What documents do I need to homeschool in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia requires a simple notice sent to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). A withdrawal letter is also required if your child is currently enrolled.

Who do I send my homeschool notice to in District of Columbia?

Send your simple notice to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The deadline is At least 15 business days before instruction begins; renew by August 15 each year.

Do I need a withdrawal letter in District of Columbia?

Yes. If your child is currently enrolled in school, you need to send a withdrawal letter to the student's current school.

District of Columbia Homeschool Documents & Templates

Every document you need to homeschool legally in District of Columbia, based on D.C. Code Section 38-202.

These are general templates for Home Instruction. Our free wizard generates personalized documents with your name, address, and district filled in.

What documents do you need?

Notice of Intent

Required. Send to Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) by At least 15 business days before instruction begins; renew by August 15 each year

Withdrawal Letter

Required. Send to the student's current school

Annual Renewal

Required by August 15

Notice of Intent

What to file: simple notice
Send to: Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
Deadline: At least 15 business days before instruction begins; renew by August 15 each year
How often: annual

Your notice must include:

•consent to the home schooling requirements

Required attachments:

•high school diploma or GED

5-E DCMR 5202, 5203

First-time vs. renewal

First-time filing

Deadline: At least 15 days (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or District holidays) before the first date of home instruction

Annual renewal

Deadline: August 15 annually

Starting mid-year?

Same as initial filing. Submit notification at least 15 business days before the first date of home instruction, regardless of time of year.

Withdrawal Letter

Status: Required if your child is currently enrolled in school
Send to: the student's current school

D.C. Code Section 38-202 (compulsory attendance satisfied by home instruction); D.C. Code Section 38-203 (truancy enforcement)

Annual Renewal

Deadline: August 15

5-E DCMR 5203

Recordkeeping requirements

✓Attendance records
✓Student portfolio

Records may be reviewed by the district.

Portfolio must include:

•writings
•worksheets
•workbooks
•creative materials
•assessments

5-E DCMR 5205, 5206

Get your personalized documents

These are general templates. The wizard generates documents with your name, address, and district already filled in, ready to download and send.

Get your District of Columbia documents

Requirements sourced from D.C. Code Section 38-202. Last reviewed October 2026