How to homeschool in the District of Columbia

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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District of Columbia homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in the District of Columbia is a legal and recognized option for providing your child with an education. The District of Columbia has established homeschooling guidelines to ensure families meet applicable compulsory education laws, which require children aged 5-18 to attend school. Here are the rules for homeschoolers in Washington D.C.:

Parents or guardians must notify the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) of their intent to homeschool.
The parent or primary instructor must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to homeschool their child or they may petition OSSE for a waiver by providing evidence that they can provide the student with a thorough and regular education.
Homeschoolers must teach all major subjects, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education.
Parents are required to maintain a portfolio of their child’s educational materials and samples of work for two years as part of the state’s compliance checks.

For detailed information, visit the Office of the State Superintendent of Education homeschooling page.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Washington D.C.

Starting your homeschooling journey doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With Time4Learning, you’ll have all the tools you need to set up a successful homeschool program in the District of Columbia.

Here are the simple steps to get started with homeschooling in DC using Time4Learning:

Submit your Notice of Intent to Homeschool to OSSE.
Create a homeschool schedule that fits your child’s unique learning style.
Use Time4Learning’s comprehensive curriculum to cover core subjects required by the state, such as math, English, and science.
Keep a portfolio of your child’s work using Time4Learning’s built-in features to document progress and maintain compliance with the 2-year recordkeeping requirement.
Join the Time4Learning parent community to connect with other families homeschooling in DC for support and ideas.

Time4Learning’s customizable, user-friendly platform helps parents meet the legal requirements while offering engaging lessons for students.

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District of Columbia’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

The District of Columbia does not issue diplomas to homeschooled students. However, parents can create and issue their own diploma upon completion of their child’s high school coursework.

To prepare for graduation, parents should design their student’s high school curriculum to include the following subjects typically seen in traditional school settings:

English Language Arts (4 years)
Math (3-4 years, including Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry)
Science (3-4 years, including Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics)
Social Studies (3-4 years, including U.S. History and Government)

Students planning to pursue college should take advanced courses and electives tailored to their interests to strengthen college applications.

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Standardized test requirements for District of Columbia homeschoolers

Homeschoolers in the District of Columbia are not required to take standardized tests. However, families may have their children take these tests if they choose to measure progress against state benchmarks.

Common tests include the SAT, ACT, or yearly assessments that private schools may use. Time4Learning offers test prep resources to help students excel in these evaluations.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Washington D.C.

Homeschoolers in DC have unique experiences that can set them apart from traditional students when applying to colleges. Here’s how you can leverage those experiences to stand out during the admissions process:

Create a detailed transcript showcasing your academic achievements, including completed coursework, grades, and credits earned.
Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any internships or jobs to showcase a well-rounded experience.
Utilize Time4Learning’s high school courses to demonstrate your academic rigor and preparation for college.
Prepare for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, as they’re often a critical piece of the admissions process.

Many colleges and universities actively seek homeschooled students because of their independent learning experiences and diverse perspectives.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschoolers. If financial aid options for homeschooling are introduced in the future, families should look to programs designed to offset the costs of educational resources, curricula, or extracurriculars.

While ESAs aren’t available in DC, families can still build a quality homeschool education using accessible and budget-friendly tools like Time4Learning, which offers flexible plans for every budget.