Washington, D.C. recognizes home schooling under regulations administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Families file a notice of intent before starting, follow basic curriculum and recordkeeping rules, and the parent issues the diploma at completion.
Legal framework
Home schooling is governed by 5-A DCMR Chapter 52. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) publishes the current notice of intent form and program requirements.
Notification & registration
Parents file a Notice of Intent to Home School with OSSE at least 15 business days before beginning home schooling and re-file each school year by August 15.
Recordkeeping
Home schools must provide thorough instruction in the required subject areas and maintain a portfolio of materials, work samples, and other records demonstrating instruction. OSSE may conduct portfolio reviews.
Graduation requirements
D.C. does not prescribe specific high school graduation requirements for home-school students. The parent determines completion. Aligning the transcript with DCPS graduation requirements is a common reference for local admissions.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home school issues the diploma in the name of the family's home school program.
College & military recognition
D.C. and area colleges and universities admit home-school graduates routinely on the basis of the transcript, the diploma, and standardized test scores where required. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (DC). Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.