource Pages
No homeschooling resource pages found for Washington, D.C..
