Compulsory Attendance Ages: Between the ages of 5 (by September 30th of the current school year) and 18.
Required Days of Instruction: During the period of each year public schools are in session.
Required Subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
Home School Statute: Yes.
Parents or guardians who choose to comply with DCMR 5200 must file a written notification on an official form provided by the OSSE. The form must be filed annually by August 15. Upon discontinuation of a homeschool program parents or guardians are expected to notify the OSSE 15 days prior to the discontinuation of homeschooling.
Records: DCMR 5205 indicates that a home schooling parent or guardian is expected to maintain a portfolio of home schooling material that includes evidence of a child’s current work that demonstrate that the child is “engaged in thorough, regular educational activities in a range of subjects.” The portfolio is to be maintained for one year.
Teacher Qualifications: DCMR 5207 requires that parents or guardians have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
A parent or guardian without a high school diploma or its equivalent may petition the OSSE for a waiver by providing evidence of the petitioner’s ability to provide thorough, regular education.
Assessment: DCMR 5206 allows the OSSE to request at most twice per year to review a portfolio of home schooling material. The request must be made in writing and the review is to be held at a time and place mutually agreeable to the OSSE and parent or guardian.
Homeschooled students are eligible to participate in public school sponsored testing in their resident district without charge.
For more information, please see the HSLDA website.
