HOMESCHOOLING IN WASHINGTON DC & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering home schooling your children in Washington, D.C., but aren’t sure where to start with regard to the District of Columbia laws and homeschool requirements. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to legally and successfully establish your own program in DC. We’ll cover the history of home schooling in the District, current homeschool laws in Washington DC, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing options, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Washington D.C.
Home schooling in Washington DC has a relatively short but significant history compared to many other parts of the United States. Before the 1990s, home schooling was not explicitly regulated in DC. The District of Columbia formally legalized home schooling through the passage of the Compulsory Attendance law.
Initially, the District of Columbia laws required parents to have at least a high school diploma or GED to teach their children. Significant changes were made to District of Columbia laws. The educational requirements for parents were removed, making it easier for more families to teach at home.
In 2007, DC underwent a major shift in educational governance with the passage of the Public Ed Reform Amendment Act. While this change primarily affected public schools, it also had implications for home schooling oversight.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) became responsible for home schooling regulations and oversight. This change led to a review and update of home schooling District of Columbia laws, aiming to strike a balance between parental rights and educational accountability.
Since then, subsequent District of Columbia laws have further clarified and defined the requirements and procedures. As DC continues to evolve its educational policies, the history of home schooling in the district serves as a reminder of the importance of educational choice and the ongoing dialogue between families, educators, and policymakers in shaping the future of education in the nation’s capital.
Current Washington D.C. Homeschool Laws and Regulations
Homeschooling in Washington, DC is regulated by the OSSE. In the District of Columbia, the compulsory attendance law applies to children between the ages of 5 and 18. This means that all children within this age range must be enrolled in and attending an educational program that meets the requirements set by the district under the law.
Parents or guardians who wish to teach their children at home in DC must:
File a Notice of Intent to form with the OSSE at least 15 business days before beginning home schooling.
Submit this form annually, at least 15 business days before the start of each academic year.
Provide basic information about the child, including name, age, address, and the name of the person who will be providing the instruction.
The OSSE reviews these forms to ensure all required information is provided. Once approved, the family can proceed with their homeschooling program.
While DC does not mandate a specific curriculum for homeschoolers, there must be “thorough and regular education.” This means:
The homeschooling program should cover a range of subjects similar to those taught in public schools, including language arts, mathematics, science, history, art, music, health, and physical education.
Instruction should be provided for at least 180 days of the year.
The day should be of “sufficient length” to provide thorough and efficient instruction.
Parents have the flexibility to choose curriculum materials and instructional methods that best suit their child’s needs and their educational philosophy as long as it is thorough and regular instruction. If you understand the policies under the homeschool laws, Washington DC is a great place to teach your child at home.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Washington D.C.
Setting up a homeschool in the District of Columbia involves several steps to ensure compliance with the District of Columbia laws. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:
Familiarize yourself with the homeschooling requirements set by the OSSE.
Choose a curriculum or educational philosophy that aligns with your goals and your child’s needs.
Consider joining local homeschool groups for support and resources.
File a Notice of Intent form.
Develop a plan that covers all required subject areas. Ensure your plan provides for at least 180 days of instruction per year.
Set up a system to track attendance, completed work, and assessment results.
Choose your preferred method of assessment (standardized testing, portfolio review, etc.).
There’s no additional notice required beyond the Notice of Intent form under homeschooling laws in Washington DC, but it’s advisable to keep written records of your communication.
If you’re moving to District of Columbia from a state and plan to teach at home:
File a Notice of Intent with the OSSE as soon as you establish residency in the District of Columbia.
Be prepared to provide records from your previous home schooling experience or your child’s previous institution.
Familiarize yourself with the District of Columbia laws, as they may differ from your previous state.
Remember that setting up your program is just the beginning. Regularly review and adjust your approach to ensure it continues to meet your child’s educational needs and complies with District of Columbia laws.
Maintaining Your Washington D.C. Homeschool
Maintaining a homeschool in Washington, DC requires ongoing effort to ensure compliance with the District of Columbia laws and to provide quality instruction for your child. Here’s a guide to help you maintain your program effectively while ensuring compliance with home school laws in DC:
File a new Notice of Intent form with the OSSE each year. Submit this form at least 15 business days before the start of each year.
Keep daily attendance records for each child. Ensure you’re meeting the requirement of 180 instructional days per year.
Maintain a portfolio providing evidence of your child’s academic progress throughout the year.
Keep a record of your curriculum and any significant changes made during the year.
By maintaining thorough records, staying informed about the law, and continuously adapting your approach to meet your child’s needs, you can ensure a successful and compliant home schooling experience in Washington, DC.
Washington D.C. Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Parents in Washington, DC must comply with specific reporting requirements to ensure their children’s schooling meets the standards set by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) under the law. Here’s a detailed guide on what and how to report:
File a Notice of Intent annually, at least 15 business days before the start of the academic year.
Provide evidence of the child’s academic progress.
By following these reporting requirements diligently, you’ll ensure that your program remains in compliance with DC law, allowing you to focus on providing quality instruction for your child.
Homeschool Testing In Washington D.C
Washington, DC does have specific requirements for standardized testing or assessment for homeschooled students. Homeschooling families in DC must provide an annual assessment of their child’s academic progress.
Parents can choose from several approved methods of assessment:
Standardized Testing: Administering a nationally normed standardized achievement test.
Portfolio Review: Having a DC-certified teacher review a portfolio of the student’s work.
Evaluation by Licensed Psychologist: Having the child evaluated by a licensed psychologist.
OSSE-Approved Alternative: Proposing an alternative method of assessment for OSSE approval.
Unlike public students who must take specific standardized tests at set grade levels, homeschoolers have more flexibility in choosing their assessment method. The results of the chosen assessment method must be submitted to the OSSE annually.
Funding Your Washington D.C. Homeschool
In Washington, DC, as in many jurisdictions across the United States, there are limited direct funding sources available to parents for home schooling. However, it’s important to understand the financial landscape and potential indirect sources that may be available.
Families are generally expected to cover the costs, including:
Homeschool curriculum materials
Books and supplies
Educational technology
Field trips and extracurricular activities
While there are no specific tax deductions for home schooling in DC, some educational expenses may qualify as tax deductions. Consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.
While direct funding for home schooling is not currently available in Washington, DC, creative use of free and low-cost sources can help make home schooling more affordable. Remember to budget carefully and explore all available community sources to support your home schooling journey.
Federal Tax Breaks
Families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified costs. Parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for home schooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for at home instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Washington D.C. Immunization Requirements
Washington, DC requires all students, whether attending public, private, or being homeschooled, to be fully immunized according to the DC Immunization Schedule. The specific immunizations required depend on the child’s age. Check the current DC Immunization Schedule to ensure your child is up-to-date on required vaccinations.
Washington, DC allows for two types of exemptions from immunization requirements:
Medical Exemption: If a child has a medical condition that contraindicates a vaccine, a licensed physician must provide written certification.
Religious Exemption: Parents may request a religious exemption if immunizations conflict with their religious beliefs.
While home schooling provides flexibility in many areas of instruction, compliance with DC’s immunization requirements is mandatory unless an exemption is obtained. By staying informed and maintaining up-to-date records, parents can ensure they’re meeting these important health requirements for their children.
Washington D.C. Graduation Requirements
In Washington, DC, the graduation requirements set by the OSSE apply primarily to public and public charter schools. However, families often use these requirements as a guideline to ensure their students are well-prepared for post-secondary instruction or career opportunities.
As of 2023, the standard requirements for graduation in DC public schools are:
Course Requirements (total 24 credits):
English: 4.0 credits
Mathematics: 4.0 credits
Science: 4.0 credits
Social Studies: 4.0 credits
World Languages: 2.0 credits
Art: 0.5 credits
Music: 0.5 credits
Health and Physical Ed: 1.5 credits
Electives: 3.5 credits
Home schooling parents in DC have the authority to issue a high school diploma to their children. When creating a homeschool diploma include the following relevant information:
Design a diploma that includes standard information (student name, date of graduation, etc.).
Consider including a transcript that outlines the courses completed and grades earned.
You may choose to have the diploma and transcript notarized for additional credibility.
By understanding and adapting the DC graduation requirements to your homeschool program, you can ensure your student receives a comprehensive high school education that prepares them for future academic and career pursuits. Remember, the flexibility of home schooling allows you to tailor these requirements to best suit your student’s individual needs and goals.
Washington D.C. Homeschool Charters
As of 2023, Washington, DC does not have homeschool charter schools in the same way that some states do. Charter schools in DC are public schools that operate independently from the traditional public system, but they are not specifically designed for homeschoolers.
However, DC does offer some options that might be of interest to families:
Part-Time Enrollment: Some DC public schools may allow part-time enrollment for homeschooled students in specific classes or activities.
Cooperatives: While not charter schools, there are several home schooling cooperatives in the DC area that provide group learning opportunities and shared sources for families.
Local Washington D.C. Homeschooling Resources
DC does have a very vibrant network of home schooling support groups, cooperatives, other teaching materials, and community resources for families pursuing home instruction:
Here are two home schooling associations in Washington DC:
DC Home Schooling Association (DCHA): The DCHA is a volunteer-run organization that provides support, resources, and networking opportunities for families in the District of Columbia.
Capitol Hill Homeschoolers: This is a community group focused on supporting families in the Capitol Hill area of Washington DC.
These organizations are invaluable resources for families across DC. They offer curriculum guidance, shared resource libraries, used book sales, testing services, field trips, and peer networks of support. Connecting with these local groups is highly recommended. When you are ready to start homeschooling, Washington DC is a great place to be!
