Columbia DC Homeschooling

Laws change—always check your state’s official site.

Homeschooling is a form of private, parent-directed education for children who are subject to Columbia’s compulsory school attendance laws. If you choose to homeschool in DC, you take responsibility for providing regular, thorough instruction for your child in core subject areas.

  • Notice of Intent to homeschool filed with your local education agency (OSSE); submit before starting and annually by Aug 15 thereafter.

  • Parent must meet qualification (HS diploma/equivalent or waiver).

  • Teach the following subjects thoroughly and regularly during the school year: language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, PE.

  • Maintain portfolio/records; OSSE may request review.

  • If leaving public school, formally withdraw after OSSE verifies your NOI.

Homeschooling Requirements in Columbia (DC)

DC Portfolio / Records

  • Keep work samples, instructional materials, assessments, reading logs showing regular instruction and progress across required subjects.

  • Provide to OSSE if requested.

Legal Requirements

Here are key legal requirements to be aware of when homeschooling:

  • Children generally must be in school (public, private, or homeschool) from age 5 through at least age 16–18 depending on the state. Homeschooling is recognized as a valid alternative if all requirements are met.

  • Before starting, parents must formally notify their local school district or state education office of their intent to homeschool.

    • In DC, families file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

    This notification must usually be filed before beginning instruction and is renewed annually.

  • Parents are expected to be capable of providing instruction.

    • In DC, parents must hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent (or request a waiver).

  • DC require parents to provide broad, well-rounded instruction. Families must cover at least:

    • English/Language Arts

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Social Studies

    • Arts, Music, Health, and Physical Education

  • Homeschooling must be regular and thorough.

    • DC do not set a specific number of hours or days but expect consistent teaching across the year.

  • Parents are required to maintain documentation of their child’s learning. This may include:

    • Work samples

    • Reading lists or lesson plans

    • Tests, projects, or progress reports

    • Instructional materials

    • In DC, OSSE may request to review records.

  • Formal Withdrawal (DC): Families leaving public school must officially withdraw once NOI is accepted.